Science Department

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Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the RDMS Science Department! Our team of Science instructors are here to ensure that your child's curiosity about Science is addressed in a fun and interactive manner. We strive to provide a rigorous and interesting curriculum that will ensure your child's success throughout high school and beyond. You may click on the
"staff" link to see a list of teachers in the department. Should you wish to communicate with a specific teacher, click on the appropriate instructor and send an email. Once again, it is our pleasure to serve you and your child as they navigate through the educational process.

Vision

Improve creative & critical thinking & instill a love of science and learning for all.

Mission

Provide high quality science education and empower teachers to deliver instruction that will develop responsible, scientifically literate, globally competitive, life-long learners.

Goals

• Empower teachers to deliver high-quality instruction utilizing pedagogical strategies that effectively allow for the implementation of a standards-based curriculum.

• Provide District-wide scientific curriculum leadership.

• Encourage scientifically rich classroom environments.

• Promote the rigor, relevance, and integration of other disciplines in the science classrooms.

• Involve the community, businesses, universities, informal science institutions, and parents in supporting science competence throughout the District.

Underlying Principles

• We foster instructional programs and teaching strategies that serve all students and accommodate diverse needs and learning styles to eliminate the achievement gap.

• We share a commitment with teachers, students, parents, administrators, and the community at large to enhance and improve scientific teaching and learning.

• We believe that learning is a lifelong process and that successful learners are those who love learning.

Helpful Files - FCAT REVIEW: The Science Diagram packet is available for download from this page! This provides a collection of all the diagrams students may expect to see on their 8th Grade FCAT! Study this packet to help you prepare for the FCAT!

Files:

Science-Diagram-Packet

Department Rules & Guidelines

Science Department Rules & Expectations

Be Respectful!

Golden Rule = Treat Others How You Would Like to be Treated

Do Your Best! Put in the effort! Maintain a Growth Mindset! You might not be able to do something yet, but keep working on it and you can learn how!

You’ll never get better if you don’t practice!

Follow all directions immediately, especially during labs.
Raise your hand for permission to ask a question, move, etc.
Absolutely no cell phone/tablet usage will be allowed in class without teacher permission. Your phone should be powered off in your book-bag.
No inappropriate usage of the computer, tablets, or other technology.

-Your cell phones, headphones, tablets, and other technology will be confiscated if you are found to be using it inappropriately or without permission.

Do not ask to be excused except in the case of an emergency. You should use the restroom prior to class.
No chewing gum in class - do not enter the room with it in your mouth.
Absolutely no horseplay during labs or other activities.
Brushing hair and applying make-up will not be tolerated.
Talking disrespectfully to the teacher will not be tolerated.

12, Respect School Property: Do not write on the desks or walls!

During emergencies stay quiet and follow the teacher’s instructions. Remain in line with your teacher in order to be accounted for.
The district Unit Tests & Quarterly Exams will be used as major grades in each Science class.
It’s okay to get something wrong or to make a mistake. Just make sure you LEARN from your mistake!

**Any items that are confiscated by the instructor will be returned to the parent only.**

**You may be excluded from participating in labs due to the following: Failure to submit lab fee, purposely damaging equipment, or repeated behavior issues.**