August 18 2003

General Science Syllabus

 

Welcome to Benavente Middle School.  As your child continues their life long path of education, I am honored to play an integral role in their secondary education.  Leaving the requirements of elementary school and entering middle school is a critical point of every student’s life.  The responsibilities, expectations, and requirements are greater than your child’s past experiences with education.  Therefore, I emphasize the importance of parent-teacher co-operation to help support and encourage the success of our children. 

 

The first step toward the parent-teacher partnership is to carefully review the syllabus with your child.  It is important that he/she understand the expectations and responsibilities I place upon them.  To illustrate the importance of this parent teacher partnership, I am assigning the return of this syllabus as the first homework assignment of the year.

 

Each student is to learn the scientific method and apply it into any area of science we will cover throughout the school year.  The lessons are consistent with DOE’s Middle School Science Content and Performance Standards.  A variety of text books will be utilized to cover each unit. 

We will be covering four different units, one each quarter.  The following topics will be covered:

First quarter—Scientific Method and Measurements

Second quarter—.Physical Science

Third quarter—Chemistry and Biology

Fourth quarter— Ecology and Environmental Science

 

The grading criteria and the grading distribution are as follows:

Tests = 20%                                          A = 100 - 90%

Projects = 15%                                               B = 89 - 80%

Journal = 10%                                                C = 79 - 70%

Daily Assignments = 40%                                  D = 69 - 60%

Participation = 15%                              F = 59% or below

 

Students are to bring the following materials in my classroom under a daily basis:

1.     Pen (Black or Blue ink ONLY)

2.     Pencil

3.     Notebook

4.     Composition notebook

Other materials necessary for conducting laboratory work will be announced a week before the laboratory assignment.

 

I place an emphasis on co-operative learning and hands on activities.  Students will be placed in groups with other students to stimulate critical thinking skills.  Lab work and demonstrations will also be utilized to ensure your child is able to apply the theories they learned.  The students are expected to participate in all activities, including completing ALL assigned works.  I will notify the parent/guardian immediately, either through phone contact, e-mail, or written letter, after the third time the student fails to complete their homework.

 

I hope to make this year a fun and educational experience for your child.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions /suggestions at 637-0043 or e-mail me at dexter1@ite.net.

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your child.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Dexter B. Fullo

Science Teacher