1. Coach Gibson
Phone Number:
Conference Period: 7th Period, 2:37 – 3:26
My Tutoring Time: 8:05 - 8:25, Monday – Wednesday
GMS Mission The mission of Granbury Middle School is to provide a safe instructional environment that develops good citizens by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to achieve their potential as lifelong learners.

2. Course Description Design and Modeling
This unit uses solid modeling software (a sophisticated mathematical technique for representing solid objects) to introduce students to the design process. Utilizing this design approach, students understand how design influences their lives. Students also learn sketching techniques and use descriptive geometry as a component of design, measurement, and computer modeling. Students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas, and communicate solutions.
   
Automation and Robotics
Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics. They learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students acquire knowledge and skills in problem solving, teamwork, collaboration, and innovation.
Energy and Environment
Students investigate the importance of energy in our lives and the impact that using energy has on the environment. They design and model alternative energy sources and participate in energy fairs to demonstrate energy concepts and innovative ideas. Students evaluate ways to reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency and waste management techniques.
Flight and Space
In this unit students study the history of aerospace through hands-on activities, research, and a presentation in the form of an infomercial. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test a model glider. Simulation software is used to expose students to traveling and living in space.
    
Science of Technology
This unit traces how science has affected technology throughout history. Students learn about applied physics, chemical engineering, and nanotechnology through exploratory activities and projects.
Magic of Electrons
Through hands-on projects, students explore the science of electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, circuit design, and sensing devices. Students acquire knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and explore the impact of electricity on our lives.

3. Student Behaviors Be Prompt
Once a student enters a classroom, he/she will not be allowed to leave unless it is an emergency or unless they are called to the office.

4. Student Behaviors Be Prepared
Have these materials with you EVERY DAY:
Engineering Notebook
Writing Utensil
Completed Assignment
Requesting to leave to get one of the required materials will result in being marked tardy for the class period.
Students must use the restroom during the four minute passing period and should not be late to class. It is NOT allowable to come to class and ask permission to be late so you can use the restroom. Take care of business during your five minute passing period.

5. Student Behavior Be a polite and positive participant
Speak only when given permission, and listen when others are speaking
Raise your hand and be called on by the teacher before you speak.
Be productive
Turn in work on time and always do your best
Use class-time given to work on assignments
Be a problem solver
Correct problems quickly and peacefully before they escalate

6. Student Behaviors Insubordination:
Students must courteously and respectfully comply with the directives of any staff member at all times.
Failure to comply with the directives of school personnel acting in the performance of their duties will be considered insubordination and subject to immediate disciplinary action (referral).

7. Show Respect
Value yourself. Be honest and ethical, and practice strong moral values. You must respect yourself before anyone else will respect you.
Treat all members of the school community and all visitors with the politeness and respect you would expect them to treat you with.
Honor the ideas and opinions of others.
Offer to help those that need help.
Be responsible with property and belongings.
If you borrow something, put it away
Do NOT mark on furniture
Sit in chairs

8. Promote Life-Long Learning
You can develop lifelong learning traits:
By showing curiosity about human nature and how the world works
By seeking and valuing diversity
By persisting in seeking out new solutions
By using your unique talents and intelligence to promote positive change
By learning and applying technological tools to solve problems

9. Materials List
Pencil
Homework… COMPLETED!
Engineering Notebook

10. Policies
Policies & consequences outlined in the student handbook will be strictly enforced.
No food, water or gum in class.
Be in your seat and quiet when the bell rings.

11. Make-Up Work
Students will normally have one day for each day absent, plus one additional day to make up missed work.
If the student knew of the assignment well in advance of the absence, it may be due immediately upon return as determined by the teacher.
Teachers may also assign additional work to ensure students have sufficient opportunity to master the essential knowledge and skill or to meet course requirements.
A student who does not make up assigned work within the time allotted by the teacher will be referred to the Z.A.P. Policy.
Responsibility for requesting and completing make-up work rests entirely upon the student.
It is your responsibility to remember to turn in assignments, and it is not your teacher's responsibility to remind you.

12. Grading Minor Grades – 60% Major Grades – 30% Common Assessment – 10%
Examples: in-class work, homework, participation, warm-ups, etc.
Major Grades – 30%
Examples: Tests, Quizzes, Projects, etc.
Common Assessment – 10%

13. Late Work LATE WORK POLICY
Students in Pre-AP classes will have one day to turn in late work. Late work will receive no grade higher than 80.
Late work in regular classes will be accepted for 3 days.
One day late will receive a grade no higher than 80
Two days late will receive a grade no higher than 70
Three days late will receive a grade no higher than 60

14. Parent-Student Communication
AGENDAS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Students are required to write down their daily assignments in their student agenda. Class time is given for this purpose. Parents should check their child's agenda on a daily or weekly basis for completion. Agendas will be checked regularly, and students will be held accountable for filling them out completely.
ALERTS
Parents may sign up for Alerts by logging onto the GISD website at
PHONE CALLS:
Parents will be notified of academic or discipline concerns.
TEACHER WEB SITE
Information can be obtained by visiting my website at the following link:

15. My Pledge To Students:
I will respect each and every student as long as I receive their mutual respect.
I will do my best to keep learning interesting and unique.
I will prepare you well beyond where you must be to pass the End of Course exam… my goal is for you to not only work problems, but to have a pure understanding of math concepts, rules, and reasoning.