Projects and Performances

Course Syllabus: 2013-14

Mr. Levoy

What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Contact Info:

Course Description:

Welcome to Projects and Performances! As you soon will find out, this class is different from some of your other classes. Projects and Performances will rely heavily on teamwork, hypothesizing, critical thinking, problem solving, and most of all…creativity and (using your) imagination! This is a hands-on class that will challenge you to challenge yourself…

Course Topics and Projects:

I am open to ideas you may like to explore, but to get us started, here is a list of some topics we will investigate:

  • Constructing and creating a transportation model to transport a marble down a flight of stairs.
  • Building a mechanism to “catapult” an object to a specific target, with accuracy and precision.
  • Bringing the world of the Elizabethans to life while studying Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
  • Learning to play chess.
  • Learning to play bridge.
  • Taking part in a “Mock Trial.”
  • Performing monologue scenes.
  • Inventing and then pitching a new toy idea for the holiday season.

Supplies and Materials:

  • Folder for worksheets and handouts
  • Pens, pencils, highlighters
  • Materials from home (as needed)
  • Creativity
  • Imagination
  • Teamwork

Classroom Rules and Procedures:

There are 4 basic principles in this class, known as “The 4 B’s”…

B Respectful…

B a good listener…

B a good classmate…

Bprepared / proactive/ and punctual…

  • It is important that you are in your seat when the bell rings with your materials out. You should be ready to roll!
  • Cleanup in P&P is essential! The room must be left in immaculate condition as other classes use the room, and materials must be neatly returned.
  • No food, drinks, or gum in the classroom.
  • Cell phones, i-pods, or other electronics will be confiscated if they are seen or heard. Keep them in your backpack, or better yet, in your locker!

Grading Policy:

This class will assess students using a total point system. Each assignment and assessment will be awarded a point value. Below are the different categories of assessments:

  • Projects: Independent and Group
  • Classwork (includes coming to class prepared and participation in its many forms)
  • Homework
  • Benchmarks, in the form of Tests and Quizzes

As a class, we will discuss appropriate deadlines for completion of your group work and projects. Once a clear deadline is given, however, it is important that you meet the deadline. A project cannot score higher than 50% (half the allotted points), if it is submitted after the due-date.

Absence Policy:

This class will rely heavily on teamwork, group work, thinking, brainstorming, and problem-solving. If you happen to be absent from class, it is important that you keep in communication with your particular group so you do not fall behind on the direction of the project, but as well as the project itself. Always check the “absent folder” located in the room for missed worksheets and handouts.

Academic Dishonesty:

ANY form of cheating, copying, or plagiarism will result in a zero and further consequences if necessary. Academic dishonesty should not, AND WILL NOT, be taken lightly!

Projects and Performance will provide and foster a hands-on environment to challenge your creative and artistic side, as well as test your problem-solving strategies. I look forward to observing, aiding, and finally watching your final versions of your projects and performances take form!

Looking forward to a great year,

Mr. Levoy

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CONTRACT FOR SUCCESS

By signing the contract below, I have acknowledged that I have read, understand, and agree to the procedures and expectations for Mr. Levoy’s class.

Student Name: ______Signature: ______

Parent/ Guardian Signature: ______