Mrs. Knaack
Science

knaacks@quincyschools.org
639-4201 ext. 2103
Room 103
knaacks@quincyschools.org

To Parents and Students:

I would like to take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Shawn Knaack and I will be you or your child's science teacher for this 2005/2006 school year. I am anticipating a fun, safe and productive year. So that you all have some information regarding what will be going on in science this year I am including our general class procedures and guidelines with this note. If you or your parents have any questions, please feel free to contact me. If you have an e-mail address to share I would greatly appreciate it. I send out updates on what we are studying, study guides and reminders about tests to my e-mail group. I encourage parents to come into our class either as observers, helpers or to share any special skill or knowledge they may have about science. Let's get ready for a great year, and remember, SCIENCE RULES!

 

 

Syllabus:

1 st Marking Period - Scientific Method-Measurement
2 nd Marking Period – Electricity/Magnetism
3 rd Marking Period – Waves – Sound and Light
4 th Marking Period - Cells/Genetics
5 th Marking Period – Geology
6 th Marking Period – Space

 

Classroom Expectations:

  • Students will bring school appropriate materials to class daily. (Folder, pencil, planner)
  • Students will work productively in class.
  • Students will be respectful of the learning environment at all times.

 

Consequences:

  • Warning
  • Teacher Conference / Discipline Plan
  • Note / Phone call Home
  • Parent / Principal Conference

 

Class Procedures: (How we do things)

  • Bring a pencil, your planner and your science folder every day.
  • Be in your seat and ready when the bell rings.
  • Homework is to be turned in to the assigned slot the class period it is due.
  • If an assignment is not turned in on the student will be given a missing assignment detention and the assignment will be due the following day for 75%. (1 st missing – warning, 2 nd – phone call home, 3 rd - detention.)
  • Restroom trips will be limited to emergency situations only.
  • If you finish an assignment early, get a book to read.
  • If you forget a pencil, borrow one from a classmate and sharpen it when it is least distracting to the class.
  • Wait for the teacher to dismiss you when the bell rings.
  • If you are absent your assignment will be in the absent folder. It is your responsibility to get your work. Work is due the class period after your return.

 

  

Grading Scale

A 100-93 C 76-73

A- 92-90 C- 72-70

B+ 89-87 D+ 69-67

B 86-83 D 66-63

B- 82-80 D- 62-60

C+ 79-77 E 59 and below

 

Lab rules:

  • Never use any equipment or materials except as directed by the teacher or the experiment instructions.
  • Never throw anything, including paper.
  • Do not move any hot materials or equipment from one place in the room to another.
  • When near an open flame, long hair must be tied back.
  • Eye protection devices must be worn whenever directed by the teacher or experiment instructions.
  • No running, bare feet or horseplay is allowed.
  • Never taste or smell any lab materials unless directed to do so by the teacher or experiment instructions.
  • Students are encouraged to help one another, but any interference with another student's work will be considered a safety violation.
  • Students must report immediately to the teacher any unsafe conditions, equipment, materials or behavior that they notice.
  • Never start any exercise unless you have read and understand the instructions completely. If you have any questions, ask the teacher.

 

Note: If any of the above rules are violated, students will receive a zero for the lab. Repeat offenders will lose their lab privileges and be given non-experimental assignments in their place. A safety contract will need to be signed by both student and parent.

 

 

Test Retake Policy:

Tests may be retaken for any reason if the following criteria are met.

The retake will be averaged with the original test grade to figure your final grade.

 

  • The original test must be obtained from the teacher, corrected and returned to the teacher prior to the retake.
  • You must make advance arrangements with the teacher in order to take the retake.
  • Retakes will only be allowed for 2 weeks after the original test date.

 

 

Grades:

I will try to put current grades in planners on Mondays. I may not always be able to accomplish this or may not because we have no new grades. Please feel free to contact me if you are concerned about a grade. The easiest way to reach me is by e-mail. knaacks@quincyschools.org.