Marine Science Marlene Jeffcoat Room Number-425 Phone Number-821-1974, Email: mjeffcoat@lexington1.

net Extra Help-Mornings 7:40-8:10 with Prior Notice from Student and During Tribe Time on Thursday and Planning Time- Second Block Dear Students and Parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how pleased I am to have the opportunity to share my love of Science with you. I began teaching in 1989. I have a B.S. degree in Biology, an MAT in Divergent Learning. I am gifted and talented certified and have my level II technology certification. I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year. I am excited about working with your family to make this a great year at Gilbert High School. GO INDIANS!

Course Description:
This course if for students with an interest in science and/or maybe considering a career marine science. Lab, classroom work and independent research are required for an in-depth study of land, marine and coastal ecosystems; plant and animal life; ecological principles. The course integrates current events and topics in marine science with textbook information. A required dissection of marine organisms enhances the study of these unique animals. This course provides opportunities for the student to become scientifically literate by developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for scientific literacy through four major processes: working scientifically, communicating scientifically, using science and acting responsibly. Students will apply knowledge of earth and space science, life science and physical science.

Instructional Philosophy:
In order to achieve success in science, courses must include inquiry-based instruction, allowing students to engage in problem solving, decision making, critical thinking, and applied learning. Using various methods of inquiry, students will participate in a variety of project- and problem-based learning activities designed to help them become self-directed, collaborative, creative and pragmatic problem solver.

Materials:
You will need a notebook with pockets, notebook paper, highlighters, and a pen or pencil in class every day. You will take notes in a notebook each day. You may rewrite these notes on your iPad as a study tool, but the original notes will be in your notebook. Charged IPads are required in class. The iPad will be used for studying using apps such as notecards, vocabulary games and research.

Textbook: Oceanography by Tom Garrison

Expectations of the Student:

All students should come to class prepared and ready to learn.
All rules of Gilbert High School will be followed in class. If the student is absent work missed must be made up within the week, either Tribe Time or afterschool. It is the students responsibility to check at an appropriate time with the teacher on returning to find out about missed work. Work together with others in the class to make learning a pleasant and meaning full experience. All students will stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag each morning. Students should be in their seats ready to begin when the tardy bell sounds. Students should have their school ID on and be appropriately dressed. No student is allowed to go to their car or locker for shoes needed in lab. Be prepared for labs when you enter the classroom. Students that are having trouble with the concepts associated with the marinel science work should be sure to make time with me during Tribe Time of after-school for extra help. Do not allow yourself to fall behind.

Expectations/Class Rules:
I expect all of my students to come to class prepared and ready to learn each day. I will not allow any student to disrupt the teaching and learning process. Students are expected to follow all school rules as outlined in the district and school handbook. Students in appropriate dress, wearing your student ID, with the materials needed for class should be in your seat before the tardy bell each morning. If you are late to class (after the bell) you will sign-in with Mrs. Smith in the main office. First block students will stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag each morning.

Consequences/Discipline Policy:
Several forms of class intervention will be used to handle discipline problems. These include: conferencing with the student, assigning a new seat, phone call/email home, and referral to guidance/discipline office. Students that are not following instructions and disturbing others will be sent to in school suspension for the rest of the block. That being said, rarely do I encounter a student that decides to misbehave in class, but if a situation arises that distracts others from learning or me from teaching I will ask the student to stay before or after school. If this student continues in misbehavior or the situation is extreme I will call the parent and write-up the student on a discipline note. At this point the office will handle the consequences. Lab behavior is very important in this class. A student that is not following directions could possible cause great injury to him/herself or to someone else. For this reason, an infraction of a lab rule could result in a student being dismissed from lab and receiving a zero and disciplinary action for a major offense.

SC Uniform Grading Scale:

93-100 85-92 77-84 70-76 0-69 A; Passing, work exceeds standards B; Passing, work is above average standards C; Passing, work meets standards D; Passing, work is below standards F; Not Passing, work does not meet standards

Grading:
Third Nine Weeks and fourth Nine Weeks Grades Major Assessments: Unit test and Project grades: Minor Assessments: Homework and daily classwork Final Semester Grade 3rd Quarter grade 4th Quarter grade Final Exam: 85% of nine weeks grade 15% of nine weeks grade 40% of grade 40% of grade 20% of semester grade

Example: Third nine weeks: 89 Fourth nine weeks: 80 Final exam: 85

Major and Minor Assessment averaging. Your child has a 90 ( 90 x .85 =76.5) Major and 80 (80 x .15=12) for minor averages in a nine week period. The average for the nine weeks would be 88.5 which would round to 89 (76.5 +12=88.5) Nine week averaging If the 3rd nine weeks grade 89 and fourth nine weeks grade 80 were averaged [(89 +80)/2] that would make up 80% of the semester grade. (84.5 x .80 = 67.6). The remaining twenty percent of the grade would be from the exam grade or 85 x .2 = 17. The exam and semester added together would be 84.6 average that would round to a 85 for the final semester grade.

Internet Presence:
I have a web page that you can use for general information: mjeffcoatscience@weebly.com At the top of the page click Marine Science for your course. Unit assignments will be posted as well as some links to other importance sites. I hope that you will find the information there helpful. Parents and students should also use Power School to regularly check on grades. If parents or students need to reach me they may either call the number to the school or email me at mjeffcoat@lexington1.net . I can only speak on the phone from 10:30 to 11:30 if I do not have meetings to attend or after school. Email may be the fastest way to receive an answer if during school. Sincerely,

MarleneJeffcoat Room 425 mjeffcoat@lexington1.net School Receptionist- 803.821.1908