Block 3 : Math/Science

Syllabus

Science

Course Description

This science class is designed for the students in the Developmental Learning Program who have cognitive learning deficits which effect reading, math, writing and understanding.  This program uses hands on approach, a step-by-step presentation with reading and math supports while teaching the science concepts of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.  The end result will be the Science Portfolio required for 10th graders.

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the learning strands for the 10th grade and any pre-requisite skills needed to access those learning strands. The content area is Science and Technology/Engineering.  The strands involved are Life Science- Biology, Physical Science- Chemistry and Physics, and Technology and Engineering. As always in the classes of the DLP, the needs as identified by the I.E.P. process will guide the selection of the course content.

Materials needed

A variety of every day materials will be used in this course. An emphasis will be made on the learning of functional vocabulary needed for understanding the information presented.  On line sources are used in addition to Life Skills Curriculum and other resource guides, teacher -made worksheets and tests.

Math Foundations

 Course Description

This math course is designed for students who need to continue their practice of the four basic math operations, and apply them to daily life activities.  Placement in this course is based on test results, teacher/parent /team recommendations.  Higher math tasks like fractions and decimals will be presented within their daily living applications of cooking measurements and money skills etc. Many of the students in this course will be preparing a math portfolio for their MCAS-Alt test.

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the needs of the students’ as outlined in their I.E.P. A beginning review of basic operations will begin the class. Then the following areas will be covered: time; reading time and following schedules, computing daily timesheet calculations, calendar work; money; reading money amounts, counting money amounts, counting back change, identifying next dollar amounts, computing hourly pay, banking procedures and checking account practice; measuring; cooking fraction practice. In addition lessons in the Massachusetts Standards like data collection,  measurement, geometry and patterns will be explored using a hands on approach for MCAS –Alt Portfolio documentation.

Materials Needed

A variety of resources are used in this class including Deluxe Banking system. Classroom worksheets,  Math Foundation books, calculators, simulated money kit, clock calendars etc.

Class Expectations

Attendance is very important and is part of the grading system. Poor attendance will lower your grade. Participate daily in a positive way. Be prepared with books, writing utensils and assignments. Keep an assignment notebook daily.

Grading

20% Daily Participation

40% Assignments (including homework)

20% Accountability Rubric

20%Projects, Quizzes, Tests