1. 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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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
Subsequent course placements are defined by the course of study

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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!

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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

20. Communication Email is my preferred communication method.
(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.

21. 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