Course Description:
Exploring Technology is an advanced level class open to 8th grade students. Students will learn on a more advanced level about a variety of technology subjects to include energy, power, transportation, manufacturing, and construction.
Our intent is to broaden students’ awareness of their own interests and abilities, and of technology careers available to them . In addition, students will develop skills in design, measuring, construction, testing, problem solving, etc.
Grading:
Students will be graded both academically and for citizenship. The academic or letter grade will be determined by participation, completion and quality of projects, clean up, and other assignments, quizzes, or tests. Students’ citizenship grade will be determined by how well they keep the rules of the class. An H will be awarded for those who go above and beyond what is expected, an S for satisfactorily upholding the rules, an N for students who need to improve, and a U for unsatisfactory behavior.
Managing Grades:
All teachers in Iron County use PowerTeacher, grading software that allows students and their parents to access grading and attendance information on the Internet via Powerschool. Powerschool is a tremendous tool for both students and parents to use, and it’s use is highly encouraged! You can get your user name and password from the office personnel.
A computer will be provided for students to access their grades if they have returned a signed Internet User Agreement.
In my class assignments will ordinarily be entered the same day they are handed in for morning classes, and the next day for afternoon classes.
In addition, I send home a progress report on the second and fourth Mondays of each month to keep parents informed of their student's progress. It is an assignment for students to take the report home, show it to a parent, ask them to sign it, then return the report to me by the end of the week.
Attendance:
This class is very much a “hands on”, participation class. Students are responsible for the work they miss while absent, even when excused.
To maximize class time I intend to start class when the tardy bell rings. If students are not in their seats when the tardy bell rings they are either missing instruction or holding up the class while we wait for them to get in their seats. Therefore, students will be required to be in their seat when the bell rings.
Make Up Work and Extra Credit:
Missed assignments should be made up by completing the original assignment where possible. Students can come in before or after school most days to work on their assignments. In some cases the assignment can be completed at home. Extra Credit assignments are available which can easily be done at home to improve a student's grade. However, school policy is that extra credit cannot be more than 5% of a student's grade.
Late Work:
This class is a vocational class, which means a big part of what we do is to prepare students for the world of work. So, we not only help students learn about their interests and abilities in preparation for choosing a career, we also help them learn basic skills necessary for success in their chosen career. Things like showing up, being on time, being productive, managing resources, completing and submitting work on time, etc. will be taught, emphasized, and encouraged. Project management will be part of the grade for many of the activities, which brings with it an expectation that work will be completed and submitted on time. If the assignment will be late due to an excused absence students are welcome to ask for an extension to the due date. In general extensions will be 1 day, plus one day for each day of absence.
Safety:
Students will be taught how to use the power tools safely, and will be required to pass a safety test before using the tools. Students will be expected to use the information they’ve learned to keep themselves and others safe. Each student is required to wear eye protection whenever near power tools in operation, or whenever engaged in any activity that might pose a hazard to their eyesight.
Needs:
Students will be working with tools and materials during the construction of their projects. Therefore, they will need safety goggles or glasses to protect their eyes while using the power tools, and a place to put their projects to keep them safe. Lockers will be provided, but students will need to provide a lock to secure them. Combination locks are highly recommended so as to prevent students being locked out because they forgot or lost the key.
Students will for the most part be building projects which they will be free to take home upon completion and grading. To cover the cost of these projects students will need to pay $15 at the office. Materials will then be supplied upon request.
Grading:
Students will be graded both academically and for citizenship. The academic or letter grade will be determined by participation, completion and quality of projects, clean up, and other assignments, quizzes, or tests. Students’ citizenship grade will be determined by how well they keep the rules of the class. An H will be awarded for those who go above and beyond what is expected, an S for satisfactorily upholding the rules, an N for students who need to improve, and a U for unsatisfactory behavior.
How to succeed in this class:
It’s very simple--come to class on time and prepared, utilize your time well during class, ask your teacher for help when you need it, complete and hand in assignments when they are due. Since this class includes a lot of freedom, it is important that students discipline themselves to get their work done on time. Ordinarily the student’s academic grade is the best indicator of how well they do this. Usually the students who have trouble succeeding in this class are those don’t attend regularly, who socialize or daydream excessively, fail to ask the teacher for help, fail to come to class prepared, or fail to complete and hand in assignments on time.
For most students it is beneficial for parent(s) to be aware of their student’s progress in my class, and to be supportive.
Discipline:
In order to maintain a good learning environment there will be some rules in class. I’ve kept them fairly simple; they basically involve coming to class prepared and on time, using class time wisely, being safe, and respecting the facilities, the teacher, and other students.
If a student breaks the rules I will usually give a verbal warning. If the student fails to heed the warning I will give him or her a work habit slip with the infraction marked. It is then the student’s responsibility to fill out the slip and return it to the teacher promptly. Work habits slips will affect the student’s citizenship grade. A slip may not always be issued for tardiness, but tardies will affect the citizenship grade as well.
If a students fails to cooperate on matters of discipline the parents and school administration will be contacted.