IPC-Blended Syllabus 2016-2017
Teacher Contact Information:
Teacher:Jennifer Gerber Room #: 2805
Conference:6th Phone #: 832-668-7300
Email: Online Text: www.curiosityplace.com
Website:http://www.dpisd.org/Page/22018
Course Sequence:
1stNine Weeks / 3rd Nine WeeksBundle 1: Safety & Process Skills / Bundle 7: Cell Transport
Bundle 2: Periodic Table & Bonding / Bundle 8: Plant & Animal Systems
Bundle 3: Matter / Bundle 9: Ecology w/Energy
Bundle 10: Energy
2nd Nine Weeks / 4th Nine Weeks
Bundle 4: Properties of Water & pH / Bundle 11: 1D Motion & Momentum
Bundle 5: Biomolecules / Bundle 12:Newton’s Laws & Force
Bundle 6: Cells, Organelles, & Viruses / Bundle 13:Waves
Bundle 14: Electricity & Magnetism
FINALS / FINALS
Grading Policy
· 60% - Major Grades:Unit Exams, Interactive Notebook, Major Projects, Lab Assessments, etc.
· 30% - Minor Grades: Quizzes, CBA Exams, Content Assessments, Lab Assessments, Labs, etc.
· 10% - Daily Grades: Homework, Classwork, Daily Grades, etc.
Note- The Interactive Notebook (IAN) will contribute to your major grade at least once every nine weeks, and in addition parts from the interactive notebook can be used for daily grades.
Suggestions for Success:
· Participation – You are expected to participate in class and lab
· Tutorialsare available if you need individual or small group help.
o Mon - Fri: 8:05 - 8:35 am (times and dates may vary due to meetings)
o TOPS is available every Wednesday afternoon from 4pm to 5pm at NC. ALL EXTRA CURRICULAR STUDENTS are released from any practice on Wednesday for TOPS tutorials.
o ZAP (Zeroes Aren’t Permitted) – Any assignment that is not turned in on time could become a lunch detention ZAP assignment. Student will be notified to attend lunch detention where they can complete the assignment.
· Re-testing (see student handbook)
o The Exam Improvement Sheet(s) must be completed before students are allowed to retest.
o Tutorial - A tutorial assignment must be completed before retesting.
o The maximum re-test grade is an 85.
o Due to their nature, there are no re-testing opportunities on Lab Practicals, projects, CBAs, or semester exams.
o Retesting should be done as soon as possible after the exam has been handed back.
· Make-up Work(see student handbook)- When absent, make sureyou get themake-up assignments from your teacher. Complete them and turn them in as soon as possible so you stay caught up with your peers.
o Work assigned when a student is present is due when returning to class following an absence unless there are extenuating circumstances as determined by the teacher.
o Work assigned when the student is absent isdue within five daysafter his/her return to class. The teacher will determine the length of time needed (up to five days) to complete the assignment. There is a 10 point per day deduction for late work.
o Make-up work is theresponsibility of the student, and should be discussed with the teacher.
o Make-up Labs are difficult to schedule, therefore opportunities are limited and may result in alternate assignments.
o **If students are absent (only ONE day) the day before a test or lab practical, this does NOT excuse them from testing the day they return.
· Homework - Homework may be in many forms including but not limited to readings, notes, questions, writing assignments, projects, and viewing of instructional online videos covering key course content to be discussed in class.
o Homework must be turned in on time for full credit
o Late homework will be assessed a 10-point deduction per day penalty
CBA’s: (Curriculum Based Assessments)
Students will take four comprehensive tests throughout the year covering material taught. The data collected from these tests will help students, parents, and teachers identify areas of strengths and concerns in the IPC-Blended Course. Review and tutorial sessions will be offered periodically throughout the year for these exams.
Science Class Safety
· Flinn Safety Contract -Students and parents should read, sign, and return their student’s lab safety contract before the student will be allowed to participate in lab.
· Students must take a Safety Exam and pass with an 80% or above before they will be allowed to work in lab.
· Students will be REMOVED from the science activity area if:
o Their dress or personal appearance is such that they can cause injury to themselves or to others.
o They are behaving in such a manner that they can cause injury to themselves or others.
o They are not following prescribed safety rules for the science activity area or particular activity being conducted.
o They have not completed pre-lab activities that will allow them to work safely in the laboratory situation.
o They are inappropriately using computer equipment and/or probes. (Students will be held financially responsible for damaging any equipment.)
Student Name ______
Dear Parent or Guardian,
I am looking forward to the coming school year and the opportunity to teach your son/daughter in IPC. Please contact me at any time during the school year if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 832-668-7300 ext. 73806 or at . I will return your call or email as soon as possible. I hope to help your child have a very successful experience this year in IPC.
We feel that you should be informed regarding the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment. With the cooperation of the teacher, parents, and students, a safety instruction program can eliminate, prevent, and correct possible hazards. Please read the list of safety rules with your child. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this contract is signed by both the students and parent/guardian and is on file with the teacher.
Please look over the classroom procedures and policies, scope & sequence, and the lab safety rules and sign below. Your signature indicates that you have read and understood the policies, rules, and safety issues regarding this class.
Sincerely,
Jennifer M. Gerber
______
Parent name (please print) Daytime phone number Parent e-mail address
______
Parent signature
As a student, I realize that I must obey the oral and written instructions provided by the teacher. I am aware that any violation that results in unsafe conduct in the lab on my part may result in a zero for the lab, immediate removal from the lab, suspension of future lab privileges, and disciplinary actions from the administration.
______
Student signature
Please answer the questions below for your student by circling the appropriate response.
o Does your child have a cell phone? Yes or No
o Do you wear contact lenses? Yes or No
o Are you color blind? Yes or No
o Do you have allergies? Yes or No
o Do you take daily medications that could affect your safety in the lab? Yes or No
If you answered yes on either of the last two questions, please list specific allergies or medications that could affect your safety in the lab: ______
______