HARGRAVE HIGH SCHOOL
Aquatic Science Course Syllabus
Mrs. Kim Grider
Rm. B216
Conference Period: 6th
E-mail: kgrider@huffmanisd.net
Aquatic Science:
In the Aquatic Science course students will investigate a variety of topics that include: components of an aquatic ecosystem;
relationships among aquatic habitats and ecosystems; roles of cycles within an aquatic environment; adaptations of aquatic organisms;
changes within aquatic environments; geological phenomena and fluid dynamics effects; and origin and use of water in a watershed.
Materials Needed:
- Journal or Spiral
- Pen, Pencil, highlighter
- Map Colors, Markers
General information:
1. Please arrive to class on time. Tardies are strictly enforced and will be handled by the Attendance Office. My classroom rule is that
you must be all the way inside the classroom door when the tardy bell rings. Tardies accumulate for the entire semester and may
result in a loss of semester exam exemption status. (See student handbook for campus/district policies)
2. Be prepared and ready to learn. Students are expected to bring all of their materials to class everyday. Students will be allowed to
leave their Composition Journals in their classroom cabinet. Pens, pencils, map colors, etc. should be brought by the student each day.
3. Be an active learner and participant. Students should be actively engaged in the learning process. This includes, but is not limited
to, completing assignments on time, participating in group discussions, cooperating with others, and always giving 100% effort.
4. You are responsible for leaving your desk and lab area in excellent condition. Please do not write on desktops or lab table and
throw all trash away at the end of class.
5. Be an independent thinker and respectful. Science is a subject where critical thinking is very important and highly encouraged.
Students are encouraged to express their ideas during group discussions and listen respectfully to their peers’ ideas.
6. Cheating will not be tolerated. In my classroom, cheating includes both giving and receiving of information on anything that
requires individual effort. This includes exams, lab write-ups, homework assignments, quizzes, lab drawings, and projects. Any
instances of cheating will result in a zero on the assignment and parent contact will be made immediately.
7. All school rules apply in our classroom. This includes, but is not limited to: food/drinks, dress code, & electronic devices.
Classwork:
1. Assignments are expected at the beginning of class on the due date. Late work will be accepted as follows:
1 day late
10 points off
2 days late 20 points off
3 days late 30 points off
4 or more days late will not be accepted
2. Each student will be provided with ONE COPY of each handout. I will have some extra copies filed in the Student Resource box,
however, once the extra copies are gone, I am not printing any more.
3. If you are absent, please get a copy from the Student Resource box of the assignment that you missed, upon your return. Then you
may see me, or ask a classmate, if you have questions about that assignment. Your absent work still has to be turned in on time to
receive full credit (see above for Absent Work Policies).
Tests/Tutoring:
1. Tests may cover information from one or more chapters. The material for tests will come primarily from the class notes and book
however, information from the text and labs may also be included. Tests are designed to challenge higher level thinking skill through a
variety of question types; including multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and essays. If a student is absent for a test, a make-up
test must be taken within one week of the absence. If a student is unable to attend a make-up session, it is the student’s responsibility
to meet with me to make additional arrangements. Failure to make up a test within one week of an absence will result in an automatic
zero.
2. Students who score below a 70% on a summative grade may choose to re-assess that summative grade. The student will receive a
max score of a 70% on the re-assessment. Students who fail as a result of cheating are not eligible to re-assess. Students must
schedule an appointment to re-assess within 5 school days of the original assessment. Final assessment of the 6-weeks may not be
eligible for re-assessment. Whenever feasible, I will allow opportunity for re-assessment for students who need it.
3. Tutoring will be offered in order to help students work through areas of difficulty so that a better understanding of the material can
be achieved. Test review sessions will NOT be offered! If a student unable to make these tutoring times due to extenuating
circumstances, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with me to schedule a tutoring appointment. Please come to tutoring with
specific questions and I will do my best to re-explain the information/concepts. Please refer to the tutoring schedule below:
Monday-Thursday 2:50-3:30
Discipline Plan:
1. Verbal warning
2. Conference with student and parent contact
3. Referral to office
Severe behaviors such as profanity or fighting will result in an automatic referral to the office.
Grades:
Your 9-week grades in Aquatic Science will be determined accordingly:
50% - Assessments
50% - Daily Work
Dress Code:
1. Students will not be allowed into the classroom if they do not comply with the district dress code policy. Students are expected to
remain in dress code throughout the entire class period.
2. Students are to follow lab dress code on lab days. (Refer to Safety Contract)
Expectations of you (the student):
1. Bring materials
2. Arrive to class on time
3. Actively participate and ask questions
4. Proper classroom behavior
5. Prepare for tests
6. Ask for help if needed - do not wait until it is too late
7. Follow directions when given for safety of all in class
What you can expect from me:
1. I am here to help you learn.
2. I will do my best to make science relevant to your lives.
3. I will do my best to grade your assignments in a timely manner and keep you updated on your status in class.
4. I will be available for help outside of class; I won’t always know when you need help. Please ask for help if you need it!!!
Remind 101:
A Remind 101 account has been set up for my Aquatic Science classes. Students and parents are encouraged to subscribe. Text the
code @hhsaquatic to 81010.
Again, I would just like to welcome all of you to my class. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I have an open
door policy, which means all of my students are always welcome in my room. ~Mrs. Grider
Student Name:
Student Signature:
Date:
Parent/Guardian:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Date:
Parent/Guardian email: