Syllabus+-+5th

Instructor: S. DeByle Room: 304 Email: sdebyle@beaufortacademy.org  Contact Number: 843-524-3393 
 * Beaufort **** Academy Middle School ** 
 * 5 ****th Grade Life Science **

Life Science is the study of living things -plants and animals- the environment in which we live.   It helps to explain how living things relate to one another and to their surroundings. From the smallest microbe to the largest mammal, Life Science explores the origins, evolution and expansion of life in all its forms. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">This course is designed to provide background concerning how the branches of natural science deal with the structure and behavior of living organisms. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">The livings things around us serve as the subjects of study for this course, including classification, cell life and structure, organisms, life processes, introduction to genetics, ecology, introduction to geology, natural resources, and weather. Technology based on life science has resulted in many useful applications. The world is a better place because of science. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> · <span style="font-size: 7pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">To provide students with a foundation knowledge of the sciences involving the study of living things and the earth <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> · <span style="font-size: 7pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">To offer a variety of teaching techniques through lecture and lab that includes cooperative learning and student participation <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> · <span style="font-size: 7pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">To provide a learning environment where students have an equal opportunity to participate, ask relevant questions, explore through hands-on learning and work cooperatively with peers to further learn and investigate the sciences <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> · <span style="font-size: 7pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">To sharpen questioning and critical thinking skills <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> · <span style="font-size: 7pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">To integrate technology and compose reports <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">COURSE DESCRIPTION **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">COURSE OBJECTIVES **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Pearson – Science: the Diamond Edition //Publisher:// Pearson Education, Inc. 2008 <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">REQUIRED TEXT **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">- Notebook (3-ring binder, 1" or 1.5") - Dividers (minimum 8) - notebook paper - spiral notebook - pens/pencils/highlighter - dry erase marker - index cards - 2 paper folder w/ prongs. There is a class set of the following supplies available for student use, but it would be nice for each student to have their own: - colored pencils & markers - glue stick - scissors - ruler - hole reinforcements - big eraser.
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">MATERIALS **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * As projects are assigned, if additional materials are needed, a list will be sent home prior to the activity.

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<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> TEACHER EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> A classroom should be an inviting and safe place. Every student has the right to learn. Behavior which results in a disruption of the learning environment will not be tolerated and may result in a “teacher consequence” or administrative referral. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Students should respect themselves, others and property at all times! **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">

<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Entering the Classroom: __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> * wait for permission to enter (other students need a chance to gather supplies and exit safely) * Walk quietly to your seat – sit correctly and respect individual spaces * Put everything that is **not** related to science away & store book bag appropriately * Read whiteboard for the day’s objectives, materials needed – write homework assignment in notebooks if applicable * Begin the Warm-Up/DOS //Sit in assigned seats at all times (No table hopping). When standing to work, push stools in.// <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Behavior Plan __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">: If received, you will owe the teacher the stated amount of your time. Consequences include silent detention, reflections, community service, etc. ( accompanied by a call home) of privilege, administrative referral ( accompanied by call & form sent home)
 * R -** respond in an appropriate manner
 * E** – Excellence only! (no sloppy work or excuses, be on task)
 * S** – Stay seated unless you have permission to be up
 * P** – Pay Attention and Participate!
 * E** – Encourage, and do not discourage, others
 * C** – Come prepared (materials, be on time, positive attitude)
 * T –** Take responsibility for your actions <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Respect ****<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">is one of the 5 core values that we strive towards here at Beaufort Academy. The other 4 are: ****<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Intellect, Integrity, Leadership and Pride.  ****//<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Core Values //****<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> are attitudes and beliefs that are a central and foundational part of our day by day decision making.  **
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
 * <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Step 1: Verbal Warning
 * Step 2: Name on Board (may be accompanied by a call home)
 * Step 3: 1 check = 15 min. 2 checks = 30 min.
 * Step 3: 1 check = 15 min. 2 checks = 30 min.
 * Step 4: More than 2 check’s = automatic detention either after-school, Saturday’s, loss

__<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Work Habits __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">: On a bi-weekly basis, students will earn a 100 as a homework grade for participation and reward for demonstrating positive work habits. These habits include: bringing supplies, notebook & text to class, completing homework assignments on time, remaining on-task, not leaving belongings behind in the classroom for others to clean or deal with, not having electronics without permission and overall, being a good citizen to others. If any of these requirements are negated, 10 pts. will be deducted daily per infraction (only 10 pts. can be deducted each day)

__<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Lecture and Class Discussion __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">: * Practice audience etiquette – manners are important! * Raise your hand if you wish to speak or respond to a question. Wait to be called on. * Listen attentively when someone else is speaking or responding to a question. Whispering, fiddling, writing, snickering, or making unnecessary noise to gain attention is considered rude. __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Clean-Up: __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> * Keep work areas clean and orderly. Throw trash away as you exit the classroom * Put everything back correctly and in its proper place. If you mess it up, clean it up! * Lend a hand to others at your table if they need it <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Dismissal: __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> Stay in your seat until the teacher dismisses you <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Tardiness: __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> * The school tardy policy will be enforced. It is Important to come to class on time! * If you are tardy, enter the classroom with a pass. Place the pass in the teacher tray, go  directly to your seat and begin work. Do not talk or disrupt the class further. Ignore student questions or comments about why you are late. __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Absences: __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> > <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> * Students may not leave the room without a pass > * Students are encouraged to use the restroom/water fountain before class > * During class, restroom use is allowed during independent work time only > (with exceptions for emergencies) > > 1. All Beaufort Academy rules will be enforced as stated in the “Blue Book” > 2. Bring all materials to class (unless instructed otherwise) > 3. No eating or drinking sodas, sports drinks, etc – water bottles are acceptable > 4. No personal grooming > 5. Cheating will result in a zero for the assignment. This applies to anyone involved. > 6. Observe and follow all lab safety rules and procedures <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> > > //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Please make yourself aware of all emergency procedures, ie: fire drill, severe weather, etc. //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> > //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">All procedures will be reviewed and posted in the classroom at all times //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> > > > > > > > **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">TOPICS OF STUDY **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> > <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">**1st Quarter: > **Classification or organisms > Cells > Reproduction > **2nd Quarter:** > Body Systems > Plants > Biomes > **3rd Quarter:** > Ecosystems > Plate Tectonics > Rocks and Minerals > **4th Quarter:** > Reshaping Earth’s Surface > Earth’s Resources > Climate and Weather > <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> > **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> STUDENT EVALUATION **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> > <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Students are assessed (formative and summative) using a percentage system (100%). The corresponding letter grade is dictated in the Beaufort Academy Blue Book. > > Tests and Quizzes 60% > Homework/Classwork 40% > Lab Reports Quiz grade > Projects Test grade > > **~Notebooks** are to be organized into sections and maintained in chronological order. > Announced and random notebook checks will occur throughout each quarter. In it, students will record notes, thoughts, questions, reflections, and visual interpretations of science concepts. Most in-class activities and homework will be kept in the notebook as well as all signed quizzes and tests. Each paper should be headed properly. If students are absent on the day that an assignment is due or an assessment scheduled, he/she will be expected to turn in or complete test/quiz the day they return. > **~Quizzes** are given often and their purpose is to measure the progress of student learning. > **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> ~Tests **<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> are held when the standards for each unit of study have been met. > Students will be given a study guide days in advance - Expect 2 or 3 tests per quarter. If a student performs poorly, one test per semester may be retaken under that following conditions: 1. Student must initiate the retake process within one week of the time they received the test back 2. Student must return for extra help either during study hall or after school 3. a better understanding of material must be demonstrated prior to retesting. > //Talking during a test or quiz will be interpreted as cheating// > **~**Students will complete an **independent or group project** each quarter to demonstrate mastery of specific science process skills. Students will be given rubrics with expectations for each. Projects will be recorded as tests. Students will not be punished if a group member does not do their work! Each group member will be assigned individual tasks for completion. > ~Students will be exposed to various **note-taking strategies** to stimulate critical thinking and aid in content retention. A good set of notes can help students work on assignments and prepare for tests independently outside of the classroom. Examples will be provided and kept in their notebooks. Students should plan on reviewing content covered in class on a nightly basis, spending about 30 minutes. Homework will be used as reinforcement for the section objectives. > ~**Extra-Credit**: Each student is responsible for completing all of their own work at the time it is assigned; BA policy will apply. Each student has equal opportunity to complete assignments from class extra credit binder. From time to time, teacher will offer incentive points for getting assessments signed, whole class inquiry, etc. > ~**Extra-Help**: I am available during 6th period and after school. If additional time is needed; I ask that appointments be made in advance to ensure that I will be available on that particular day. If you need help with a project, please plan ahead. If you wait until the last minute, I may not be available and I want to see that every student has the opportunity for an adequate amount of help. <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; msospacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Manage your time and responsibilities wisely. >
 * Place absent forms, notes from home, late assignments and any other papers that the teacher needs to read or sign in the appropriate tray when you enter the room
 * It is the student’s responsibility to find out what assignments & handouts were missed
 * Make-up work must be submitted within a reasonable time (as stated in the Blue Book)<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';"> __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">Passes: __<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">