Curriculum Night th Grade Science Mrs. Zuffante Room 105

Mrs. Dawn Zuffante Contact Information Additional information can be found at my classroom website: frost.sd54.org/dzuffante Credentials Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology -National College of Education Master’s Degrees – – National Louis University – Master of Arts in Teaching – Dominican University – Educational Administration – Benedictine University – Reading and Literacy Licenses - Elementary Education, Reading Specialist, and Administrative – Endorsements in General Science, Social Science, and Language Arts – Coursework in Gifted Education

` 95 Culture 95 Math 95 Reading

Science

Curriculum The Scientific Method Physics and Energy Astronomy Environmental Science - Human Impacts

Curriculum Topics in Detail Scientific Method Physics and Energy – Forces and motion – Friction – Gravity – Electricity and electromagnetism – Kinetic vs. potential energy Astronomy – Planets – Formation of the Earth, moon, sun, and stars – Seasons Environmental Science/Human Impacts – Natural resources (renewable vs. nonrenewable) – Energy forms and generation (fossil fuels and alternative energy) – Human impact on the environment

Balanced Science Instruction Daily Bell/Word Work – 5-10 min Content based with connection to sequence of literacy skills and/or word work Daily Shared Reading/Content – min Whole group skill and/or strategy instruction Teacher Modeling and/or Think Aloud Content Objective Instruction Informational Text Objective Instruction Daily Writing – min Shared Independent

Grading System – Based on points Extra credit opportunities are offered throughout each trimester TaskPointsPercentage Tests (2-3 per trimester)100 points20% Quizzes (3-6 per trimester)25 points20% Homework and LabsHomework – 10 pts. Labs – 50 pts. 60%

Homework Responsibility of Teacher: Teachers will keep in mind the following when assigning homework: -independent work with appropriate level of difficulty -connection to curriculum -availability of materials at home -coordination with other content areas (assessments) Responsibilities of Students: -Complete assignments in a thorough and thoughtful manner -Turn in assignments by due date -To use assignment notebook for organization -Complete assignments with minimal assistance from parent or guardian -Students will receive no less than 60% for late assignments Responsibility of Parent or Guardian: -Ask students to summarize what they have learned throughout the week -Monitor Infinite Campus (also known as the parent portal) weekly -Check homework page on website -Communicate with teacher for questions or concerns -Encourage your student!

Grading System – (continued) Common Assessments – Cut-off score is 70% – If a student needs to be retaught and retested, a score of 75% will be received after meeting or exceeding the cut-off score on the test. Reteaching and retesting will most often occur after school. Labs – If a student is absent on a lab day, he/she will be exempt from the assignment but they will still be responsible for learning the information. Assignments – Are due on the due date given!

TEXTBOOKS A hard copy was given to each student on September 3 An on-line version is available at this website: – – User Name: dzuffante – Password: x9a8n The students received this information on Thursday, September 3 rd on a green card that should be taped into their assignment notebooks

TEACHER-PARENT COMMUNICATION Please feel free to or call me with questions or concerns or to provide me with information about your child I will do my best to respond within 24 hours

Thank YOU! Your child and I appreciate your attendance this evening! Together, we can make this a wonderful year of discovery and learning!

Frost Strong: Our Best Selves