February 24, 2014 Aloha Parents and Guardians! My name is Ms.

Brett Walker, and I am your childs Earth & Space Science teacher. I graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in in Geological Science and a minor in Science Education with the UFTeach program. ~So what should you expect? From atoms to the Moon, we are making science a verb this year. I believe that students learn best by doing, and so incorporating hands-on activities that engage students will be my main focus of the class. We will explore all sorts of exciting topics like volcanoes, hurricanes, aquifers, oceans, minerals, and even fossils! Lengthy PowerPoint lectures and memorization are how I plan to structure my classis something I would never say. Like I mentioned before, my teaching philosophy unites activity with learning so that students may take their understandings of Earth Science concepts to a whole new level. My goal is to form students who are able to internalize what they learn by recalling the real-world applications of concepts they worked through and manipulated in class. In order for students to be prepared for class, each student must bring a writing utensil that dispenses blue ink, black ink, or graphite daily. They also will need one binder notebook with pockets, a supply of lined paper, and a composition journal (to be used as science journal.) Furthermore, in order for labs to go smoothly, I also ask the students to pay attention, treat lab equipment with care, and wear proper laboratory attire in order to stay safe in the classroom. Students who abuse lab equipment or fail to comply with the lab rules will be suspended from lab that week and will be given an alternative assignment. If further consequences for misbehavior are needed, actions include parent contact/ meetings, detention slips, and referrals. The grading breakdown is as follows: 28%- Assignments: This category includes all in class assignments, lab reports, homework, and science journals. Individual assignments are graded on a 10-point scale and a running list of assignments will be displayed in the classroom during each unit. All assignments are due by the end of the unit on test day. Late work for any unit will be accepted before the last day of the following unit. 28%-Notebooks: students are required to maintain an organized notebook containing class notes, handouts, etc. These will be handed in at the end of each unit for a completion grade. 28%-Tests: Each unit will end with a test that contains questions drawn from notes, labs, and assignments. 16% Independent Work: Each nine-weeks, students are to turn in one piece of independent work related to one of the units we have covered thus far. During the second nine-week period, students are required to participate in the Science Fair to satisfy their independent work grade. Im very hopeful that I will get the chance to meet you at parent night this year, which will be held on Month, Day. If you have any questions at all, or are interested in volunteering, donating, or work in a field of science and are interested in being a guest speaker, please feel free to contact me at any time, but most importantly, just feel free. Sincerely, Ms. Brett Walker junobhw@gmail.com