RFK I.S. 250 Science
Mr. Meagher (Mr. Mars)
CLASS SYLLABUS
Part I - Introduction:
Welcome to Planet Mars! This year we will actively engage in the study of the natural phenomena of the universe. We will start with the basics of the scientific method and learn about some of the classic experiments which paved the way for the remarkable discoveries of recent times, continue our venture into the exciting world of molecular and cellular biology, and finish our journey by investigating the most complex organism on the planet. Along the way we should strive to enjoy learning new things and have fun becoming better problem solvers.
Students should bring to class each and every meeting the following five items:
1. Writing instruments (pencils, pens, erasers, and a ruler).
2. Notebook.
3. Textbook.
4. 3-Ring Binder.
5. School Agenda (for recording homework assignments).
In general, class begins with a Starter (Do Now/Warm Up), continues with students taking notes on the main topic of the lesson, and concludes with some type of activity (classwork and/or laboratory). Homework is assigned each and every class! We will have weekly quizzes and a test about every three weeks. In addition, students will have projects and reports to work on throughout the school year. Student grades will be calculated mainly upon the following five criteria:
Part II - Grading:
1. Assessment- Quizzes and Tests- 650 points, 55%
2. Work- Classwork, Homework, Projects, and Reports- 150 points, 20%
3. Other- Notebook/3-Ring binder checks and Work Ethic- 100 points, 10%
4. Laboratory- Reports based on lab activities- 100 points, 15%
Total = 1000 Points, 100%
5. Extra Credit- Exams, Questions, and Special Assignments- extra 100 points, 10%
The traditional grading scale is used for this science class:
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
65% - 69% = D
Below 65% = F
Assessment:
Tests and Quizzes –
Tests are worth 100 points each. There are five regular tests per semester. Quizzes are worth 10 points each. There are ten regular quizzes and five pop quizzes per semester. Test and quiz material comes primarily from the notes of lecture material and the reading assignments. Assessments are usually on Wednesdays. Make-Up tests/quizzes are permitted for excused absences.
Work:
Classwork and Homework –
Grades are based upon the following:
5 Points = A The work is neat and complete and it is all correct.
4 Points = B The work is neat and complete and most of it is correct.
3 Points = C The work is neat and complete but only some of it is correct.
2 Points = D The work is neat and complete but most of it is incorrect.
1 Point = F The work is complete and at least some of it is correct, but it is messy.
Zero Points will be awarded for the following:
1. Complete work, but it is entirely incorrect.
2. Incomplete work.
3. Unexcused late work.
4. Illegible work.
5. No work turned in.
Projects and Reports –
Grading criteria (i.e. rubrics) for projects and reports will be discussed and posted during class when the assignments are given. Projects and reports are worth 25 points each.
Other:
Notebooks –
Notebook is worth 25 points.
To be considered neat, the notebook should be well-organized and very legible.
To be complete, the notebook should have dates, all material from class (e.g. Starters, notes, and classwork), and homework.
Grade is based upon the following criteria:
25 Points = A The notebook is very neat and complete and color is used throughout.
20 Points = B The notebook is mostly neat and complete and color is used throughout.
15 Points = C The notebook is partially neat and complete. Color is optional.
10 Points = D The notebook is only a little neat and complete. Color is optional.
5 Points = F The notebook is not neat nor complete. Color is optional.
Zero Points will be awarded when the student does not have notebook to be graded or when the notebook is extremely substandard.
Three-Ring Binders –
Three-Ring Binder is worth 25 points.
To be considered as organized, the binder should have properly labeled sections for Science, Assessment, Work, and Laboratory in the proper order, and a folder in which to place items. To be considered as complete, the science section of the binder should contain all work (no work from other classes included), and the binder should also contain loose-leaf paper.
Grade is based upon the following criteria:
25 Points = A The binder is very neat and complete and color is used throughout.
20 Points = B The binder is mostly neat and complete and color is used throughout.
15 Points = C The binder is partially neat and complete. Color is optional.
10 Points = D The binder is only a little neat and complete. Color is optional.
5 Points = F The binder is not neat nor complete. Color is optional.
Zero Points will be awarded when the student does not have binder to be graded or when the binder is extremely substandard.
Work Ethic:
Work ethic is a more subjective part of the grade. Work ethic is worth 50 points.
Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared to learn. Students earn points for following directions and working diligently. Students may also gain points for answering selected Review Questions during class.
Laboratory:
Lab activities and reports are worth a total of 100 points. The lab component is the most complex element of the science class. Therefore, more detailed information concerning the laboratory grade will be provided and discussed in class throughout the year. In general, the format for grading lab reports is based upon a highly structured rubric.
Part III - Behavior Management/Discipline:
Students should carefully follow the district/school rules and abide by the classroom rules and policies. Specifically, students should be seated quietly and working on the Starter (Do Now/Warm Up) when the tardy bell rings, remain focused on the lesson, and follow the teacher’s directions throughout the class. Science is a complex subject which requires a tremendous amount of coordination of learning tasks in order to ensure safety and optimize learning. Therefore, any behavior which disrupts the learning process will not be tolerated.
There are three simple classrrom rules that students should follow at all times in science class:
1. Follow Directions.
2. Keep Hands, Feet, and Objects to Yourself.
3. No Swearing, Teasing, or Name-calling.
Abiding by the class rules and policies results in positive reinforcement, whereas not conducting oneself in a proper manner will result in negative consequences.
Consequences:
1st – Warning (Reminder)
2nd – Discuss Inappropriate Behavior after School
3rd – Parent/Guardian Contact by Phone and/or Email; Detention
4th – Parent/Guardian Meeting; Detention
5th – Principal/Administrator
Repeated infractions and/or more serious offenses may result in a direct leap to a higher level consequence which, in accordance with district policy, may result in more severe penalties.
Class Policies:
In addition to the district/school rules and classroom rules, the following classroom policies should be understood and adhered:
1. Beginning and End of Class Policy
2. Lecture Policy
3. Activity (Classwork/Laboratory) Policy
4. Out of Class Policy
5. Homework Policy
At the beginning of the school year the five policies (i.e. rituals and routines) are learned and throughout the school year they should be consistently followed; therefore, understanding them early on and practicing them is vital towards a productive year of science class.
Detailed look at each of the Class Policies:
1. Beginning and End of Class Policy –
a) Seated.
b) Quiet (absolutely no talking).
c) Everything off desks except required science class materials.
d) Paying attention (eyes up front).
e) Working on Starter (Do Now/Warm Up) at beginning of class and awaiting teacher dismissal at end of class.
2. Lecture Policy –
a) Seated.
b) Quiet.
c) Everything off desks except required science class materials.
d) Paying attention (eyes up front).
e) Taking notes based upon the lecture.
3. Activity (Class Work/Laboratory) Policy –
a) Remain at assigned location.
b) On Task talking permitted when teacher deems it appropriate.
c) All members must participate in labs.
d) Raise hand for assistance.
e) Safety Protocols must be followed!
4. Out of Class Policy –
Restroom and water trips are for emergencies only. Students will need to have student agenda available for sign out; students must also use the classroom sign-out roster. Only one student is permitted to be out of the classroom at any given time.
Out of class activities (e.g. visit to the principal, dean, nurse, or school counselor) will be handled according to school policy.
5. Homework Policy –
Homework is assigned each and every class meeting. Sometimes homework consists of more than one task to complete. For instance, sometimes homework will involve completing a textbook section review assignment which will be turned in the next class meeting in addition to spending quality time studying/reviewing for an upcoming assessment (i.e. test or quiz). Sometimes the work will be turned in while other times it may be an assignment to be completed in one’s notebook. Students also have plenty of projects and reports to work on throughout the school year. Bottom line is that there is some type of productive and active pursuit of learning science which should take place each and every day of the school year, including the weekends!
If the homework assigned includes something to be turned in, then students are requested to have the homework assignment in hand upon entering the classroom. Students are to place the homework into the “homework box” which is strategically placed near the entrance of the classroom. Late work is not accepted for daily assignments except for excused absences. Special assignments (i.e. projects and reports) will be accepted late with the penalty of one letter grade per day of lateness. Naturally all late work, either daily assignments or special assignments, due to an excused absence comes with no penalty; but students are requested to turn in the work to the “excused late work box” at the teacher’s desk in a reasonable amount of time.
Part IV - Miscellaneous:
Attendance is not part of a student’s science grade. However, there tends to be a direct correlation between the amount of time and energy actively spent in the pursuit of science and one’s grade. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to make up in a reasonable amount of time any work that was missed due to an excused absence. Students should also develop a routine of spending time working on assignments and studying for tests and quizzes each and every evening.
Learning is a dynamic process, therefore a schedule of actual due dates and events is naturally subject to change; however, the class website displays a general timeframe of the curriculum and weekly updates should be able to reflect up-to-date modifications of the schedule.
Safety is a priority in a science class. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals enter and exit the classroom in a timely and organized manner, pay close attention to the teacher’s directions during class, and refrain from having out in the classroom prohibited items such as food and drink or electronic devices.
Part V - Conclusion:
My philosophy is that learning is fun. Some of the most interesting, exciting, and helpful things in the world are discovered or invented by people who have a love for life and for learning. It is my sincere hope that this year each and every student will be able to find the magic in learning. To reach this goal I will try my best to use powerful teaching to inspire, motivate, and guide my students towards academic success. I also hope that each student will put in the time and effort to be successful. Doing so will help create a solid foundation of problem-solving skills and knowledge which is valuable in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Good luck, have a safe journey, and let’s get ready to blast off!
Mr. Meagher (Mr. Mars)
CLASS SYLLABUS
Part I - Introduction:
Welcome to Planet Mars! This year we will actively engage in the study of the natural phenomena of the universe. We will start with the basics of the scientific method and learn about some of the classic experiments which paved the way for the remarkable discoveries of recent times, continue our venture into the exciting world of molecular and cellular biology, and finish our journey by investigating the most complex organism on the planet. Along the way we should strive to enjoy learning new things and have fun becoming better problem solvers.
Students should bring to class each and every meeting the following five items:
1. Writing instruments (pencils, pens, erasers, and a ruler).
2. Notebook.
3. Textbook.
4. 3-Ring Binder.
5. School Agenda (for recording homework assignments).
In general, class begins with a Starter (Do Now/Warm Up), continues with students taking notes on the main topic of the lesson, and concludes with some type of activity (classwork and/or laboratory). Homework is assigned each and every class! We will have weekly quizzes and a test about every three weeks. In addition, students will have projects and reports to work on throughout the school year. Student grades will be calculated mainly upon the following five criteria:
Part II - Grading:
1. Assessment- Quizzes and Tests- 650 points, 55%
2. Work- Classwork, Homework, Projects, and Reports- 150 points, 20%
3. Other- Notebook/3-Ring binder checks and Work Ethic- 100 points, 10%
4. Laboratory- Reports based on lab activities- 100 points, 15%
Total = 1000 Points, 100%
5. Extra Credit- Exams, Questions, and Special Assignments- extra 100 points, 10%
The traditional grading scale is used for this science class:
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
65% - 69% = D
Below 65% = F
Assessment:
Tests and Quizzes –
Tests are worth 100 points each. There are five regular tests per semester. Quizzes are worth 10 points each. There are ten regular quizzes and five pop quizzes per semester. Test and quiz material comes primarily from the notes of lecture material and the reading assignments. Assessments are usually on Wednesdays. Make-Up tests/quizzes are permitted for excused absences.
Work:
Classwork and Homework –
Grades are based upon the following:
5 Points = A The work is neat and complete and it is all correct.
4 Points = B The work is neat and complete and most of it is correct.
3 Points = C The work is neat and complete but only some of it is correct.
2 Points = D The work is neat and complete but most of it is incorrect.
1 Point = F The work is complete and at least some of it is correct, but it is messy.
Zero Points will be awarded for the following:
1. Complete work, but it is entirely incorrect.
2. Incomplete work.
3. Unexcused late work.
4. Illegible work.
5. No work turned in.
Projects and Reports –
Grading criteria (i.e. rubrics) for projects and reports will be discussed and posted during class when the assignments are given. Projects and reports are worth 25 points each.
Other:
Notebooks –
Notebook is worth 25 points.
To be considered neat, the notebook should be well-organized and very legible.
To be complete, the notebook should have dates, all material from class (e.g. Starters, notes, and classwork), and homework.
Grade is based upon the following criteria:
25 Points = A The notebook is very neat and complete and color is used throughout.
20 Points = B The notebook is mostly neat and complete and color is used throughout.
15 Points = C The notebook is partially neat and complete. Color is optional.
10 Points = D The notebook is only a little neat and complete. Color is optional.
5 Points = F The notebook is not neat nor complete. Color is optional.
Zero Points will be awarded when the student does not have notebook to be graded or when the notebook is extremely substandard.
Three-Ring Binders –
Three-Ring Binder is worth 25 points.
To be considered as organized, the binder should have properly labeled sections for Science, Assessment, Work, and Laboratory in the proper order, and a folder in which to place items. To be considered as complete, the science section of the binder should contain all work (no work from other classes included), and the binder should also contain loose-leaf paper.
Grade is based upon the following criteria:
25 Points = A The binder is very neat and complete and color is used throughout.
20 Points = B The binder is mostly neat and complete and color is used throughout.
15 Points = C The binder is partially neat and complete. Color is optional.
10 Points = D The binder is only a little neat and complete. Color is optional.
5 Points = F The binder is not neat nor complete. Color is optional.
Zero Points will be awarded when the student does not have binder to be graded or when the binder is extremely substandard.
Work Ethic:
Work ethic is a more subjective part of the grade. Work ethic is worth 50 points.
Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared to learn. Students earn points for following directions and working diligently. Students may also gain points for answering selected Review Questions during class.
Laboratory:
Lab activities and reports are worth a total of 100 points. The lab component is the most complex element of the science class. Therefore, more detailed information concerning the laboratory grade will be provided and discussed in class throughout the year. In general, the format for grading lab reports is based upon a highly structured rubric.
Part III - Behavior Management/Discipline:
Students should carefully follow the district/school rules and abide by the classroom rules and policies. Specifically, students should be seated quietly and working on the Starter (Do Now/Warm Up) when the tardy bell rings, remain focused on the lesson, and follow the teacher’s directions throughout the class. Science is a complex subject which requires a tremendous amount of coordination of learning tasks in order to ensure safety and optimize learning. Therefore, any behavior which disrupts the learning process will not be tolerated.
There are three simple classrrom rules that students should follow at all times in science class:
1. Follow Directions.
2. Keep Hands, Feet, and Objects to Yourself.
3. No Swearing, Teasing, or Name-calling.
Abiding by the class rules and policies results in positive reinforcement, whereas not conducting oneself in a proper manner will result in negative consequences.
Consequences:
1st – Warning (Reminder)
2nd – Discuss Inappropriate Behavior after School
3rd – Parent/Guardian Contact by Phone and/or Email; Detention
4th – Parent/Guardian Meeting; Detention
5th – Principal/Administrator
Repeated infractions and/or more serious offenses may result in a direct leap to a higher level consequence which, in accordance with district policy, may result in more severe penalties.
Class Policies:
In addition to the district/school rules and classroom rules, the following classroom policies should be understood and adhered:
1. Beginning and End of Class Policy
2. Lecture Policy
3. Activity (Classwork/Laboratory) Policy
4. Out of Class Policy
5. Homework Policy
At the beginning of the school year the five policies (i.e. rituals and routines) are learned and throughout the school year they should be consistently followed; therefore, understanding them early on and practicing them is vital towards a productive year of science class.
Detailed look at each of the Class Policies:
1. Beginning and End of Class Policy –
a) Seated.
b) Quiet (absolutely no talking).
c) Everything off desks except required science class materials.
d) Paying attention (eyes up front).
e) Working on Starter (Do Now/Warm Up) at beginning of class and awaiting teacher dismissal at end of class.
2. Lecture Policy –
a) Seated.
b) Quiet.
c) Everything off desks except required science class materials.
d) Paying attention (eyes up front).
e) Taking notes based upon the lecture.
3. Activity (Class Work/Laboratory) Policy –
a) Remain at assigned location.
b) On Task talking permitted when teacher deems it appropriate.
c) All members must participate in labs.
d) Raise hand for assistance.
e) Safety Protocols must be followed!
4. Out of Class Policy –
Restroom and water trips are for emergencies only. Students will need to have student agenda available for sign out; students must also use the classroom sign-out roster. Only one student is permitted to be out of the classroom at any given time.
Out of class activities (e.g. visit to the principal, dean, nurse, or school counselor) will be handled according to school policy.
5. Homework Policy –
Homework is assigned each and every class meeting. Sometimes homework consists of more than one task to complete. For instance, sometimes homework will involve completing a textbook section review assignment which will be turned in the next class meeting in addition to spending quality time studying/reviewing for an upcoming assessment (i.e. test or quiz). Sometimes the work will be turned in while other times it may be an assignment to be completed in one’s notebook. Students also have plenty of projects and reports to work on throughout the school year. Bottom line is that there is some type of productive and active pursuit of learning science which should take place each and every day of the school year, including the weekends!
If the homework assigned includes something to be turned in, then students are requested to have the homework assignment in hand upon entering the classroom. Students are to place the homework into the “homework box” which is strategically placed near the entrance of the classroom. Late work is not accepted for daily assignments except for excused absences. Special assignments (i.e. projects and reports) will be accepted late with the penalty of one letter grade per day of lateness. Naturally all late work, either daily assignments or special assignments, due to an excused absence comes with no penalty; but students are requested to turn in the work to the “excused late work box” at the teacher’s desk in a reasonable amount of time.
Part IV - Miscellaneous:
Attendance is not part of a student’s science grade. However, there tends to be a direct correlation between the amount of time and energy actively spent in the pursuit of science and one’s grade. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to make up in a reasonable amount of time any work that was missed due to an excused absence. Students should also develop a routine of spending time working on assignments and studying for tests and quizzes each and every evening.
Learning is a dynamic process, therefore a schedule of actual due dates and events is naturally subject to change; however, the class website displays a general timeframe of the curriculum and weekly updates should be able to reflect up-to-date modifications of the schedule.
Safety is a priority in a science class. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals enter and exit the classroom in a timely and organized manner, pay close attention to the teacher’s directions during class, and refrain from having out in the classroom prohibited items such as food and drink or electronic devices.
Part V - Conclusion:
My philosophy is that learning is fun. Some of the most interesting, exciting, and helpful things in the world are discovered or invented by people who have a love for life and for learning. It is my sincere hope that this year each and every student will be able to find the magic in learning. To reach this goal I will try my best to use powerful teaching to inspire, motivate, and guide my students towards academic success. I also hope that each student will put in the time and effort to be successful. Doing so will help create a solid foundation of problem-solving skills and knowledge which is valuable in the pursuit of one’s dreams. Good luck, have a safe journey, and let’s get ready to blast off!
