You are on page 1of 3

5th Grade Science Course Syllabus 2011 2012

SUBJECT: COURSE: TEACHERS: Science Life, Physical, Earth, and Space Science I Mr. Guanajuato and Ms. Patterson (Belmont/Georgia State)

GOALS OF THE COURSE As young scientists, you will set and work toward your own, as well as class, goals to develop ownership of key concepts and terms through reading, writing, research, field work, collaborative work, critical thinking, and communication. You will gain mastery of foundational concepts in life, physical, earth, and space science through application of scientific inquiry skills. Our two principal goals are: By 4/30/12, 100% of us will earn a Proficient or Advanced score on the Science TCAP by earning an 80% or better on all science assessments, assignments, and projects. By 4/30/12, 100% of students will have made a positive contribution to our community by investigating and solving a problem through the application of scientific inquiry skills.

LESSON SEQUENCE Weeks of 8/1/2011 8/29/11 How are plant and animal cells organized to carry on the processes of life?

Unit 1: General Biology (Cells and Heredity)

What are the principal mechanisms by which living things reproduce and transmit information between parents and Weeks of 9/6/11 9/26/11 Weeks of 10/3/11 10/24/08

Unit 2: Ecology I (Biodiversity, Change, Adaptations and Fossils) Unit 3: Ecology II (Interdependence, Flow of Matter and Energy, and Photosynthesis)

How does natural selection explain how organisms have changed over time? How do living things interact with one another and with the non-living elements of their environment? What scientific information explains how matter

and energy flow through the biosphere? Weeks of 10/31/11 11/28/11 How is the earth affected by long-term and shortterm geological cycles and the influence of humans? How do the physical characteristics and the chemical makeup of the atmosphere influence surface processes and life on Earth? What big ideas guide human understanding about the origin and structure of the universe, Earths place in the cosmos, and observable motions and patterns in the sky? What basic energy related ideas are essential for understanding the dependency of the natural and human-made worlds on energy? How does the structure of matter influence its physical and chemical behavior? What causes objects to move differently under different circumstances? What are the scientific principles that explain gravity and electromagnetism? How do science concepts, engineering skills, and applications of technology improve the quality of life? What tools, skills, knowledge, and dispositions are needed to conduct scientific inquiry? How can I lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle?

Unit 4: Earth and Atmospheric Science (Geology and Weather)

Unit 5: Astronomy (Space and Stars)

Weeks of 12/5/11 12/12/11

Unit 6: Physics I (Energy and Matter)

Weeks of 1/4/12 1/30/12

Weeks of 2/6/12 2/27/12

Unit 7: Physics II (Motion and Forces)

Unit 8: Applied Physics (Machines and Inventions) Unit 9: Scientific Inquiry (Scientific Method) Unit 10: Nutrition (Health and Balance) SUPPLIES

Weeks of 3/5/12 3/26/12 Weeks of 4/10/12 4/30/12 Weeks of 5/7/12 5/21/12

For each class block, you must be prepared with the following: 5 Sharpened pencils; Science Lab Composition Notebook

Binder with college-ruled paper and the following tabs for Science: Notes/Guides, Homework, Assessments; Science related materials as requested Students will be provided with a Science Portfolio folder which will hold the students goals and best selected works for each unit. This folder will be housed in class. DAILY EXPECTATIONS Homework You will receive homework on a daily basis. You will also work on long term projects ranging from 1 to 2 weeks. You should spend an average of 15 to 20 minutes completing science homework per day. All papers that are turned in must have a proper heading on the upper right hand side on your paper (First Name, Last Name; Homeroom; Date; Subject) or it will not be accepted. Late homework is not accepted unless there is an excused absence, in which case the student will have the following day to turn in the assignment. Homework will be graded on a scale of 1-4 (4 Exemplary, 3 Model, 2 Approaching, 1 Basic). You may revise homework by the next day it is received to increase a score. Participation, Quizzes, and Tests Active participation in class is crucial to the understanding and completion of work in science. Weekly quizzes and tests, in addition to homework and special projects, will be used to assess your progress in science. Generally, assessments, such as unit exams will be held on Mondays, with makeups held on Tuesdays. Grading You will be graded according to three major categories with the category weights as follows: Assessments (Exams/Quizzes/Projects/Labs Reports) = 40% Class Participation/Organization/Notes/Portfolio = 15% OFFICE HOURS/TUTORING My office hours/tutoring sessions will be held at LEAD Academy Middle School from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Students who are considered below basic or basic will be required to attend. In some cases, sessions will be offered on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. HOW TO CONTACT ME If you have difficulty completing a homework assignment, please call one or both of your homework buddies. If this attempt does not solve the problem, you may contact me before 9 p.m. Make sure to leave an appropriate message with your name, phone number, and the best time to reach you. In addition, if you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact me. All efforts will be made to return calls within 24 hours. Mr. Guanajuato E-mail: cguanajuato@leadacademy.org Ms. Patterson E-mail: cpatterson@leadacademy.org Phone: (615) 934-9848 Phone: (615) 962-4417 Lab/Class work = 25% Homework = 20%

Teachers Young Scientists Signature: _____________________________ Signature: ________________________________ LEAD Academy Middle School 1015 Davidson Drive, Nashville, ___________________________ Parents Signature: _____________________________________ Date: Tennessee 37209 (615) 352-1253 Whatever it takes

You might also like