ms. markiewicz’s science syllabus
Lake Nona Middle School
Volume 1, Number 1 6 th grade Life Science 2010-2011
Welcome Objectives
I am happy to welcome This course is designed to provide students with basic
your child to the 6th knowledge of science as it relating to themselves and to their
grade Life Science environment and range of experiences. My goal is to help
class at Lake Nona students develop an understanding of the world so that they are
Middle School. This better prepared to make future sound decisions. The Next
school year will be Generation Sunshine State Standards and benchmarks are the
interesting and very basis of the curriculum.
exciting. All classes
will incorporate work
Course Focus
on guided inquiry, Grading System This course is based on the
creative thinking skills,
Orange County Public Schools’
and problem solving on
framework for higher
real-world activities.
achievement. The scope of
With teamwork and
this course will focus on
communication
helping students develop a
through social
deep understanding of a
interactions in
National and State Life
cooperative groups, The grading system is based Science content and Nature of
we will be able to have on accumulation of points. Science standards for middle
a very pleasant and These points will be school.
successful year. accumulated from different
categories that include class
Contact Information
work which consists mostly of
lab activities, plus some •Room: 613
homework to revise and •Phone: 407-956-8300 x4613
reinforce skills, tests/quizzes, •Email:
the interactive notebook and amy.markiewicz@ocps.net
projects. The grade will be •Website:
determined based on a total teacher.ocps.net/amy.markiewicz
Grading Scale points grading system. All •Teacher blog:
A 90-100 categories combined equal http://teacher.ocps.net/53482
100% of the grade. •School website:
B 80-89 www.lakenonahs.ocps.net
C 70-79
Extra Credit: Students can earn 5 points extra credit every
D 60-69 week. Complete the adult input page at the back of your
F 59 & Below. student’s notebook weekly. It is not intended to replace or
change a grade for assigned class work, homework, etc.
Absences Consequences
It is the student’s responsibility If a student chooses to break a rule,
to inquire about the assignments the following steps will be taken:
missed during their absence. 1. Verbal Warning
Missed work will be made up; 2. Behavior Reflection with Parent
otherwise, a zero will be recorded /Guardian Signature
as the grade. Being absent does not 3. Phone Call Home
excuse a student from an assignment. 4. Parent - Team Conference with
It is important for them to check the behavior contract
“WHAT DID I MISS” folder. 5. Disciplinary Referral.
*Removal of privileges will result if the student is
being disruptive during class.
*Severe behavior will result in an immediate referral
Classroom Procedures to the administration.
It is important to maintain a positive
learning environment at all times. The
following classroom procedures have been Late Work Policy
established to guide us and assure a safe Late work will be accepted. There will be a
place for all: grade penalty for late work. A final deadline
• Be on time; have all materials ready for late work will be given at the end of every
when class begins. nine weeks.
• Raise your hand to ask and answer a
question.
Tests, Quizzes, and Projects:
•Follow the rules of the lab safety contract.
•Tests and quizzes are announced well in
•The teacher dismisses not the bell.
advance. They are given to measure the
• Remain quiet during all announcements.
• Be respectful, polite, and courteous to students’ understanding. Don’t wait until the
everyone. last minute to study.
•Projects will be another important piece of
the student assessments; they will be
Science Interactive Notebooks assigned at least once every nine weeks.
•This notebook will be used as your main Do not wait until last minute to review, put
study tool for the class. together the materials and assemble the
•All papers that you receive and notes will project.
be kept in your science notebook.
•Make sure that you glue all papers into the Class resources
notebook. Do not have loose papers Students will be issued a copy of the textbook,
because these can be lost easily. Glencoe: Life Science. This book is a resource
only. Students will receive other handouts and
•Your notebook will be checked and
work to support the curriculum. Students will also
graded periodically. use a variety of websites to aid in the curriculum.
Tips for parents Please
keep in
1. Check your child’s planner and interactive notebook every day. mind that
2. Make sure to study for tests with your child. Do not wait until the night before. the
syllabus
3. Make sure your child starts working on all projects and reports that he/she is subject
gets assigned well before the due date. to
change.
4. Check your student’s grade on Progress Book on a regular basis. The
website can be accessed from the school website, www.lakenonahs.ocps.net.