Mama Ife (Thyis Thomas)

Timbuktu Academy
10800 E. Canfield
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 823-6000
Email: tthomas@timbuktuacademy.org
MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE
Syllabus
Hopefully everyone has energized during a great summer! I am so excited for
science this year! Parents and students, please review the information below about
science class this year and sign and return the last page for your first grade. Excited
about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)? Me too! We
will be developing many project-based learning activities as we prepare to take
leadership roles in our families, communities and the world.
The Nguzo Saba, Principles of Maat, and the Wisdom of our Ancestors guide us to
build positive relationships with all of our Brothers and Sisters.
Classroom Motto: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you
can.
In science class, we will do the work to become better, stronger, and wiser
at:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)

Developing and using models
Planning and carrying out investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Using mathematics and computational thinking
Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
Engaging in argument from evidence
Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

YES! We can live empowered, informed, generous and creative, lives. Lets live by
this motto to set and reach our goals.
Grading Policy:
Grades are based on the accumulation of points.
Classwork
20%
Participation, Notebook
5%
Homework
10%
Assessments (tests and quizzes)
40%
Projects
25%

Grade Scale:
9-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
Below 60%

Late Work Policy:

Assignments, assessments, and projects will be posted on the board when assigned
and should be recorded in your planner/notebook. All work must be turned in on
time. Late work will be given a reduced grade.

IF YOU ARE ABSENT: Be proactive, feel free to ask for missed work from the
teacher. You will have two days to make up missed work and notes for each day
you have been absent. Students will choose two note buddies to get notes from if
they are absent.
Science Notebook Grades:
Students will record their essential question responses, objectives, notes, and
various classroom assignments/labs in their science notebooks. These notebooks
will be collected and assigned a grade based on the quality and completion of notes
and assignments which is outlined in the rubric glued in the front of each notebook.
Notebooks MUST be brought back from home after studying for a test.
Basic Science Class Supplies:

3 inch 3 Ring Binder (1 binder is sufficient for all classes)

2 spiral notebooks
2 composition notebooks (remains in the classroom for journaling)
2 sharpened pencils daily
1 ink pen daily (blue or black)
1 USB (mobile/flash) drive
Earphones for internet work
1 set of color pencils

To maintain our focus,

Bathroom Breaks:
Bathroom visits will be addressed after students report to class. Emergencies
will be considered on a case by case basis.
Food and Drinks:
Students are encouraged to have a water bottle in the classroom. No other food or
drinks will be allowed. Gum will also not be allowed.
Electronics:
Personal electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, iPads, etc.) should be out of view
and turned of from 7:45am-3:30pm (this includes recess time).
Movie Release
My student is permitted to watch G and PG rated videos provided by Mama Ife
including movies and documentaries. All movies and videos will be directly related
to classroom content.
We are going to have a great year!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and date the following section and return to Mama Ife for your first
grade!
Having reviewed the middle school science syllabus, we are strong and ready to
begin the 2016-2017 school year.
____________________________
Student Signature

___________________
Date

____________________________

___________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date