1.  Teachers: Mrs. Christine Forte and Miss Kaitlin Hennighan

2.  Geologic Time  Plate Tectonics  Rock Cycle  Distribution of Natural Resources  Mechanical and Physical Weathering

3.  The Biosphere  Human Impact on the Environment  Carbon Footprints  Global Climate Change

4.  Atmosphere & Weather Factors  Weather Patterns  Extreme Weather

5.  Our Solar System o Earth, Sun, Moon Relationships o Scale in the Solar System  Stars & Galaxies

6. MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday Class Lab Activity Stations Activities Class Lecture Topic Reinforcement/ Review * Tests and Quizzes are typically scheduled on Thursdays Friday Challenge

7.  “When we think science education, we tend to think preparation for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which are wellsprings of innovation in our economy. Why then is ensuring scientific and technological literacy for all students of equal concern? Over the past decades, demands have shifted in favor of skilled jobs requiring more education than the unskilled jobs they replaced. Moreover, many of the fastest growing occupations are those where science and mathematics play a central role.” - www.nextgenscience.org

8. November 2015 - Earthquake Resistant Structures

10.  Mrs. Forte Miss Hennighan

11.  Points calculations can be found at the top of all quizzes and tests.  Category weights for report card calculations are based on the GCMS whole-school model: o 10% = Homework o 40% = Formative – includes: vocabulary quizzes, station summaries, lab reports / conclusions, Friday challenges, & some projects o 50% = Summative – includes: Tests & some projects

12.  Late homework assignments are only given partial credit.  Late homework is not accepted once the test has been given.

13.  Assessments in science class are challenging. We are working toward a common goal of developing critical thinking skills and creating life-long learners  Quizzes – Students receiving a non-passing score (70% or below) can re-take the quiz. The greatest score awarded for a re-take is a “B” letter grade.  Tests – Tests incorporate the use of notes to some extent. o Some tests may be completely open notebook, while others may only have an open notebook portion of the test. No test re-takes will be offered.

14.  Extra credit is offered throughout the marking period, particularly in the middle, never in the last week!  How to get Extra Credit: o Complete extra credit assignments o Bringing in items from home that relate to the topic we are talking about o Bringing in brochures or pictures from museums or trips you took as a family, that relate our science units covered throughout the year

15.  Student’s developmental readiness in middle school is akin to that from birth to age two; the most changes happen in the shortest amount of time. Some children may be ready more quickly than others.  Accommodations are tailored to students as needed.  Academic rigor in middle school will adequately prepare your child for high school.  We look forward to a great year with your children! Please feel free to reach out via email when necessary. Conferences can be scheduled upon request.