II.

Classroom Expectations

1. RESPECT others, yourself, and

materials.
2. Be on time!
3. Come prepared to work with all materials.
-Science notebook (3-ring)
-Journal Composition Notebook
-Pencils
4. Turn in all assignments. Neat, complete,
correct, and on time.
5. Be positive and actively engage.
6. Enjoy Learning!

2016-17
Karen Kaczman
Voyager Team Science

I. Work Policy

1. School Planner: Students are expected to

record homework assignments at the
beginning of class each day in their school
planners.

2. Assignments: Students receive hard
copies of student assignments. Digital
copies are available on the Voyager
Science website. Consult assignment
rubrics to be sure that work is complete.

3. Absent from Class: To make up
assignments when absent, first check
website and/or classmates to see if you
can complete the assignment(s) before
returning to class. If you are absent on
the day an assignment is due, you will
receive one school calendar day per day
absent to get it turned in. For example, if
you are absent on Monday, the
assignment is due Wednesday. If absent
on Friday, the assignment is due Tuesday
of the following week. It is the
responsibility of the student to request
missed work.

III. Consequences of Misbehavior

(Severe misbehaviors such as insubordination or

fighting will go directly to 3rd and 4th Offense
Consequences)

1. 1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2. 2nd Offense: Hall talk / chill out time
3. 3rd Offense: Lunch detention / phone call
home
4. 4th Offense: Referral to office

IV. Grading Procedure

1. Student work is assessed through journal
entries, homework, classwork, quizzes, lab
work, tests, and projects.

2. Each assignment/assessment is given a point
value reflective of its value. Students final
grade is determined by dividing the total
points earned by the total possible points.

4. Late Work: Homework or projects are
considered late if that are not turned in
on the designated due date. Late work
will only be accepted for full credit as a
result of an excused absence. All other
late work will not receive full credit. No
work will be accepted after 5 school days
unless it is due to an excused absence.

3. Grades are posted in PowerSchool

Grading Scale
Percentage

Letter Grade

100 90

89 80

79 70

69 60

59 and below

V. Curriculum

VII. Journal, Binder & Folder

Unit 1: The Nature of Science (Aug-Sep)

What is science?
Lab Safety / Tools
Measurement / Metric System

Unit 2: Matter (Sep-Nov)
Atoms and Elements
Phase Changes
Physical Properties

Unit 3: Waves (Sept-Nov)
Wave Properties
Visible light
Sound

Unit 4: Energy (Nov-Dec)
Energy Transfer
Electromagnetic waves
Technology

Unit 5: Earth Processes (Jan-Feb)
Earth Structure
Plate Tectonics / Landforms
Soil
Earth Stewardship

Unit 6: Space (Mar-Apr)

The Earth, Moon, and Sun
Earth sustains life
Space exploration

Unit 7: Ecology (May-June)
Plants
Energy Flow
Biomes

VI. Scholarly Integrity

It is expected that students complete their own work,
whether on a test, homework, or class assignments.
During group work, students are expected to discuss
ideas and help each other to clarify their
understanding. They may collect data together during
lab activities, but all written answers should be the
original thoughts of the student to reflect his/her
individual understanding and knowledge. Copying
someone elses work is considered cheating and is
not allowed.

You will be expected to keep both a science journal

and binder






The Science Journal (composition notebook) is
the ultimate show of work in this class. Students
will record answers to warm up questions, lab
results, creative writings, and foldable graphic
organizers of content information. The journal is
kept in class, but may be taken home to prepare
for tests with teacher permission.

The Science Binder can be a separate notebook
or a section in a larger binder. It is used to
organize handouts and Cornell Notes. Students
will update a Table of Contents to help them
access information when preparing for quizzes
and tests.

The Science Folder is a personal folder that
contains graded assignments. The file is kept in
the classroom file cabinet. Parents wishing to see
these assignments may request a copy.

VII. A Final Note

I strongly believe that all students learn best when

actively involved. Students will have many
opportunities to work in groups as well as
individually. Cooperative and self-directed learning
will be encouraged and supported. The classroom is
also open during lunch/recess (on non-WIN days) for
those students with questions or who wish to finish
incomplete work. Please feel free to contact me via
email for a prompt response to any questions or
concerns.

VIII. Contact Info

Karen Kaczman 933-1556 ext. 77184
Email: kkaczman@chccs.k12.nc.us
Website: kaczscience@weebly.com