Northern Bedford Middle School

Course Syllabus

Course Name: Geography 6 Teacher: Mrs. Laird

Course Format: Students will meet 40 minutes daily for geography class.

Textbook: Glencoe: Geography

Course Description: This course will provide students with a study of world geography as we travel around the seven continents. Lifestyles of various cultures combined with the physical and political land features will be examined as we study maps and current events pertaining to the many nations around the world. Students will also learn about various historical events that have brought countries to their current position in the world today. Vocabulary terms are identified and explained in each lesson to enhance students’ comprehension and reading ability. Students will complete various assessments to demonstrate their learning of the countries found on each continent.

Expectations:

  1. Students will be expected to be on time for class.
  2. Students will actively participate in class discussion and in small group learning activities.
  3. Students will bring their textbook, folder, and pencil to class each day.
  4. Students may use the computer, newspapers, magazines and books to do research but are expected to use their ownwords and creativity to write the report or project. Failure to do this is considered plagiarism and will be given an F grade until a new assignment is created.
  5. When students are absent they are expected to check the homework page on my website for assignments and be prepared to take tests/quizzes upon 1 day of returning.
  6. If assignments are not completed, students will lose recess to complete the assignment plus the next assignment.They will also fill out a homework miss slip. When 3 assignments are not completed within a marking period, your child will call you about his/her missed assignments. If another assignment is not completed, it will be a discipline referral to the office.
  7. Students should ask for help when they are experiencing difficulty.
  8. Computer access for our class is important. If you do not have internet access at home I need to be notified.

Grading/Assessment:

  1. Grades are based on total number of points. Students’ points will be divided by the total number of points to calculate their grade. Grades can be accessed online under the parent portal.
  2. The final grade will be determined by averaging the four marking period percentiles.
  3. Test folders are available to view upon request.

Classroom Rules: BE PREPARED, BE ON-TIME, and BE RESPECTFUL!

1.Come to class on time everyday prepared with needed materials and homework. (See consequences under Expectations)

2.Always listen to and follow directions the first time.

3.Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Respect others space and privacy!!

4.Use appropriate language at all times. This includes swearing, teasing, and name calling.

5.Take turns speaking, and no put-downs.

6.Ask before leaving your seat for any reason.

Consequences for not following the above rules:

  1. One warning will be given.
  2. If you fail to follow the rules and procedures, you will be asked to sign the behavior book at the back of the room each time. If you have signed the behavior book 3 times for the same offense, you will make a call home to your parents, sit by yourself at lunch, lose a recess,and inform them of what you need to be working on to improve, and the next offense will be a write-up for office discipline.

Severe disruptions and behaviors will be handled according to the student handbook and the student will be automatically dismissed to the principal’s office.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:

Homework assignments will be placed on the NBC website. If you maintain an A average, you are not be expected to complete some of the daily homework assignments. A-team members will be posted daily on the board after the first assessment. However, you are still responsible for knowledge of the material.

PROJECT/TEST DEADLINES:

-All projects/tests are due on the date stated. Due to problems in the past getting projects and tests in on-time, the following procedure will be followed.

*Each day an assignment is late 1 point will be deducted from the score.A 0% will be entered in the grade book until the assignment is received which will majorly lower your grade.

*If the above procedure must be followed 3 times, a letter or email will be sent home to the parents about the situation and the principal will be notified.

*If a failing grade is received on a test/project, all students will have an opportunity to fix and return the test/project by the end of the marking period for a 70%. Students must attempt to fix all parts of the test even open-ended to receive credit.

Parents, please feel free to contact me at anytime with any questions or concerns. You may call the school 766-2221 (4240) or email me at .

Please detach on the dotted line and return the bottom portion to your teacher

I have been given a syllabus and curriculum map for science and read the contents. I will follow the rules laid out in the syllabus and/or be prepared to face the consequences if rules are broken.

Student Name: ______

Student Signature:

I understand that test folders are available to view upon request. My child will not be bringing their scored assignments home unless I request to see them. Graded tests and assignments will be kept in a file at school.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______

I have also read the syllabus and understand what is expected of my child and what consequences may occur if rules are broken.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Date: