Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter
Public School
Fifth Grade Science Course Syllabus
2011-2012
Homeroom Teacher Email Phone #
Georgetown Ms. Rebecca Edelman redelman@pacrim.org 617-361-0050 Ext. 136
Princeton Ms. Amanda McCaslin amccaslin@pacrim.org 617-361-0050 Ext. 144
Williams Ms. Kallie Moar kmoar@pacrim.org 617-361-0050 Ext. 113
Welcome to your fifth grade science class!
We are looking forward to a fantastic year with the fifth grade students! During the year, we will build
on the understanding of science that you bring to APR. We will focus on what it means to be a
scientist and the tools scientists use to make observations, create experiments, and solve problems. By
June, you will be masters of Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. Most importantly, you
will learn scientific inquiry skills so that you can design experiments to investigate your own
questions. Experiments will be an essential (and fun!) part of this course so come prepared to be
curious and explore new ideas! We promise that if you work hard and cooperate with your fellow
scientists, you will be incredibly successful.
Goals: G.A.M.E!
Science is not about memorizing random facts, procedures, and information. Our goal this year will be
to create a solid foundation of knowledge and problem solving skills for the students to use in science
as well as other content areas. In every unit we will “Get in the GAME.”
Gain knowledge
Apply what we have learned
Master the material
Demonstrate Excellence
By the end of this course every student will be familiar with this phrase and be able to successfully
apply it when introduced to new concepts.
Class Materials
It is your responsibility to have the following materials with you in class on a daily basis.
o Green 3 ring folder: with pockets
o Composition notebook OR spiral notebook
o Sharpened pencils with erasers
o 1-2 highlighters
o Completed homework assignments
Class Content
Trimester One Trimester Two Trimester Three
Scientific Inquiry Matter Organisms
Scientific Method Energy Characteristics of Living
Measurement Light Things
Technology and Engineering Heat Structures and Functions
Properties of Materials and Sound Adaptations
Objects Electricity Ecosystems
Earth Science Magnetism Energy and Living Things
Earth’s Materials Movement Behavior
Earth in the Solar System Energy Transformations Weather and Climate
The Water Cycle
o
Classroom Expectations: KGPRIDE!
1. Show KAIZEN by cooperating with others.
2. Show GAMBATTE by never giving up when understanding new ideas.
3. Show PURPOSE by setting goals and working hard to meet them.
4. RESPECT your classmates by SLANTING and listening carefully to their ideas.
5. Show INTEGRITY by doing your own work and trying to do what is right.
6. Be DARING! Participate, investigate new questions, and don’t be afraid to explore and share
your great ideas. (Remember to be SAFE when you are daring.)
7. Strive for EXCELLENCE. Revise work. Use strategies to solve tough problems.
8. Follow all APR expectations.
Student Work Policies
Point Values
Assignment Points
Homework 10
Classwork 10-20
Do Nows (Weekly) 10
Exit Slips 10
Quizzes 30-50
Tests/Projects 100-150
Labs 30-50
Late Work: Late work will be accepted during the first trimester only. Late work in the first
trimester will earn a maximum of 70% of the total possible points. During the second and third
trimesters, no late work will be accepted. Late work is any work that is turned in after 7:40 am on the
due date, unless the student is tardy or absent.
Revisions: Improving your work is an important learning process! During the first two trimesters,
I will assign many of your revisions in science as homework or class work. If I do not assign the
revision, then you are responsible for revising it on your own. In the third trimester I will expect
students to take the initiative to revise their own work. Most class work, Exit Slips, and homework
may be revised and turned in within two weeks of the due date. Revised work can earn full credit.
Tests and Quizzes may never be revised. Sometimes I will assign you to fix mistakes on tests and
quizzes as homework; this will be to improve your knowledge, not your grade.
Homework: You should expect to receive homework in science on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
night. In order to succeed in class, you must complete homework consistently. An incomplete
homework assignment will earn only one point. A homework assignment with no name will earn a
zero. Bringing home your notes and class work is a great way to make sure you successfully complete
your homework.
Exit Slips: Exit Slips are some of the most important assignments you will do in science. Do them
carefully and always revise them. Use them as study guides before tests and quizzes. They have all
the ideas and vocabulary you need to know.
Do Nows: Do Nows are given on a weekly handout. They are due on Fridays, with all days
completed. If you are absent, complete the days you are absent and turn them into the Revision Bin.
Mastery: In addition to grades, refer to the rubrics on your papers to find out your level of mastery.
Our goal is to master all the material. Most of your work will tell you your level of mastery at the time
you do the assignment:
Mastery: You understand very, very well and can apply your knowledge.
Proficient: You have a pretty good understanding and can apply most of your knowledge. With
a few improvements, you’ll be an expert.
Beginning Proficiency: You are starting to get it and can apply some of your knowledge.
Practice and ask for help to become an expert.
Needs Improvement: You have some important misunderstandings and can apply little or none
of your knowledge. Ask for help to become an expert.
We look forward to being your science teachers this year! We are all resources for both students and
parents if you ever need any help or have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s
respective teacher at any time.
Sincerely,
Ms. Edelman Ms. McCaslin Ms. Moar
5th and 8th Grade Science 5th and 7th grade Science 5th Grade Science and
Academy of the Pacific Rim Academy of the Pacific Rim Physical Education
Academy of the Pacific Rim
APR Science Lab Safety Rules
1. Wear chemical splash goggles when using chemicals and/or open flames.
2. Tie long hair back so it cannot catch fire from a flame. Hair burns very readily.
3. Wear shoes in the laboratory. Do not wear bulky clothing.
4. Never eat or drink in the laboratory.
5. Read all labels carefully.
6. Never smell anything in the laboratory unless your teacher tells you it is safe.
7. Never taste materials unless given special instruction by your teacher.
8. Never work on an experiment without teacher supervision.
9. If you burn yourself on a hot object, immediately hold the burned area under cold water for 15 minutes
and inform your teacher.
10. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas, including sinks, should be kept clean and tidy. Put
unnecessary materials out of sight.
11. Report all accidents to your teacher.
12. Do not touch broken glass. Tell the teacher immediately.
13. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals.
14. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
15. Mature conduct is expected at all times. Keep non-essential conversation to a minimum. Do not make
quick moves or loud noises.
ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IS ALLOWED.
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR SCIENCE TEACHER!
LAB SAFETY CONTRACT
Name:_______________________
Homeroom: __________________
Date:________________________
Do you wear contact lenses? (Circle one) Yes No
Do you have medical conditions, such as asthma or allergies? (Circle one) Yes No
If so, describe ___________________________________________________________
I, ________________________ have read , understand and agree to follow all of the safety rules and policies
listed on the Life Science syllabus and APR Science Lab Safety Rules sheet. I realize that I must obey these
rules to ensure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and teachers. I will cooperate to the fullest extent
with my teacher and fellow students to maintain a safe environment. I will also closely follow the oral and
written instructions provided by the teacher.
Student Signature Date
___________________________________________ _________________________
Dear Parent or Guardian: We feel that you should be informed regarding the school’s effort to create and
maintain a safe science classroom. With the cooperation of the teachers, parents, and students, we can eliminate,
prevent, and correct possible hazards.
You should be aware of the safety instructions your son/daughter will receive before engaging in any laboratory
work. No student will be permitted to perform laboratory activities unless this agreement is signed by both the
student and parent/guardian.
Your signature on this agreement indicates that you have read and understand the syllabus and safety contract
and will instruct your child to uphold his/her agreement to follow these rules and procedures in the laboratory
and classroom.
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
___________________________________________ _________________________
In case of an accident or emergency, contact:
___________________________________________ Phone # ( )_________________