SCIENCE

Mrs. Kaiser
Team 8-4

Note: Any of the below is subject to change at the instructors consent.

Introduction: Welcome to science class! My name is Mrs. Kaiser and I have been teaching Science for 12 years. I have undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Xavier University. I currently live in Withamsville with my husband (Ken) and three children-Kendall (10), Kyle (8), and Kory (5). I aim to create an interactive classroom experience where all students will foster knowledge and appreciation for scientific concepts.

Course Objectives: By the end of the course students will have studied a wide variety of scientific topics. Students will develop a better understanding of the natural world, the nature of science, the development of science processes, the principles of science, and the connections between various scientific areas. Students will be able to use appropriate scientific processes and principles in making personal decisions.

Required Materials:
1. Pencils/Pens
2. Loose-leaf paper
3. Textbook (when applicable) Online Version: http://www.phsuccessnet.com
4. Science Journal (spiral notebook)
5. Folder w/ pockets

Course Schedule:
Areas of Study Include: Experimental Design, Scientific Method, Safety, Measurement, Tools of Science, Astronomy, Cells and Heredity, Inside Earth, Earth’s Surface, Forces, Motion, Light and Sound-all with an emphasis on scientific ways of knowing, technology, and inquiry.

Grading:

Tests

Tests are worth approximately 70 points and are given at the end of each unit. There will be 1-2 tests per quarter. Students may use journal notes on tests.

Quizzes
Quizzes are worth 30-35 points and are given at the end of each chapter. Students may use journal notes on quizzes. They should be used as a tool to help prepare for the unit test.

Labs

Students will participate in many labs where good behavior, following directions, and safety are very important. Any student who is inhibiting the safety/learning of another student during a lab, will receive a 0 on the lab. Lab grades will count as homework grades.

Homework

All homework will reinforce what you have learned in class. Late homework is accepted only after 1 day and is given half credit.

Extra Credit:
Students will be given one opportunity to earn extra credit per quarter during the week of interim reports.

Journals:
Students are expected to keep a Science Journal (spiral notebook) and bring it to class every day. Notes, vocabulary, labs, outlines, etc. will be kept in journals. To reward students for good organization and writing, they are permitted to use their journals on quizzes and tests. Journals are NOT graded but may be viewed often.

Contact Information:
I can be reached by phone or e-mail at Nagel Middle School:
Phone: (513) 474-5407 ext. 2235

E-mail: tara.kaiser@foresthills.edu (preferred method of contact)
Team Site: http://www.foresthills.edu/nagel/teams/84/team84.htm
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any comments or special concerns.
A parent may request a conference at any time during the school year.
I am looking forward to a very productive and rewarding year!