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Syllabus
Fifth grade science is usually a student’s first full year of science education. It is important for the student’s future science education that he or she have a successful year at this level.
In fifth grade science we learn about four different, broad areas of science. They are Nature of Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science. The curriculum that is taught is directed by the State of Texas, Texas Education Agency(TEA), through the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills(TEKS). What is taught and learned in science by fifth graders is tested in April of each year. The test is called the science TAKS test or Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills. It is important for the welfare of the students, our school, our district, and our community that the students do the very best that they can to pass the science TAKS test.
In fifth grade science we will have, on average, two laboratory experiences each week. It is important that every student be in class each day so that they will be able to successfully participate in the labs. In addition to labs we will be using technology to enhance our knowledge of science. We will view videos on computers using video streaming, use the computer lab for some lessons, and use a digital microscope for investigations.
My responsibility is to be the teacher. I am charged with teaching science to all of my students. I will have a positive attitude toward all of my students. I will bring a high level of energy and enthusiasm to my classroom each day. I will endeavor to make each class day as interesting as possible. I will encourage and motivate my students in any way I can. If any of my students are having difficulty in my class I will spend extra time instructing them if I am asked. I will maintain control of my classroom by using whatever means I am allowed.
Your job as a student is to be in class each day for the entire length of the class. You also must bring with you a desire to learn each day. The students’ responsibility is to learn. Your science grade is also your responsibility. You are responsible to ask for help when needed. Each student is also responsible for his or her own behavior.
Laboratory experiences are an important part of the fifth grade science curriculum. Labs are expensive to set up in both time and money. Labs will not be reset up to make up for an absence. If a student misses a lab for any reason they will be required to make up the assignment. The makeup assignment will be a three page, hand written report on the topic that the missed lab covered. One side of one sheet of paper will count as one page for this assignment. The student is required to locate his or her own sources. The student can use the Internet, encyclopedias, dictionaries, textbooks, etc. The report will be due five school days after the absence. If the absence is at or near the end of a grading period a 50 will be entered for the assignment grade until the assignment is made up.
There will be no required outside of school science projects in this class. If a student chooses, he or she may do a project and extra credit will be awarded. I reserve the right to award any other extra points in this class as I deem merited.
100-90 A
89- 80 B
79- 70 C
69- lower F
25% of your overall science grade will be lab grades. 25% of your overall science grade will be test grades. 50% of your overall science grade will be daily grades.
August 27, 2007 - November 2, 2007 -> Life Science and Nature of Science
Week of October 29, 2006 will be Life Science Benchmark Test
November 5, 2007 - January 25, 2008 -> Physical Science and Nature of Science
Week of January 21, 2007 will be Physical Science and Nature of Science Benchmark Test
January 28, 2007– April 4, 2008 -> Earth Science and Nature of Science
Week of March 26, 2008 will be an Science Benchmark Test
April 7, 2008– April 30, 2008 Review for TAKS test
May 1, 2008 Fifth Grade Science TAKS Test
May 2, 2008– May 30, 2008 More to come