Middle School Science
Syllabus

Instructor: Dale Windsor
Instructor website: http://www.mr-windsor.info
Email: dwindsor@millsprings.org
Room: Middle School Building #1
Conference Time: By appointment

Course Purpose:
Part 1
The first part of the middle school science course emphasizes scientific inquiry while focusing on the structure, classification, and care of living things. We will explore animal and plant life and how they are interrelated. What are cells? Who eats what? How are traits passed on from generation to generation? How are living things classified? What are the relationships that make up the world around us?

Part 2
The second part of middle school science continues the emphasis on scientific inquiry while focusing on the planet Earth and its place in the universe. We will explore the Earth, moon, and the stars. What is the Earth made of? How are rocks made? What causes weather? What makes the Earth so special? How does the moon affect the Earth? How does the Earth compare to other planets? What is star stuff? How do people change the Earth?

Part 3
The last part of middle school science explores physical science, specifically wave energy - light, sound, and electricity. We’ll also explore physical and chemical changes.


Students will learn about lab and safety procedures, technology, research, and group projects in their exploration of Earth Science. Various outdoor activities and field experiences will tie-in to classroom instruction.

More information is available on Dale’s website

Reference Resources:

  • Concepts and Challenges - Earth Science, Pearson
  • Concepts and Challenges - Life Science, Pearson
  • Teacher handouts, videos
  • Reference books
  • Science magazines
  • Websites

Materials:
  • Students are responsible for bringing to class:
  • Notebook (either a composition book or 3-ring binder)
  • Paper
  • Writing materials
  • Miscellaneous project materials, as assigned
  • Laptop
  • Agenda

Units of Study:
  • Organization of Life
  • Interdependence of Life
  • Animal and Plant Cells
  • Traits and Heredity
  • Rocks and Minerals
  • Inside the Earth
  • Weathering and Erosion
  • Climate and Weather
  • Earth, Moon, and Sun
  • Universe and Solar System
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Chemical and Physical Changes

Grades:
All class work, homework, and assignments must be turned in by the assigned deadline. Please see me ahead of time if you know you cannot meet a deadline or that you will be absent when your assignment is due.

Middle School Grading Scale
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 - 69
F = 0 - 59
Class Grading Percentages
  • Notebook (completed assignments, organization, etc) 50%
  • Projects and labs 20%
  • Tests and Quizzes 20%
  • Class participation and homework 10%

Homework
It is the student’s responsibility to check their folder for missed assignments.

Classroom rules
In addition to the rules and regulations stated in the Mill Springs Handbook, all students are expected to follow classroom rules and procedures.

Classroom Rules
  • Classroom rules are kept to a minimum. There are only three in Dale’s classroom:
  • Be on time and prepared to learn every day.
  • Respect yourself, others, and property.
  • Follow instructions the first time.

Behavioral Expectations
We want to create a classroom where learning can take place, so in-school behavior is very important. Please be courteous and respectful to your teachers and your fellow students. Let Dale know of any little problems before they become big problems.


Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating of any nature will not be tolerated. Plagiarism (passing off someone else’s work as your own) is one type of cheating.

Attendance
We will conduct labs and other classroom activities, so it is very important for students to be here every day. If a class is missed, it is the student’s responsibility to make up all assignments and activities. Make-up time for quizzes or tests will be scheduled. However, students may not be able to make up labs or other in-class activities, since most require working in groups. Alternative assignments would then be given.

Extra Credit
Extra credit is not offered. The goal of this course is mastery of the material. To that end, assessments and assignments are flexible and developed for each individual student.