Miss Shea's Website

Class Syllabus

Course Description: This course will be an introduction to the scientific field.  We will work together to discovery science concepts through guided practice, group work, research, individual practice, and facilitated discussions.  Since learning is an active process, participation in all learning activities, including but not limited to homework, classwork, and laboratory exercises is essential for gaining mastery of science.   The course has two goals: to prepare the girls to gain a basic understanding of chemistry and to prepare the girls to pass the New York State Science Regents Exam in June 2013.

CWe will arrive to class on time and prepared.  This means coming to class before the tardy bell rings, obtaining a pass if you are late to class, entering the classroom quietly, following paper collection and submission procedures (discussed in “classroom procedures” section below), sitting at your seat and beginning silent work immediately.  Being prepared means coming to class with the materials necessary for success (as discussed in “necessary supplies” section below).

C We will foster open communication.  This means that we will not speak while others are speaking, will not argue over differences of opinions, and will assist each other in understanding concepts.  If we are not working in groups, you are expected to be respectful of myself as I lead class.  This means not talking to peers, not passing notes, nor interrupting to ask permission to use the restroom or get a drink.

C You will follow the student code of conduct.  This refers to following school wide policies, including but not limited to, not using cell phones or other electronic devises during class, no chewing gum or eating food within the classrooms, water being brought to class in ALH approved water bottles, refraining from using inappropriate language, and vandalizing property. 

C We will value everyone’s time.  This means we will remain focused on exploring content during classroom time, completing assignments outside of classroom time as necessary, and will stay focused and not distract the learning of others.  Everyone learns differently, and as long as your learning process does not disrupt the learning process of others, different learning styles and methods will be embraced. 

C We will attend class regularly.  If you are unable to make it to a class meeting you will be expected to adhere to the following policies:

o   Upon return to class, you will hand in homework that was due the first day you missed class.

o   You will collect assignments and handouts from the days you missed.  These will be located in the student supply corner.

o   Upon the return from an excused absence, you will have as many days as you were absent to hand in all assignments missed.  For example if you missed two days, you have two days to make up the homework and classroom assignments.  If you are unsure what assignments must be turned in, ask me, I will gladly help you make a “to-do” list for our course.  Upon the return from an unexcused absence, you will not be provided the opportunity to make up classwork or homework.

o   You will take any exams or quizzes the day of your return.  In the cases of extended absences, you and I will make arrangements to get you caught up and able to take the exam.

o   You will take initiative in making up assignments, including tests and quizzes. 

C  We will complete assigned homework.  Homework is not optional.  It is assigned to give you practice and reinforcement of a concept.  It also helps me understand where you are in mastering the content.  Homework will be collected regularly.  Some homework will be self-graded in class and other homework assignments will be collected and graded by myself.  Late homework will not be accepted with the exception of tardiness due to an excused absence.  All homework and classwork must be in the required format described below.  One missing assignment will lead to the assignment of Flex Time.  Flex Time for Science is Fridays from 3:05-3:35.  Three missed homework assignments results in an automatic infraction that will lead to Saturday detention.

C  We will ask questions and seek additional assistance in mastering content.  We are all human and we will all need help at times.  I am available any time through phone and email as listed above.  I will also be available before and after school.  Every day I will be here from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm.  Most days I will arrive earlier and remain in the school longer.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.  I would rather answer you question as to what the homework assignment was at 11 pm over put a zero in the grade book the next day at school.

Required Materials: The following materials will need to bring with you to your CHEMISTRY or PHYSICS class everyday!

1 Binder- minimum of 1 inch.  Dividers are optional.

1 Loose leaf paper

1 Pens and pencils

1 Calculator- graphing or scientific

1 Colored pencils

1 Highlighter (any color)

Required texts:

All texts necessary for class will be provided in class. 

A regents review book will be necessary for our last unit.  Those must be purchased through the school.  Notices with buying dates and prices will be sent home after the third interval assessment.

Required format:

Each assignment must be submitted in the following format:

8 Typed assignments must be double spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman font, with 1 inch margins.

8 Written assignments must be done in pen and writing must be legible.

8 Written assignments heavy in mathematics work may be submitted in pen.

Communication:Communication between teachers, parents/guardians, and students is essential for success in education.  I hope to remain in positive contact with the family of my girls.  I will frequently post updates to my website, as well as send home emails, mailings, and place phone class.  I will communicate positive aspects of your girl’s learning, not just challenges that may arise.  Please feel free to remain in contact with me as well about anything.