1. BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT 2011 Mr. Ziegenfuss “Mr. Z” General Science Rm.112 Explorer Team Research Projects Science Textbooks Grading Components Staying Connected- Teacher information and calendar updates

2. Science Textbook Science and Technology- Marking Period 1 Science and Technology- Marking Period 1 Sound and Light- Marking Period 2 Sound and Light- Marking Period 2 Ecology and the Environment- Marking Period 4 Ecology and the Environment- Marking Period 4 Astronomy and Space Science- Marking Period 3 Astronomy and Space Science- Marking Period 3

3. Textbook Features Students may use myscienceonline.com to access an electronic student text. (All students have been given a user name and password) Students may use myscienceonline.com to access an electronic student text. (All students have been given a user name and password) Textbooks are consumable, students will be writing in their textbooks almost daily Textbooks are consumable, students will be writing in their textbooks almost daily Students will receive their new textbooks quarterly. Please encourage students not to lose these! Students will receive their new textbooks quarterly. Please encourage students not to lose these! Students will use their online textbooks to answer questions, conduct experiments, and view real life field work being conducted by scientists. Students will use their online textbooks to answer questions, conduct experiments, and view real life field work being conducted by scientists.

4. GRADES *Test scores < 70% will need to be signed by parent

5. How do I make sense of the online gradebook? Log on to your account at palisadessd.org. and click on “grades” Log on to your account at palisadessd.org. and click on “grades” The following codes you may see in my gradebook: N, AB, M, or I. The following codes you may see in my gradebook: N, AB, M, or I. N=not applicable or excused. Examples: student transferring to a new class, extended illness, vacation, or not yet graded. N=not applicable or excused. Examples: student transferring to a new class, extended illness, vacation, or not yet graded. M=Missing. Assignment was collected, but student turned nothing in. M=Missing. Assignment was collected, but student turned nothing in. AB=Absent AB=Absent I=Incomplete. Assignment turned in, but assignment not complete. I=Incomplete. Assignment turned in, but assignment not complete.

6. Additional Information -USB flashdrives and headphones Coming down in price ($4.99-7.99 at Target) Coming down in price ($4.99-7.99 at Target) 128 MB should be more than enough memory, and can be used for ALL academic subjects. 128 MB should be more than enough memory, and can be used for ALL academic subjects. Headphones- (These do not need to be purchased if your child already has headphones). Price-$4.99 online. Headphones- (These do not need to be purchased if your child already has headphones). Price-$4.99 online.

7. Science Vocabulary Science Vocabulary- critical vocabulary be introduced and assessed throughout the marking periods. Science Vocabulary- critical vocabulary be introduced and assessed throughout the marking periods. Science vocabulary can be found grouped at the beginning of each section, highlighted/bold-faced in text, and written in each student’s blue binder. Science vocabulary can be found grouped at the beginning of each section, highlighted/bold-faced in text, and written in each student’s blue binder. Science vocabulary can be printed off of teacher webpage (Link called “science vocabulary”) Science vocabulary can be printed off of teacher webpage (Link called “science vocabulary”) Team calendar will outline when science vocabulary quizzes will given. Team calendar will outline when science vocabulary quizzes will given.

8. “How do I know when my child has upcoming tests or projects due? How can I find out the homework each evening without a fight?” Go to www.palisadessd.org. Go to www.palisadessd.org.www.palisadessd.org Click on drop down menu “Palisades Middle School” Click on drop down menu “Palisades Middle School” Select “Teams”, then “Explorers- 6 th grade” Select “Teams”, then “Explorers- 6 th grade” Click on “Calendar” on the left side of the page. Click on “homework” to view daily assignments. Click on “Calendar” on the left side of the page. Click on “homework” to view daily assignments. Science vocabulary can be found attached to my teacher page. Science vocabulary can be found attached to my teacher page.

9. Contact Information *E-Mail: zziegenfuss@palisadessd.org *E-Mail: zziegenfuss@palisadessd.orgzziegenfuss@palisadessd.org Phone: (team) 610.847.5131 extn.1108 Phone: (team) 610.847.5131 extn.1108 Phone: (classroom) 610.847.5131 extn.1112 Phone: (classroom) 610.847.5131 extn.1112*preferred