10th Grade Humanities / Chemistry Syllabus

High Tech High                            Spring 2011

Instructor Information:
Subject	Chemistry	Humanities
Name	Andrew Lerario	Liz Perry
Room	Seminar 9	Seminar 10
Email	alerario@hightechhigh.org	lperry@hightechhigh.org
Phone	610-243-5000	619-243-5089
DP Address	dp.hightechhigh.org/~alerario	dp.hightechhigh.org/~lperry
Office Hours / Tutoring	By appointment	Tuesday & Thurs – Lunch Mon & Wed - 3:45-4:15 Or by appointment
HTH Main Office                                619-243-5000
HTH Fax Number                                 619-243-5050

Course Overview:
Welcome! We are very excited to work with you and get to know you better this semester. Over the course of the next four months you will have the opportunity to connect with two important content areas, Humanities & Chemistry, in meaningful and exciting ways. Our studies and experiences will enrich your cultural understanding, serve to improve your communication skills, including new types of literacy, ability to problem solve and critically think, as well as enhance your analytical skills. Class activities and work will, in general, address both content areas on a daily basis and will be designed and require that students work both individually and in groups on the completion of assignments and projects. The intention of these two classes and the projects in particular is to be able to use such skills within the content area and apply knowledge creatively and in real world situations.  The activities in which you will engage are designed to inspire and encourage you to be life long learners equip with a greater understanding of yourselves and the world around you.
In both subject areas, state and national standards and frameworks have been used to guide curriculum development.  These topics, skills, processes, and concepts will be taught through the context of projects and explicitly through a wide variety of formats.  You will notice that some classroom practices may be familiar or “traditional” while others will be quite new!

Recommended Supplies:
The following is a list of suggested materials. Students unable to obtain these materials can request any of the items from Liz or Andrew.

 

Projects & Presentations of Learning (POLs)
As mentioned above, projects will serve as the main entry point to learning and in-depth understanding of content.  They will vary in content, duration, expectations, as well as the degree to which they transcend the classroom. Students will execute multiple POLs this year, primarily at the conclusion of projects, in addition to a year-end tPOL (transitional POL).  The format of these POLs may include performances, presentations, school-wide exhibitions of work, and evening and weekend events.  The final tPOL will take place in the last week of school and must be passed in order to proceed to the 11th grade.

Course Outline
The following topics of the course is subject to change and  an excellent resource for current course happenings is our DPs: updates will be posted regularly and Liz’s blog, which can be accessed from her DP.

Humanities:

Chemistry:

 

Grading Policy:
In order to gauge how much you have learned and what skills and knowledge you have mastered, you will be assessed in class in a variety of ways.  Many assignments will earn you points in very traditional and familiar ways.  On the other hand, some of what you do and learn will not earn you “points” but will be assessed based on successful completion of class requirements and class expectations.  This type of work is of particular importance as we learn that your efforts do not just result in a grade on a transcript.  NOTE: Students will be expected to retain copies of all graded work and returned work until after the grading period has ended. Each individual project description will clearly outline how each student will be assessed.

Grading Scale
90-100% - A
80-89% - B
70-79% - C
69% & below – F

If you do not receive a C- or higher in either of your core classes, you do not receive credit. If you fail more that two core classes throughout a year, you repeat the grade. That said, stay on top of your work and make sure that you are asking for help when you need it.

Policies & Procedures
It is encouraged that all students strive to be role models for their peers and in their communities.  At the least, it is imperative that support and respect each other.  Students will attend class every day prepared to learn and with the necessary class materials.  To make the most of our time in class, a positive and productive atmosphere will be maintained at all times.  Any behavior that disrupts the learning of or endangers the lives of yourself or others will not be tolerated.

Class & HTH Policies: In this class we will follow and respect all class and HTH policies and procedures such as the code of academic integrity, technology use, dress code, and all policies related to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, fighting, and sexual harassment.  For a reminder, please see your student handbook.

Late Work: Students must turn in their work on time. Late submission of any assignment will result in a decrease of grade. Work submitted one day late will be docked 25% and two days late 50%. Exceptionally late work will be graded at teacher’s discretion.  In order to pass the class you must turn in ALL major assignments (labs, project components, writing assignments, digital portfolio, etc.).  Failure to do so will result in an incomplete in the class until the work is submitted. Any extenuating circumstances that would prevent completion of an assignment by its due date should be discussed with Liz or Andrew in advance to avoid penalty.
In each room you will find a bin or folder where you can submit your late work. You must completely fill out and attach a late slip to the front of the assignment, which will be found in the same area, in order to receive credit. Late work must be submitted in this fashion.

Absences: In order to experience these classes to the fullest, you must be present every day and on time.  If you are absent you are responsible for making up all missed work.  For every day you have an excused absence you are given 2 days to make up work.  Contact a teacher via phone or email the day you are absent so you can anticipate what you will need the next day.  Extra copies of any handouts will be available in the classroom, but notes, assignments, class activities, project work, group discussions, or anything that does not include a handout must be discussed with your classmates or teachers. If you are absent on a due-date for an assignment, every effort should be made to have it delivered to school by a friend or when possible, emailed.  Excessive absences or patterns of absences on quiz days, when major assignments are due, or absences that reflect academic dishonesty may result in a fail for the assignment.

Digital Portfolios are created by every HTH student to display school work.  The DP is an incredibly powerful tool, as it will help you in storing evidence for POLs and the final tPOL. Also it will help in the internship, job, and college application process!  Having a current and professional 10th grade DP that meets the class expectations is a requirement to pass. At the end of each project, you must update your DP to reflect your most current work and achievements.

Power School is used to track any assignments with points.  Parents, guardians, and students can access PS with a username and password at http://powerschool.hightechhigh.org/public/.  Contact your advisor for parent and student usernames and passwords.  Cognizance of your academic standing should be a conscious effort!  Grades will be updated routinely and in a timely fashion, with the understanding that longer and larger projects may require additional time for grading.  Please contact Liz or Andrew directly with concerns or questions.

Technology: Students will check and use their HTH email account daily.  We often use this to contact students outside of the classroom.  Also, you are expected to know how to electronically transfer documents from home to school and submit printed copies of work as required, on time.  Technical difficulties will not extend the due date or excuse you.  If you anticipate such problems occurring, you are responsible to plan extra time to accommodate. Also, back up your work on a regular basis.
Technology is a resource we will use often in class, including class laptops, the projector, etc. As we all will use and share this equipment, it is important to treat it with extreme care. Any damage to computers or other equipment should be reported immediately to Liz or Andrew. While accidents happen and we do not expect this to be a problem, any damage resulting from malicious behavior will be handled in accordance with HTH policy.

Communication: It is incredibly important for each of you to be open with us about your daily experience and anything that is preventing you from performing at your optimum.  Be proactive (come see us before what is happening outside the classroom begins to affect your success).  When you are in school, we always prefer talking face to face.  Emails and phone calls are also a great option when face-to-face is impossible.  Lastly, keep your parents/guardians informed about your progress on a daily basis.  You, the folks at home, and we need to be as strong a team as possible.  We welcome your parents and guardians to email or call if they have any concerns or questions; we will contact home whenever the need arises.

Internship Preparation: Throughout the 10th grade year, students will begin preparing for the academic internship they will complete during the 11th grade year.  As they undergo this process, our team will emphasize all behaviors that are expected in the professional world, including etiquette, respect towards others, work ethic, and accountability. This is especially important when we have the opportunity to interact with community members outside of the school. Remember, these are individuals who you may want to work alongside or who can help you attain the internship opportunity that you most desire.

Service Project: Students will be encouraged to complete hours of service in the community over the course of the semester. Opportunities that arise will be announced in class. If you are aware of an opportunity and would like other students to contribute, please let Liz or Andrew know so an announcement can be made.

Other Matters of Importance

 

** Syllabus is subject to change. Any major adjustments will be communicated to students. **