Middle School Math/Biology/Algebra 1

Welcome!

Dear parents and students,

 

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Mr. Cochran and I am honored to be your child's math/biology teacher for the 2022-2023 school year. I am looking forward to working with you and your child. My expectations for conduct and academic standards are high, but obtainable. Here, you can find information that will help your child be successful this school year. 

Sincerely,

 

Mr. Cochran

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says "I'M POSSIBLE".

-Audrey Hepburn

Syllabus

 2022-2023

Mr. Cochran

jcochran@excelsiorschools.com

 

 

 

Course Description(s):

Grade 8- Biology Honors

 

While the content focus of this course is consistent with the Biology I course, students will explore these concepts in greater depth. In general, the academic pace and rigor will be greatly increased for honors level course work. Laboratory investigations that include the use of scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, laboratory apparatus and technologies, experimental procedures, and safety procedures are an integral part of this course. 

 

https://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewCourse/Preview/4263

Click the link for more information and resources. 

 

Grade8- Algebra 1

 

The fundamental purpose of this course is to formalize and extend the mathematics that students learned in the middle grades. The critical areas, called units, deepen and extend understanding of linear and exponential relationships by contrasting them with each other and by applying linear models to data that exhibit a linear trend, and students engage in methods for analyzing, solving, and using quadratic functions. The Standards for Mathematical Practice apply throughout each course and, together with the content standards, prescribe that students experience mathematics as a coherent, useful, and logical subject that makes use of their ability to make sense of problem situations. 

 

https://www.cpalms.org/PreviewCourse/Preview/10342

Click the link for more information and resources. 

 

Grade 7- Math Course 2

 

In Grade 7, instructional time should focus on three critical areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bivariate data with a linear equation, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations; (2) grasping the concept of a function and using functions to describe quantitative relationships; (3) analyzing two- and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem.

https://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewCourse/Preview/10287

Click the link for more information and resources.

 

Grade 8- Pre Algebra

In Grade 8, the students will master the foundations for a solid mathematical
understanding which will prepare them for a successful experience in high school mathematics. Algebraic and geometric concepts will be integrated into every unit and meaningful connections will be made to real-world problem solving.

 

https://www.cpalms.org/Public/PreviewCourse/Preview/10283

Click the link for more information and resources. 

 

Textbooks and Materials:

Miller & Levine Biology

 

MHM- Florida Algebra 1

 

McGraw-Hill Florida Math Course 2, 

 

McGraw-Hill Florida Math Course 3

 

Grading System:Grades are based on the 100-percentage point scale.

 

Assignment Category

Weight

Classwork

35%

Quizzes

20%

Projects

10%

Tests

25%

Technology/Participation

20%

A

90-100

B

80-89

C

70-79

D

60-69

F

59 or Below

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homework Policy:

Home Learning will be assigned on an as needed basis at least once a week. It is the students’ responsibility to take home any materials needed to complete their assignment and return them the following class period. The only exception is class projects where due dates will be provided. Any work not completed during the daily lesson will be considered homework. Any work done in class or at home should be placed in the student’s folder, which the student should bring to every class. Portfolios will be checked on a regular basis.  Under no circumstance should anyone other than the student assigned to this class complete any assignments to be submitted for a grade.

 

Virtual Learning Homework Policy:

Any work not completed during the daily lesson will be considered homework. All assignments will have a due date. Students have a grace period of 3 school days from the due date to turn in any assignment for a grade no higher than a "B". After the 3 day grace period, the highest possible grade will begin to drop by one letter grade each additional day the assginment is late. For example, if an assignmnet has a due date of September 1st, the student has until September 4th to turn in the assignmnet for a grade no hihjer than a "B". If the assignment is turned in September 5th, the highest grade the student can receive is a "C". If the assignment is turned in on September 6th, the highest possible grade is a "D". No submission or a submission after 5 days will result in a ZERO. If the student submits a doctor's note for anytime during the grace period, the student may have 1 additional day to complete the assignment.  Under no circumstance should anyone other than the student assigned to this class complete any assignments to be submitted for a grade.

 

Materials: 

 

  • 3 Ring Binder (1 inch or 1.5 inch)
  • Dividers (12 tabs)
  • Basic 4 function calculator (SIXTH GRADE IS NOT ALLOWED TO USE CALCULATORS)
  • Scientific Calculator (Algbera 1 ONLY)
  • 2-reams of 8.5 x 11white copy paper
  • Loose Leaf Paper 
  • Highlighters 
  • Colored Pencils
  • Colored Pens
  • Index Cards
  • Pencils

Quarantine Learning Materials: *Materials will be the same as above.

  • Laptop or Ipad

Course Policies:

Student Work:Students will be expected to complete assignments inside and outside of class time on a regular basis.  All students are expected to read class material, think critically and write effectively.  Students have a grace period of 3 school days from the due date to turn in any assignment for a grade no higher than a "B". After the 3 day grace period, the highest possible grade will begin to drop by one letter grade each additional day the assginment is late. For example, if an assignmnet has a due date of September 1st, the student has until September 4th to turn in the assignmnet for a grade no hihjer than a "B". If the assignment is turned in September 5th, the highest grade the student can receive is a "C". If the assignment is turned in on September 6th, the highest possible grade is a "D". No submission or a submission after 5 days will result in a ZERO. If the student submits a doctor's note for anytime during the grace period, the student may have 1 additional day to complete the assignment.  Under no circumstance should anyone other than the student assigned to this class complete any assignments to be submitted for a grade.

Notebooks:  Students will be required to bring their composition books to class every day.  You will be expected to maintain neatly organized notbooks for the duration of the class.  One notebook will be used for vocabulary, one will be used for note taking, and one Problems of the Day/FSA Countdown. The teacher will give you regular guidance on how to construct and maintain your notebooks.

Test/Quizzes:Quizzes will be given weekly and may sometimes be given without warning. Tests will be administered on a unit basis. They can consist of multiple choice and/open ended questions where students are required to work out problems and provide an answer.

Group Activities:  You will be working in pairs/ groups on a regular basis. Your group will be given cooperative learning activities to complete.  You will be expected to be an active member of your group and participation points will be assessed accordingly.  You will always be graded as an individual; however your group may earn points together that will lead to a reward.

Projects/ Reports: Students will develop and demonstrate their skills through participation in a monthly project. Although projects may be assigned to a group, students will receive individual grades.

Extra Credit: Opportunities for extra credit will be offered from time to time.  Extra credit will most often be sent home to work on as homework. Extra credit is work beyond class work and homework and is not work used to cover up missing work.

Absences and Tardies:If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to get all late work from the teacher and return it in a timely manner. Students with an excused absence or tardy will be allowed to make up missed assignments and assessments. Work missed due to an unexcused absence or tardy will result in a “Z” until the proper documentation is provided to the school. Students who are tardy to class (unexcused) will not be able to turn in work that has already been collected. 

Virtual Learning Behavior and Academic Expectations: 

 

Live instruction will be conducted daily and students are to connect each period on Zoom followed by Google Classroom Instruction.  The following expectations MUST be followed.  Failure to adhere to the following may result in an unsatisfactory grade and removal from class.

 

  • Students MUST attend ALL classes daily at the assigned times.

  • Students MUST have their cameras on during the entire class time.

  • Students must be sitting up while attending classes, lying down is PROHIBITED!

  • Students are to dress appropriately.  Uniform attire is welcomed, but not required.  However, students must wear short sleeve shirts, and appropriate knee length bottoms (girls) when attending classes.

  • Students should be aware of their surroundings .

  • Students are expected to find a quiet location with no or minimal background noise.

  • Students are expected to mute their microphones when they are not talking.

  • Students are to speak up to be heard, but do not shout.

  • Students are to refrain from eating and drinking during class time.

  • Students are to remain seated and stay present.

  • Students are to actively participate.

  • Students are to refrain from playing any video games or watching television during class.

  • Students should refrain from having pets in their lap, playing with pets, and/or walking pets during zoom sessions.

  • Under no circumstance should a student lay down or cover their face with covers during the zoom session. 

  • Parents should NOT interrupt class sessions!  If there is a problem, parents are to reach out to the teacher by the teacher’s preferred method of communication.

Class Rules:

  • The student is expected to treat the teacher and other students with respect at all times.   Offensive language and hatefulness is not acceptable in this class.  I like to use as a guideline “Do the Right Thing.” You know what is right and wrong and you will be expected to act accordingly.
  • Students are expected to be in their seats and prepared for class when the bell rings. Being prepared for class means having all materials, portfolios, books, pens, etc. out and ready. 
  • Pay attention. Talking while the teacher is instructing or while other students are presenting will not be permitted. Listen the first time directions are given. 
  • Students will stay in their seats at all times unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
  • The phrase “I don’t know” is never an acceptable answer.
  • Put forth maximum effort (Be on task at all times and ask for help when needed.)
  • Ask permission before leaving the class.
  • Have an open mind and enjoy the learning process!

Statement for Academic Dishonesty: 

Academic honesty is expected in this class.  Cheating will not be tolerated. Consequences may include:  reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade on assignment or others as deemed appropriate.  Academic dishonesty will be reported to a school counselor as well as the Dean and a parent will be notified.