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Academics

COURSE DESCRIPTION: In this course, students will follow the nationwide Next Generation Science standards while providing a positive Islamic learning environment. These standards help to present and reinforce science concepts from a wide range of topics while developing necessary critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will see science come to life through reading and reflection, experimentation, engaging projects, group discussions, and presentations. 

The science disciplines covered throughout all grade levels include:

  • Scientific Methods & Lab Protocol
  • Engineering Processes & Technology Design
  • Geology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Astronomy
  • Ecology & Environmental Awareness
*Refer to the attached pdf to view the outline of covered topics per grade level 

TEXTBOOK: Students will engage in reading and response activities with the teacher and peers through the Pearson Interactive Science curriculum. Students receive multiple workbooks throughout the year that they are responsible for storing and bringing to class each day. Any lost or damaged books will be charged a fine. 


CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:

Rule #1. Respect your teacher. 

  • Respecting your teacher looks like doing what you are asked the first time without complaining.

  • Listen to directions when they are given, as you save questions or comments for an appropriate asking time.

  • Respect the teacher’s property. Avoid touching or writing on anything that does not belong to you (including desks, textbooks, supply carts, walls, chalkboard, etc.) 

  • Pick up after yourself and clean thoroughly after any activities. 


Why? Respecting your teacher is done because you trust that they have your best interest at heart and that what they establish is done to keep our classroom organized, safe, and fun!


Rule #2. Respect your classmates

  • Respecting your classmates looks like communicating in a healthy way. You may help encourage your classmates, but discouraging talk such as raised voices and belittling comments will not be tolerated. 

  • Respect your classmates by taking care of you. Holding the class behind by not being on time, prepared, and focused diminishes our learning. 

  • Respect your classmates by participating properly in group work and class discussion. Be a team by doing your portion of the work well and by asking one another insightful questions. 


Why? Respecting your classmates is done because our class is like a strong team striving for the same goal. Each classmate plays an irreplaceable role on our team. When one member achieves, the whole team achieves. When one member suffers,the whole team suffers. 


Rule #3. Learn with your whole self.

  • Maximize every part of class by focusing with your eyes, ears, and hands. This means to give the teacher your full attention when you are given information. 

  • Full effort will be given at all times. This includes reading, lectures, activities, labs, games, and tests. 

  • Copying work does not help you learn and will not be tolerated. If you feel you cannot complete an assignment, your teacher is the best source to help you understand. 

Why? Learning with your whole self is done because the education we receive is valuable. If we focus and learn correctly the first time, the information will stick in your brain much easier. 


Rule #4. Ask permission

  • Before getting out of your seat, borrowing materials, or touching equipment raise your hand to ask permission. 

  • Find an appropriate way to ask for permission to do things such as getting up or using the restroom. Save questions that only apply to you for one-on-one conversation. 


Why? Asking permission is not done to limit you, but to limit distraction. Asking permission keeps us safe and helps the class run efficiently. 


Rule #5. Take responsibility.

  • Taking responsibility over the classroom that you would wish to learn in. You can do this by avoiding the attitude of “that’s not my job” or “this is someone else’s”. If you see something that needs to be attended to, do it promptly without having to be told. 

  • Personal responsibility looks like arriving to class before the bell rings and immediately beginning your bellringer. It involves completing all assignments on time. You must clearly communicate with your teacher if you have a concern or a need. 


Why? Taking responsibility is done because it is a necessary skill to have as a contributor to society. If we see something that needs to be done and we fail to do it, we are acting out of selfishness instead of selflessness. 


What happens if our team excels in following the rules?

You earn points each time your teacher notices the class excelling in the rules. Your class can save points to earn privileges:

  1. 5 points: Entire class earns 5 points extra credit

  2. 15 points: Have class outside/elsewhere

  3. 25 points: 25 minutes of free time

  4. 50 points: Class Party

  5. 100 points: Science field trip/special guest day

  6. 200 points: Class chooses an award


What happens if the rules are broken:

  1. Reminder/Re-do

  2. Class reward points deducted

  3. Sent in the hallway with Behavior Reflection Sheet  

  4. Sent to the office with Behavior Reflection Sheet

  5. Parent meeting to create a behavior plan


GRADES: Student’s grades will reflect on three categories throughout the year: formative assessment, summative assessment, and participative activities. Formative activities include daily bellringers, worksheets, homework, reading assignments, and explorative experiments. Summative assessments include projects, quizzes, and tests. Participation points are given for involvement in group discussions, brainstorming, and a quarterly self-reflection. Each unit will have two summative assignments: a quiz and a test or a quiz and a project. Units vary in size, so students will complete 1-3 units per quarter. Extra credit is only available after students finish originally assigned formative assessments and have shown strong effort to do well at these activities. 

The following explains how students’ grades are calculated.

Formative                          60%    

Summative                         35%                            

Participation                         5%




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Leah Stone,
Aug 8, 2021, 5:50 PM