2007

Dear Parents and Students:

Welcome to the new school year! As your child’s science teacher for the upcoming year, I am writing this letter to present the course content as well as my expectations and grading system. I am looking forward to a positive and rewarding year for all of us.

Sixth graders will be using a text called Earth Science. Sixth grade content will address the entire universe, culminating with an analysis of our planet Earth. Seventh graders will focus on an in-depth study of biology and ecology using the Life Science text. Eighth graders study the Physical Science text that also includes an introduction to chemistry.

My classroom rules are few and simple but are critical to promoting a positive learning environment.

  • 1. Respect within the classroom. When the teacher or another student is speaking, please listen with respect.
  • 2. Polite behavior at all times. Please raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
  • 3. Remain seated. Please ask for permission before leaving your seat.
  • 4. Be prepared. Have your materials and assignments ready when the bell rings.
    •

    Our classes will be based upon review of previous course content, lecture on new material, large group discussions, class read-alouds, demonstrations, and lab projects (both individual and group). In addition to homework and in-class assignments, grades will be based on end-of-chapter tests. Quizzes will be given periodically on smaller portions of material and will also contribute to the final grade.

    Grades will be based on the following scale:

    90-100% A

    80-89% B

    70-79% C

    60-69% D

    0-59% F

    Activities and assignments that will compose each grade will be evaluated in the following way:

    Tests: 30% of final grade

    Quizzes: 25% of final grade

    Homework/Classwork: 25% of final grade

    Labs and Reports: 20% of final grade

    Students and parents should be aware that important topics in science often overlap chapters. It is my practice to teach individual scientific themes…not chapters. For example the study of the cell may be found in chapters 3, 8, and 11. I combine all of this material into one unit so the test would combine 3 separate chapters and be entitled "The Cell." Students can best review for tests and quizzes by studying their class notes every night and by reviewing them at the end of the unit. We always have a complete review in class the day before every test. Students should be prepared for a "pop" quiz on the previous day’s notes at any time. Homework will be assigned regularly, but when there is no written homework students should read and study their class notes daily. (They need a notebook devoted strictly to science notes and diagrams.) This practice helps them to master the material well and to be ready for discussions and quizzes.

    Extra help is always available before and after school. Please encourage your children to speak with me personally if they are encountering any difficulties. In addition, parents should feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns. My email address is Nliso@stbrendanormond.org.

    As a graduate of St. Brendan School, Seabreeze High School, and the University of North Florida, I have pursued my interest in science throughout my college career. I have taken coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and earth science. I am looking forward to exploring this content with my classes and to an exciting and meaningful year of science with your children. I am also pleased to be their PE teacher this year as well.

    Sincerely,

    Nicholas Liso

     

    Parent Signature: ________________________________

     

    Laboratory Safety Rules

    Dear Parents and Students,

    Please read and acknowledge the following safety procedures with your signatures.

    Know what you’re supposed to do before you begin. Do not begin an experiment until instructed to do so.

    Absolutely no horseplay in the lab.

    Roll-up long sleeves, remove dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.

    Set-up equipment so you don’t have to reach over hot plates or Bunsen burners.

    When heating test tubes always point them away from you.

    Never point any test tube you are heating up towards another person.

    Slow down when handling glass. Handle glass as if it is red hot.

    If glass is broken move out of the "Danger Zone" and get the teacher.

    Know how to operate the equipment. If you’re not sure ask the teacher.

    Protect your body: Use goggles, aprons, and gloves.

    Never eat, drink, or chew gum in the lab.

    Know emergency procedures: like the proper operation of safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers.

    Do only the assigned experiment given by the teacher.

    If you spill anything raise your hand immediately and tell the teacher.

    If you are not sure what is right or safe ask the teacher.

    Report any incident no matter how small to the teacher.

    Never taste, or directly inhale chemicals or draw any material into a tube with your mouth.

    Never rub your eyes when handling any chemical in the lab.

    These rules are for your safety and the safety of all the students in the lab.

    Please follow all of them. Any infractions of these safety rules could prevent a student from future experiments or activities in the lab.

    Thank you,

    Mr. Liso

    Student signature: __________________________________

    Parent signature: ___________________________________