2011-12 Course Syllabus Grade 3 Science: Ms. Trudie Pan Room 16, Voice mail: 510.351.

4957, extension 4541; trudiepan@ccs-rams.org Class webpage: https://sites.google.com/a/ccs-rams.org/pan/ * Ms. Trudie Pan is teaching on both Alameda and San Leandro campuses. She is available on San Leandro campus after school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 4pm. Please make an appointment prior to your visit. Course Description Third grade science is divided into three parts: Physical, Life, and Earth sciences. Students will be introduced to matter and energy in physical science. In life science they learn about how plants grow and animals adapt to the environment. In Earth science they observe Gods creation such as the sun, moon and stars. Class is conducted following FOSS methods. FOSS (Full Option Science System) is an ongoing project based on research to parallel students learning with how science is handled in real world. Namely students actively construct ideas through their own observations, inquiries, investigations, and analysis; much similar to how scientists construct meaning of the world around them. The FOSS method provides an engaging and exciting learning process which results in students being able to retain information longer than if they proactively receive information in classroom. Students experience hands-on investigations that are designed to ignite their interest in science. Textbook and Supplies Textbook: Grade 3, FOSS Science Resources Student Book California Edition. Delta Education, 2007 To be billed by CCS and available for resale.

General Supplies: 3 ring binder with 2 dividers (binder may be shared with other subjects), composition notebook, college ruled binder paper, pencils, eraser, green pen, and metric transparent ruler Computer Technology: on a regular basis, be able to access Internet connected computer with word processing program (Microsoft Word strongly recommended, as most school computers are not compatible with .wps or OpenOffice files) Grading for Each Quarter Class and Homework - 40% Notebook will be checked periodically and graded based on completeness, data accuracy, organization, and neatness. Students are

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)

responsible to keep track of a complete table of contents, class notes, and experimental notes. There will be 2 to 3 entries per quarter. Homework packets are handed to students at the beginning of each unit. There will be 7 to 8 entries per quarter. The monthly Science News is designed to enhance students scientific reading and writing skills. Students will be guided to read one Current Science or Science News article each month and write summary and reflection based on the reading. Magazines can be checked out from CCS library or be accessed from the website http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/ . Science news assignment will be collected at the beginning of each month via email. Labs and Projects 25% Elementary laboratory repots include Hypothesis, Data Gathering, Claims and Evidence, and Conclusion sections. There will be around two to three lab reports each quarter, either partial report with selected sections or complete report with all sections. Tests - 35% Tests are in the format of matching, multiple-choice questions and short answers. To prepare for the test, students need to focus on vocabulary, understanding and application of science concepts. There will be 2 to 3 tests per quarter. Grading for Each Semester Q1 (50%) + Q2 (50%) = S1 Q3 (50%) + Q4 (50%) = S2 Routines & Procedures Class Rules - Respect others. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of the classroom. - One-Voice Rule. Do not speak during instruction time, or when are speaking. - Use a private voice when working in small groups or in pairs. - Uphold all school rules. No hats, hoodies, MP3s, any electronic devices such as cell phones OFF. Consequences for Rule Violations - Verbal warning - Name recorded on board - Change seats - Parents will be contacted - Meet with administrator - Writing assignment

others

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)

- Referral Entering the Classroom - Enter in a quiet manner, there will be seating assignment. - Textboo and general class supplies need to be readily accessible when the bell rings. Obtain all required materials before bell rings. - Sit down quickly and start working. - Wait for further instructions. Missing and Late Work Policy - Assignments are checked for completeness in class. Late work will receive up to 90% of total points, up to 2 days after due date. Late work turned in after 2 days will be accepted, but will receive up to 70% of total points. No late work will be accepted after last day of quarter. - Missing work will receive 50% of points and will be marked as M on Powerschool. The minimum score for any turned-in work is 55% of total points, if effort is being made. Such score is indicated on Powerschool as FT for failed test. - There are no retake exams or extra point assignments. Students need to turn in high quality work on time. The best way to get good grade is to keep track of assignments due dates and turn them in on time. It is a students responsibility to make sure assignments are complete, turned in, and recorded. Check Powerschool at least once every week. - Parents will be contacted via email or phone if student is missing more than 3 assignments, or receive lower than C- grade. Group Competition and Reward - In groups of 3 or 4 people, students will earn points through participation in class. - Points may be deducted for rule violations. - At the end of quarter, students have the opportunity to spend points as dollar amount on gifts. - Group scores are not recorded on Powerschool, but are used only as informal assessment for the teacher, and a tool to establish effective learning communities. Restroom and Water Fountain - Raise hand. - Teacher acknowledges request. - Quickly take care of the business and return to seat. - Restroom use is limited to 5 times per quarter. - Never turn in work, stand up to use hole-puncher, stapler, or attempt to work on homework during instruction time. - Students can quickly and quietly use tissue paper or sanitize hands during class without interrupting class. Tardiness - Students who are more than 10 minutes late need to obtain tardy pass from the office or other teacher. Give pass to teacher upon entering classroom. - Follow procedures for entering the classroom.

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)

Absenteeism - Students with excused absences are allowed two days to complete assignments, weekends not included. Nevertheless, they are responsible to find out what they missed and make up work before notebook checks or assignments are due. Students need to arrange time with the instructor to make up tests during lunchtime or after school. - If an absence is to be expected, turn in work BEFORE class, or arrange work to be turned in before class. - Work is expected to be turned in on due dates if a students absence is unexcused. Unexcused absences will be recorded for school record and may impact students grade. Emergency - STOP Stop, turn, and look - FREEZE Dont move a muscle - GO Line up outside the classroom Quarter Overview Quarter 1: Physical Sciences (Matter and Energy) 1. Energy 2. Light 3. Matter 4. Changing Matter Quarter 3: Health Sciences 5. 6. 7. 1. Nutrition and Food Safety Being Physically Active Safety and First Aid Caring for Your Body System Quarter 2: Life Sciences (Structures of Life) 1. Origin of Seeds 2. Growing Further 3. Meet the Crayfish 4. Meet the Land Snail Quarter 4: Earth Sciences (Sun, Moon, and Stars) 1. The Sun 2. The Moon 3. The Stars

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)

Letter to Parents
Dear parents/guardians, Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at CCS! I will be your childs 3rd grade science teacher. This year we will be studying a variety of exciting topics related to physical science, life science, and earth science. In order to help your child to be successful in science class, I encourage parents/guardians to be involved, too. The best way to do that is to do the following: - Review the course syllabus with your child. - Check your childs planner and Powerschool regularly, to verify that all assignments are completed, and to be prepared for any upcoming tests/projects. - Help your child find a quiet place to study. - Help your child stick to a schedule when tackling big projects. - Review for all tests / quizzes with your child and encourage he/she to come and ask questions if there is something that is still not completely understood. - Call or e-mail me (e-mail is preferred) in order to ask any questions. I look forward to meeting all of you soon. Thank you for your support! Sincerely Ms. Pan

Please cut off the portion below and return it to school with your student

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thank you for taking the time to fill out this checklist, your time is greatly appreciated! Please review the following and complete the information on the back. I have read and reviewed the following forms: (check and sign at the back) Teacher contact information Course description and supplies Parent introduction letter Classroom procedures

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student Name (print) __________________Student Signature___________________ Student E-mail _______________________________ Date ____________________ Parent/Guardian Name (print) ________________Parent Signature________________

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)

Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone ________________ E-mail______________________

Grade 3-science-syllabus (8/11/11)