Science Course Syllabus Updated 8/8/17 REACH 6-8th Grade 2017-2018 Instructor: Mrs. Lantinga Springfield Middle School 1023 Avenue A Battle Creek, MI 49037 Telephone: (269)965-9640
Welcome to REACH Science!
About Mrs. Lantinga: This is my Sixteenth year teaching. In 1992, I earned my teaching degree from Western Michigan University. I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University in 2002. Outside of teaching I enjoy all things science and watching sporting events with my family. I have been married since 1992 and have two sons. My son Rook is attending college in Detroit at College for Creative Studies and is working toward his degree in 3D Animation. Drew is attending Western Michigan University and majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
Supplies: What should I bring to class?
2 Pencils- EVERY DAY
Student Planner – This will be given to you during your advisory class
Spiral Notebook (can be kept in class box) for daily assignments
A pack of Sharpie Markers
A folder
3 packages of flash cards (The ones that already clipped or spiraled are best)
What is the first thing I should do when I enter the classroom? Classroom Procedures: As soon as you come into the room:
Get out Learning Schedule
Put grades in proper place
Review what you learned about the day before with your partner
When do I need to turn in homework? On time – you will have the due date written in your planner and need to make sure you are prepared to turn the homework in when you enter class on the due date.
How will I know what I missed if I am absent? Check your Learning Schedule: You will need to stay after class on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday until your assignments are caught up. The homework bus comes everyday after school at 4:00 and is available to transport students home. *Check Skyward OFTEN!! If you are missing an assignment it can also be found in this website! You can also use this website where all assignments are posted by grade level.
Staying organized and On Top Of Your Work Please use Skyward to monitor your grades, assignments and projects. Planners will be provided and all students are expected to use them to organize due dates and assignments.
How will I be graded in science? This is a rough idea of what is learned in about a 3 week learning cycle and it is called the Learning Schedule: Name: __________________________________________________________ Hour: ____________ Learning Schedule ~ 11 Work Days - 5 Assessment Days Topic: ____________________________________ Goal Grade: ________________ Getting Started: _______ What I already know about this topic: get a piece of notebook paper and write down what you already know, any connections and questions; attach it to this paper. = ______/10 Points(5 min.) ______ Direct Instruction = ______/30 Points (1-2 Classes) ______ Vocabulary Flash Cards = ______/20 Points (5-10 Min every class period) Independent Learning Opportunities: (Check List) ______ Research – 20 Fast Facts = ______/ 20 Points (1 Class) ______ Research – Article Review = _______/20 Points (1 Class) ______ Research – Video Notes = _______/20 points (1 Class) ______ Research on an Expert/Invention/Discovery = _______/20 Points (1 Classes) ______ Investigation Lab = _______/50 Points (2 Classes)
Assessments: ______ Mind Map = _______/50 Points (2 Class)
______ Learning Summary= _______/100 Points (2 Classes) Turn in your work on time and as directed! Total Points: __________/320 Points Final Grade: _____________ Did you meet your goal? Yes No What did you do right/wrong? ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
Assessments: Students will be pre-assessed for each unit (prior knowledge), which corresponds with each unit. Post-assessments will be very different from pre-assessments and will be taken every three weeks to correspond with the learning cycle topic. These assessments can be projects, labs, mind maps, tests and quizzes.
Grades will be calculated as such: 6th Grade: 50% of the grade with be calculated from class work and 50% will be calculated from assessments 7th Grade: 40% of the grade with be calculated from class work and 60% will be calculated from assessments 8th Grade: 30% of the grade with be calculated from class work and 70% will be calculated from assessments
Computer Tools: Laptop computers and tablets will be utilized in class with teacher permission.
Parent Information: Parent/guardian involvement is welcome and parents/guardians are encouraged to contact me if any questions or concerns arise. I check my e-mail before school and after school as well as on my planning hour.
E-mail: [email protected] You are welcome to call or text my personal phone with questions, but please don’t abuse this privilege. Cell Phone: 269-271-0954
Class Websites: I do have a class website for Student projects, labs and other helpful information can be found here, including class pictures and reminders and study guides.