Suggested Materials: It is recommended that each student have the following basic supplies every day for class work.

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1 STEM Science Syllabus Silver Lakes Middle School 7600 Tam O Shanter Blvd. North Lauderdale, Florida Phone: Fax: Instructor: Mrs. Hawthorne renette.hawthorne@browardschools.com Class website: Course Description & Goals: This course is structured to prepare students as responsible citizens for success in the real world by providing challenging, studentcentered, inquiry-based experiences for students. Students will be able to problem solve, think creatively, collaborate with others to come up with solutions, and effectively communicate with one another. Suggested Materials: It is recommended that each student have the following basic supplies every day for class work. Pencils- regular (sharpened) or mechanical (with extra lead supplied) Pens (blue or black ballpoint) (1) 3-Subject notebook Notebook paper (enough for the school year) USB Flash Drive (at least 4 GB) (2) Pocket folders Hand Sharpener with lid Silver Lakes Middle Agenda (provided to you) Methods: We will use the district-approved resources. No textbooks are required. Class time will include a mixture of lectures, discussions, examples, group activities, notetaking skills, and relevant problem solving assignments. Subject Matter to be covered: 6 th Grade Solar Energy 7 th Grade Genetic Engineering 8 th - Grade Mechanical Engineering Course Requirements: Attendance - It is important that you arrive to class on time. Class Participation - The success of this course depends upon all of us. Class participation includes sharing your ideas and information, asking questions, and listening carefully to others when they are speaking. Graded Assignments - Completion of assignments is essential to your progress in this course. Please complete all assignments on time and ask for help when needed. Graded assignments may include class activities, group activities, and independent work. 1

2 Checked Assignments - Some assignments will be credited with checks which are included as part of your class participation grade. Check assignments include journal writing assignments, independent reading, exit activities and a few exercises from the textbook. You will receive full credit for these assignments if you complete the assignment according to directions. Homework Students will receive homework throughout the school year to complete. Tests After each lesson, students will be given tests on the materials covered. Quizzes Before, during and/or after each lesson, students will be given quizzes on the materials covered. Labs Students are required to participate in labs that include inquiry, skills practice, and/or model making. Projects Students will be assigned problem solving projects to complete. Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Honesty Academic honesty means that the work you turn in is your own, and that you have, in no way turned in work, which you did not do. Grading Formula **Each grading category is worth a percentage of your grade totaling 100%. Component Description Weight Projects STEM is a project-based course 40% Class Participation STEM Journal Homework All students are expected to participate in class discussions, individual and/or group activities. Students will use a STEM Journal (note book) daily in order to record information as they complete investigations and special projects. Quizzes, Tests, Labs & Currents Events will be calculated in this category as well. Homework will be assigned periodically and must be completed before the start of class. 25% 25% 10% Grading Scale = A = C = B = D = B = D = C+ 59 or below = F Incomplete = I Conduct: Your behavior in the classroom reflects not only on your performance, but also on every other student s performance. It is imperative that you follow not only the school rules, but the classroom rules as well. 2

3 Behavior Expectations These expectations are associated with your behavior choices. Remember, choices result in either positive or negative consequences, therefore choose wisely. Please use appropriate language (e.g. cursing is inappropriate, please and thank you are appropriate). Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings. Bring required books and materials to every class, unless told otherwise by the teacher. Listen, stay seated, and follow directions the first time they are given. Bullying is not allowed; treat everyone and their property respectfully (e.g. refrain from inappropriate physical contact, destroying property, and verbal abuse). Please refrain from using cell phones or other electronic devices in class. Please refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum in class. In order to maintain a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning, the following rules are vital and must be followed. Classroom Expectations: Arrive on time and prepared for class. As soon as you enter the classroom, start on the Do Now Assignment. Raise your hand and wait for permission from the teacher to speak. Remain in your seat unless given permission to get up. Follow instructions the first time they are given. Refrain from eating, drinking or chewing gum in classroom. Refrain from using cell phones or other electronic devices during class. Please use appropriate language (e.g. cursing is inappropriate, please and thank you are appropriate). Above all else, make sure you are ALWAYS RESPECTFUL AND COURTEOUS TO YOUR TEACHERS AND PEERS. Consequences: 1 st offense Verbal / Written Warning 2 nd offense Timeout / Phone call home 3 rd offense Team detention 4 th offense Administrative Referral Note: Students must comply with all rules specified in the Broward County School District Student Handbook. The Code of Student Conduct, Policy 5.8, provides specific information regarding the rules that all students are expected to adhere to as well as consequences for violations of the policy set forth. The Code of Student Conduct policy addresses expectations for 3

4 all students. Please review all information in The Code of Student Conduct carefully. Please review an added statement clarifying appropriate footwear for students in the science classrooms. Detention Policy: Students who are issued a team detention are required to report to the appropriate classroom on the assigned date. A copy of each detention slip will be sent home to parents and we ask that they be signed and returned to the teacher who issued the detention the next day. Please make proper arrangements for your student in the event he/she needs to serve a detention. Students will not be permitted to serve detentions without a signed detention form. Class Change Procedures: Students are asked to stand in a straight line outside of the classroom door. When the teacher opens the classroom door, students may enter the classroom. At the end of the class period, students will be dismissed when all materials are put away, the classroom is clean and orderly, and the students are seated and quiet. The classroom teacher, not the sound of the bell, dismisses students. Classroom Procedures: 1. Please do not bring food, drink, or gum into the classroom. 2. All cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and in a secure location, out of sight. 3. Calmly enter the room, go to your assigned table/seat, take out your materials and begin working on the Do Now Assignment. 4. At the conclusion of class, be sure to clean up your workspace, the floor, and return any materials you may have used in their proper place. 5. All students must be quiet and in their seats before they will be dismissed! Expectations: I believe that every student can and will learn, and I expect and will not accept anything but the best out of each and every student in which I instruct. 4

5 STEM SCIENCE SYLLABUS AGREEMENT* By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read/understand the STEM Science syllabus for Mrs. Hawthorne s class. Student Name: Per: Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Parent Contact Number: *This syllabus is tentative and may be subject to change. All students are expected to complete ALL assignments for which a grade is assigned. After reviewing your class syllabus, Please remove page 5 and have it signed by a parent and yourself. Please turn your signed agreement to Mrs. Hawthorne in room