Syllabus

Dear Student and Parents,

Welcome to our Environmental Science class! This class is an opportunity for you to work together with friends, parents, and community members while learning about science. I hope the many class activities and hands-on projects help you have fun learning, and show you how science can be valuable in your life. An important reason for meeting together in classes is to share information and experiences; your participation and cooperation are vital to making this class a positive experience for all of us.

The purpose of this syllabus is to help you be more successful in Science by explaining daily activities, classroom rules, grading policies, expectations for your participation, and other information about the class. Required Class Supply: ** 3 Subject Notebook that contains pocket folders for handouts, quizzes, and tests Pens or Pencils Classroom procedures and expectations ** We will be meeting together with a full class of students. The expectations below will allow us to organize quickly each day with a common understanding:
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1. Arrive on time by being in your assigned seat before bell time. Come to class with a positive attitude ready to participate in class activities. 2. Be prepared by bringing materials and completed assignments to class. 3. Your behavior should show respect for the rights of others to learn and the teacher to teach. 4. All PWHS classroom and campus rules apply in this class. (Class rules are posted in the classroom and campus rules are in your student handbook). 5. Personal errands are not allowed during class time unless it is an emergency. 6. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">You must know and be able to demonstrate safe use of any materials and equipment before using them in this classroom. Safe and appropriate behavior is required at all times. Assignments **<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Assignments will be announced and will be posted on our class website: <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http://enviscienceclass.wikispaces.com <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> for up-to-date information on class assignments, projects or updates about our class. Contact me at (610)284-8080 or email me at <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; msobidifontfamily: 'Times New Roman'; msofareastfontfamily: 'Times New Roman';">schanpeter@wpsd.k12.us.pa <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> if you need more information and I will respond back as soon as possible. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">If you are present in class, assignments must be turned in on time to receive full credit. Late work will be penalized. If absent with a legitimate reason (illness or family matters), a note is needed from your parent, and you will receive full credit for make-up work that is turned in no later than 5 school days following your return to school. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> Work more than one week late will not be accepted for credit. You are strongly encouraged to complete work on time; each new class activity uses concepts from previous assignments, and student teams depend on completion of your work for finishing group projects. You are responsible for completing all work whether you are present in class the day the work is assigned or not. Grading ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Class assignments are given to help you improve your science skills and assess what you have learned about doing science work. A large part of your grade is for your participation and progress in achieving these two goals.
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Your grade will be based on the points earned for each completed assignment. <span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Although credit varies for different kinds of science work, daily class assignments earn 10 points. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Final letter grades will be based on the percentage of the total number of points possible that you have earned.

Every student will receive at their progress before a final report card grade is issued or more often if you request it. **Please keep __ALL__ graded assignments returned to you until after the quarter grade is issued** <span style="font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-no-proof: yes;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">

Please feel free to call me at school if you have questions about the science class or your student’s class work.

Sincerely, Mrs. Chan-Peter

After you have read this syllabus, please complete the information below and return it to me by **Thursday, September 10, 2009** in order to receive credit//. **This copy of signed syllabus will be kept on file and a copy will be return to you with credit given.**// Student name (please print) ** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">**Period** <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Garamond','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">**Best available time**
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