Course Syllabus Mr. Robbins

1. To learn about living organisms, as described in the California Next Generation Science Standards. 2. To learn about what science is, and how scientists investigate the natural world. 3. To practice safe and accurate scientific methods and investigations. 4. To learn together with respect, responsibility, communication, and cooperation.

1. Reading, writing, lecture, discussions, drawings, group work, projects, book reports, PowerPoint presentations, and model construction. 2. Labs and other hands-on activities. 3. Guest speakers, field trips, movies, dissections, other activities, as time permits...

1. Laboratory procedures/safety, equipment, lab activities, dissections, and scientific method. 2. Living things 3. Cells 4. Genetics and DNA 5. Light 6. Body Systems 7. Evolution

1. Laboratory procedures/safety, equipment, lab activities, dissections, and scientific method. 2. Cells 3. Ecosystems 4. Energy 5. Water and Weather 6. Plate Tectonics 7. Structure and Properties of Matter

1. [Science Journal] Composition Notebook – 1 subject, 100 sheets, wide or college ruled. Can be found at Staples or Walmart. *Suggest buying 2 as they are 50 cents 2. Pens and pencils 3. Chromebook (obtained through the school) 4. Please have all of these materials by Thursday August 13 th.

1. 3-ringed binder with a section for science (this can be one that you use in every class) 2. Colored pencils and crayons 3. Highlighter(s)

1. Homework will be assigned one to two times a week and will not be extensive. 2. Each quarter will have one or two longer-term projects depending on the subject at hand. 3. Note: any homework assigned is purposeful and not busy work. Homework is assigned to reinforce the learning objectives taught the same day; therefore the amount of homework each week will be different.

1. If absent, you will have extra time to complete your work relative to the amount the amount of time missed (For example: 1 day absent = 1 extra day to turn work in) 2. Other late work will be given ½ of the original credit. All work should be turned in even if late. 3. If absent for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to check in with the teacher and figure out what they have missed.

1. Ask for help if you need it!! 2. It is okay to not know something, but it is not okay to keep on not knowing. 3. I am more than happy to help you outside of class if needed.

1. Formal assessments (determining what you know) will include quizzes and tests. Most of these will be a combination of multiple choice, true/false, and matching; a scantron will usually accompany tests Tests will also include aspects related to Common Core, in order to prepare students for the upcoming changes. 2. Projects 3. The grading scale is the normal standard: A: 90% and above B: 80 – 89% C: 70 – 79% D: 60 – 69% F: below 60 %

4. All tests (quizzes as well) are worth 40% of your grade. 5. Your Science Journal is worth 40% of your grade. 6. Homework is worth 20% of your grade. 7. There will be an extra credit assignment every one to two weeks.

1. Show RESPECT to yourself, other people, and property. 2. Accept RESPONSIBILITY for your work, your decisions, and your actions. 3. Ask for help if needed! 4. Work COOPERATIVELY with your classmates and school staff. 5. Be PREPARED and FOCUSED. School is for learning first, socializing later. 6. DO YOUR BEST to do your best: work hard, play fair, be nice.

1. Come into class quietly. 2. Be in your seat, with all materials ready, and actively pursuing the warm-up when class begins. If not, you will be marked tardy. 3. Raise your hand before speaking unless otherwise directed. 4. Stay focused on the lesson; do not distract others from their learning. 5. You may bring water or Gatorade to drink during class. No other drink, food, candy or gum.

1. Students will receive points according to their individual and group’s behavior and work ethic. This will be done through Class Dojo. Points can be traded in for extra credit, candy, or other special events.

-Students who do not follow the rules and procedures of Mr. R's classroom will face some or all of the following consequences. 1. Verbal warning 2. Processing (sent to another class) 3. Lunch detention or 2-day suspension from class, note or phone call home. 5. Administration referral, after-school detention, or further suspension.