Curriculum Night schedule Mrs. Merritt - Science 5:00 - 5:20 PM  1st Period Classroom 5:23 - 5:43 PM  2nd Period Classroom 5:46 - 6:06 PM   3rd Period Classroom    *(no 4th period tonight in rotation) 6:09 - 6:29 PM   5th Period Classroom 6:32 - 6:52 PM   6th Period Classroom 6:55 - 7:15 PM   7th Period Classroom

Central Michigan University Bachelors of Science in Education Major: Earth Science Astronomy Geology Ecology Minor: Geography

About Me I love Science! Geology is my favorite! – I collect rocks. I have 2 cats – Peach and Kiki Video Game Enthusiast Zander Just turned 2 this summer! Some hobbies are: Reading Photography video games hiking Tennis Yoga

Curricular Goals 7th grade science emphasizes Processing Skills The Application of the Scientific Process Earth Science (Geology) Space Science ( Astronomy) Ecology and the Environment

Curriculum 3rd and 4th Quarters 1st and 2nd Quarters Ecology -Classification - Microbiology - Ecosystems and Biomes - Interactions in the environment Astronomy -Earth, Moon, & Sun -Objects in Space -Rockets & Space Technology 1st and 2nd Quarters Processing Skills -Lab Safety -Metric System -Scientific Process -Scientific Research Geology -Rocks & Minerals -Weathering & Erosion -Plate Tectonics -Fossils/Earth History

GATE SCIENCE Will study the same content as regular Moves at a much faster pace Project based Must maintain a B Must not have any major behavioral issues/concerns Contracts for advanced courses will go out next week

What to Expect for 2018-19 GATE Course of Study Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum Criteria for Placement Professional Development

Course of Study Courses are taught by a content specialist (GATE teacher) GATE coursework is available in all four core areas English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies courses based upon grade level standards with extension/enrichment Opportunities for high school math credit Two electives of choice Subject 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade English Language Arts GATE ELA 6 GATE ELA 7 GATE ELA 8 Social Studies GATE SS 6 GATE SS 7 GATE SS 8 Science GATE Sci 6 GATE Sci 7 GATE Sci 8 Math Compact Math 6/7a OR Compact Math 7b/8 Algebra 1-2 Honors Geometry 1. in the area of study who has received training to address the needs of gifted learners

Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum Updated curriculum guides for all GATE courses address challenge, complexity, choice and control provide extension and enrichment consistency across schools collaboration between teachers Syllabus for each course showing expectations and learning outcomes Learning compacts are in place for participation in GATE courses to ensure courses are rigorous

Criteria for Placement Initial placement of students as they transition into 6th grade includes Identification in one or more areas of giftedness AND/OR Multiple measures of high ability (e.g., AzMERIT proficiency, classroom grades, teacher recommendation) Full criteria available at https://www.kyrene.org/AdvPlacement Subsequent course placements are defined by the course of study

Everyday Materials AVID BINDER – 1 3inch binder for ALL SUBJECTS Green 1 subject notebook or lose leaf paper Green folder OR tab divider with pockets Writing instruments (pencils - preferably Mechanical, a blue or black pen) Personal Pencil Sharpener 4 colored highlighters (yellow, pink, blue, green) Colored pencils/markers Metric ruler Scissors Glue sticks Tape *Donations: We really do go through a lot of scissors, tape, glue, Construction Paper and colored pencils in Science! Also soda bottles, cardstock paper & clear packaging tape for a fun project 4th quarter!

Expectations Basic Expectations of students: Be on time and prepared for class every day. Notebook/paper Pencil Any homework/classwork ready Always give your best effort to master all objectives. Turn in assignments on time and be prepared for tests and weekly quizzes. Follow all class and school policies outlined in the student handbook.

Grading 80% of a student’s grade is based on tests, quizzes, projects, formal labs and other assessments. 20% of a student’s grade is based on class/homework (science notebooks, worksheets, etc.) Homework will consist of finishing class work, reviewing notes and studying for assessments. Grades and assignments are available online through the Parent Portal and Student Portal.

ALWAYS KEEP TRACK OF HOMEWORK IN YOUR AGENDA! Grading Scale 100% - 90% = A 89% - 80% = B 79% - 70% = C 69% - 60% = D 59% - 50% = F Tests/Quizzes/Essays comprise 80% of the grade; Homework/Classwork comprise 20% of the grade. Study time: It is also suggested that students have 1 hour every school night to study! If you break it down, that’s only 15 minutes for each core class! Remember, this is purely study time, not homework hour. Students should only have homework if they did not finish class work during class. They have opportunities to complete homework during class or during their repeated 4th period class. ALWAYS KEEP TRACK OF HOMEWORK IN YOUR AGENDA!

Example 1st quarter learning goal SCORE 4 In addition to a 3, you can teach another student how to use the metric system. SCORE 3 You understand how to measure volume, mass, distance, and temperature, using the metric system. SCORE 2 You can measure some things in metrics without help, but need help with others. SCORE 1 You cannot use the metric system much or at all. Score You did not complete/turn in any metric work so the teacher cannot assess your knowledge.

Testing policy Pre-tests are given at the start of each unit. These are graded so the student knows their score, and are entered in the gradebook so parents can see the students knowledge of a particular subject. However, the grade that is entered DOES NOT count for or against the student. Tests are given at the conclusion of units and at the end of each quarter. Study guides are provided for unit tests. These provide an outline for students to review major concepts covered during a chapter or unit. Students will fill out the study guides using all their resources from that unit. Extra credit is available for having this filled out before we go over the answers in class. Quizzes are given weekly or bi-weeklyto check progress. Study guides are not provided for quizzes. Students should study their notes to prepare for quizzes.

Absences Participation is essential in science. Students cannot take lab materials home with them, therefore missed labs may require an alternative assessment. Students are given an equal number of days to their absences to complete make-up work. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain make-up work from the website, a group member, a classmate, or me.

Communication What you can expect: The commitment to reply to parent contact within a timely manner Grades posted online through Synergy in a timely manner Website updated each week containing ALL notes, worksheets and information

Communication What you can expect from your student: Clear expectations of assignments each week Clear goals to stay current with work each night Knowledge of classroom structure and behavior from the core teachers Ways to communicate classroom learning with you at home via AVID Planner

Communication Email is my preferred communication method. Jmerritt@kyrene.org (Include your child’s name in the address line) My webpage is up and assignments will be listed shortly. This is the best place to keep up to date with assignments and what’s going on in class.

Curriculum Night schedule 5:00 - 5:20 PM  1st Period Classroom 5:23 - 5:43 PM  2nd Period Classroom 5:46 - 6:06 PM   3rd Period Classroom    *(no 4th period tonight in rotation) 6:09 - 6:29 PM   5th Period Classroom 6:32 - 6:52 PM   6th Period Classroom 6:55 - 7:15 PM   7th Period Classroom Room numbers: Furman 202, Klett 203, Merritt 207, Sleiman 206