Laura Bishop

STEM Instructor

803-532-3831

LBishop@Lex3.org

MrsBishopComputerScience.us

Class Syllabus

Course Description: STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Using the design process, students brainstorm, research, develop ideas, create models, test and evaluate design ideas, and communicate their solution to solve problems. This is a hands-on, project-based class.

Course Rationale/Objectives: The rationale of this course is to increase student interest in STEM by introducing them to the many different types STEM with an emphasis on Computer Science. An understanding of STEM is essential for students to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and technologically advanced world. The course will also help support all other areas of student learning which include science, social studies, reading, mathematics, and the arts while developing creativity, critical thinking and their communication and collaborative skills.

Goals/Learning Targets: 

Students will be able to:

1. Be able to follow the engineering design process

2. Learn and use standard safety practices.

3. Create algorithms and document the planning process for code

4. Demonstrate proper Troubleshooting and Code Tracing techniques

5. Design projects that meet consumer needs in today’s world

6. Use sensors and actuators and inputs and outputs in projects

7. Create code and download programs to the micro:bit microcontroller

Technology:

• Chromebooks

• Micro:bits 

• Makey Makeys

• Finch Robots

• Ozobots

• Vex Robotics

Discipline:

Step 1: Verbal warning

Step 2: Student/teacher conference

Step 3: Parent contact/conference

Step 4: Detention and a parent contact

Step 5: Office referral

Standards:

• Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS): The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are K–12 science content standards. These standards set the expectations for what students should know and be able to do in science. 

• National Education Technology Standards (ISTE): The ISTE Standards provide the competencies for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the effective use of technology in schools worldwide.

• 21st Century Skills: Often referred to as the 4C’s, 21st Century Skills are a defined set of skills that prepare students for success in their pursuit of higher education, careers and responsible citizenship. These skills include Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity.

Homework Policy: 

Due to the hands-on nature of the course, all assignments and projects will be completed during class time.

Makeup Work Policy: 

Students with excused absences will be allowed to make-up all work within three days of returning to school. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for make-up work. Students can get with a classmate or ask the teacher for help. Work that is not made up will become a zero (including quizzes/tests). Many times, missed quizzes and tests can be made up during school.

Late Work Policy:

Classwork that is turned in late will be considered on a case by case basis.

Grading Policy:

60% = Assessments (Tests, Projects)

40% = Daily Grades (Quizzes, Daily Classwork, Journal)

Grade Scale: 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; 59 or below = F

Assignments, Projects, Expectations: 

• Students must keep and bring an organized notebook in class with all assignments.

• Students are expected to participate in all class activities/projects including clean-up.

• Students are expected to complete all assignments on time. Late work will be penalized, and   assignments more than two weeks late will not be accepted for credit (a zero will be assigned).

• Students that do not finish or complete classwork during class will be given the opportunity to complete it at home with the expectation that the work is due before the next class period. 

• Students are expected to abide by the school guidelines as outlined in the student handbook. 

• Students are expected to work cooperatively with others in the classroom respecting the opinions and ideas of others even if they are different from their own.

STEM Level 1 

Student Materials:

-1 inch Binder 

-Pencils and Pen 

-Notebook Paper 

-Earbuds or Headsets

-Notebook Dividers 

-Charged Chromebook

Honor Code: The Academic Honesty Policy is being implemented to ensure that students submit credible work that is evidence of their content mastery. Students should seek to be totally honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and be evaluated based on its originality. They should avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.

*Cell Phone Policy - No cell phones or other personal electronic devices are to be accessed in my classroom. The devices must be turned off and left in their book bags or placed at the charging station. Students who choose not to follow the rules will receive a written office referral.