Science Class Guidelines

Welcome to Science!

My name is Mrs. Slevin and I have been teaching science at St. Martin School for five years. This year, I will be teaching grades four through eight. If you or your parents need to contact me, you can do so in several ways:

• By email (preferred method) –
• By phone-call the school office at 408 736 5534 and I will return your call as soon as possible.
• Send a note

Course Description

Students in grade four and five study a combination of earth, life and physical science. The sixth grade curriculum concentrates on the earth sciences. In grade seven the emphasis is on life sciences and grade eight students study physical sciences with an emphasis on chemistry. Each student will have a copy of the curriculum guide. (Also available at www.cde.ca.gov.be/st/ss/index.asp)

Science Class Schedule

Grading and Grade Distribution

Quarter grades will be based on the following grading divisions:

• 40% Tests
• 15% Quizzes
• 15% Daily homework
• 15% Lab reports
• 15% Projects/Assignments

Late Homework and Absences

Homework is your responsibility and I expect assignments and projects to be completed on time. Late homework will be accepted for excused absences only. All other late homework will receive zero credit.

Conduct

All students are required to conduct themselves appropriately and follow all safety rules.

I have enclosed a copy of “ Expectations, Rules and Procedures “ policy.

Effort

All students are required to do their best at all times. This includes but is not limited to homework, assignments, lab work, group projects, clean up, participation in class discussions and test preparation.

Safety

Safety is always the foremost consideration in the planning of science lessons and activities. In order to ensure a safe environment for all students and teachers, it is vital that everyone follows the Safety Code.

Students who choose to break the safety code will receive detention

• Wear safety goggles when instructed to do so and wear them until told to take them off
• Wear protective clothing when instructed to do so
• Never perform an experiment without your teacher’s permission
• Do not eat or drink anything during class
• Do not taste chemicals or other substances
• Report all accidents to your teacher immediately
• Walk at all times in the laboratory
• No horseplay at any time

Science Camp

…Our goal in educating students is to foster an appreciation of the natural world, give knowledge of life systems and promote thoughtful action, however small.

Web of Life Field School

This year fifth and sixth grade students will attend a residential outdoors science program in April at the Web of Life Field School and are chaperoned by St Martin School staff. Science camp is an intrinsic part of the entire sixth grade curriculum and gives middle school students the opportunity to develop stewardship.

Date:   April 2nd -5th 2007
Cost:   $250 ($50 deposit is due December 15, 2006)
Location: Web of Life Field School, Monte Toyon, Aptos
Forms: Science Camp Forms are due February 2007

There will be a parent information evening later in the year.  A representative from the Web of Life School will give a presentation on the camp and St Martin school staff will be on hand to answer any questions.

Science Fair

All students are expected to participate and complete a science project as part of the science curriculum, see the Science Fair Handbook for more information. This year the St Martin School Science Fair sponsored by the Synopsis Outreach foundation is tentatively planned for February 2007.

Extra Help

If you are having difficulty understanding some of the concepts or do not understand an assignment, please come and see me and we will work together to give you some extra help and get you back on track

Please refer to the Student Handbook for guidance on conduct, safety, absence, uniform policy and general school matters.