Course+Information

= 8th Grade Science - Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School = Instructor: Kathy Ryan Phone: 970 488-5474 E-mail: kryan@psdschools.org Class Website: http://www.kryanscience.wikispaces.com

// Welcome! // I am excited about the opportunity to have you in this science class here at Kinard. I believe the words intriguing, challenging, inter-active, relevant and fun will describe this course.

This is a year long integrated science course which builds upon the foundations of the Core Knowledge Curriculum. The topics included in this class incorporate all the elements of the CK sequence as well as additional material from the Poudre School District Curriculum. Combined, this curriculum is content rich and is aligned beautifully with the Colorado State Standards for Science.

The course curriculum and //tentative// schedule for the year is as follows: First Semester Second Semester
 * Scientific Inquiry, 21st Century Skills (introduced and embedded throughout year)
 * Chemistry
 * Physics – Motion, Forces
 * Physics – Work, Energy, Power
 * Electromagnetic Radiation and Light
 * Sound Waves
 * Electricity and Magnetism

//__ II. Materials for Class: __// The following sections briefly describe the expectations and specifics of this class.


 * Spiral Notebook (Specific to Science)
 * Paper, pen, pencil, colored pencils, glue stick, ruler, calculator, graph paper (about 15 sheets),
 * Planner/calendar for recording assignments
 * Textbooks are available online HERE
 * To access the online textbook, please refer to the login information given in class

__ III. Learning ____ opportunities - __ will consist of
 * In-Class Activities
 * Homework, Labs
 * Quizzes
 * Unit Tests
 * Projects (group and individual)

//__ IV. Assessment of Learning: __// The goal of standards based grading and reporting is to provide an authentic description of a student's proficiency on each of the Colorado Science Standards. The goal of your grade is to represent all elements of learning and adequately illustrate the areas of strength and focused growth. Each unit will consist of a list of essential learning goals that are directly from the Core Knowledge curriculum and CDE Standards. Grades will be updated every two weeks and is available at any time using the Pinnacle Internet Viewer program. You can also find a link to this site on the Kinard Homepage. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any assessment of learning if you are confused or need to clarify a grade. It is my intention that there will be //no surprises// (for students, teachers and parents).


 * **Formative Assessments: These assessments will be given weekly in a variety of formats** (quizzes, lab activities, projects, and assignments). The purpose of these assessments is to give an intermediate check point of proficiency on any given standard so that it informs teaching and student learning goals for the future. These assessments can and should be corrected until the student reaches proficiency or until the unit summative assessment is given (See FAQ below). **30% of Total Grade**


 * **Summative Assessments:** Includes all unit tests and some lab write-ups/projects. These assessments are given after the culmination of all unit lessons and they are used to measure the level of proficiency relating to state standards and all essential learnings of the unit. Students are expected to adequately prepare for these assessments, as there are **__no opportunities for retakes__**! **70% of Total Grade**

Skills for Life Long Learning

Development of life skills, such as the 6P’s (prompt, prepared, positive mental attitude, participation, politeness and productivity) along with organization, citizenship, attitude, quality of work, work ethic, and cooperation are critical for academic and life success. However, they do not directly reflect a student’s learning of science. These skills will be documented in gradebook, as non-graded items, to be used as communication tool between teachers, students, and parents in regards to student progress.
 * **Work Habits and Practice:** All other items and daily tasks done throughout the unit will be classified as work habits. These items will be documented in gradebook, as non-graded items, to be used as communication tool between teachers, students, and parents in regards to student progress. These grades are not included in the calculation of the final cumulative grade. (See work habits rubric below) **0% of Total Grade**

//__ Work Habits Rubric __// coming soon

**__ Science Laboratory Safety Expectations __**

//One of the best ways to learn science is by “doing” science. This means doing laboratory experiments, activities, fieldwork, and other tasks that involve moving around the classroom and using materials other than pencils and paper. Use of some of these materials involves a degree of risk. Your safety, and that of the others working around you, depends on your behavior. This document contains science classroom safety expectations that are to be followed at all times. Our #1 goal is to have a safe, accident-free classroom.//

Be **//PREPARED//**:
 * 1) Food, gum, or drinks can be dangerous in the lab. They are not allowed.
 * 2) Tie back long hair to keep it out of the work area.
 * 3) Avoid wearing loose clothing, which might easily catch fire or drag across counter tops.
 * 4) Wear shoes that completely cover your feet (No open toe shoes).
 * 5) Wear safety glasses and/or extra protective clothing whenever the instructor says that they are necessary.
 * 6) Keep aisles, table tops, and all other work areas clean and clear. Put away all books and backpacks as well as any other items that are not needed for the laboratory.


 * // PARTICIPATE //** :
 * 1) Be attentive at all times and pay close attention to instructions.
 * 2) Only do an experiment if it has been approved by your instructor.
 * 3) Do NOT touch, taste, or smell substances/materials unless asked to do so by your instructor.
 * 4) Use care when handling pointed objects, chemicals, glassware, or other dangerous objects.
 * 5) Do your best to see that peers around you also honor this contract and follow safe lab practices.
 * 6) Wash your hands before and after each laboratory.

Be **//PRODUCTIVE//**:
 * 1) Stay on task at all times and contribute to your group while striving to complete the activity.
 * 2) If you don’t understand the directions or aren’t sure how to use a piece of equipment, ask your instructor for help immediately.

Be **//POLITE//**:
 * 1) Treat each other and equipment with dignity and respect at all times.
 * 2) No horseplay will be tolerated in the laboratory.
 * 3) Honestly report any broken or damaged equipment and all other unsafe conditions to the instructor.

= Accidents and Safety Equipment =
 * 1) Know the location and use of all safety equipment (eyewash, safety shower, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, emergency gas shut off, telephone, etc).
 * 2) Tell the instructor about any accident or injury that occurs during the laboratory, even if no one is hurt. The instructor will then guide the clean up process.
 * 3) Clean up any spills immediately after you have informed the instructor.
 * 4) If a chemical gets on your hands, wash them thoroughly and inform your instructor.

= Clean Up = **// ALWAYS FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND BE ATTENTIVE!! //**
 * 1) Upon completing an activity, clean your area thoroughly and return all equipment and materials to their proper locations.
 * 2) Dispose of chemicals and other waste materials as directed by your teacher. Do NOT pour chemicals down the drain or dispose of materials in the trash unless instructed to do so.
 * 3) Wash your hands thoroughly after handling chemicals, living organisms, or preserved specimens.
 * 4) Never take laboratory equipment, specimens or chemicals out of the classroom or laboratory.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Let’s make this a great year!

Sincerely,

Kathy Ryan