Welcome to Mr. Steenwijk’sWelcome to Mr. Steenwijk’sMath and Science ClassMath and Science Class

September 3September 3rdrd 2009 2009

Room 324Room 324

About Mr. SteenwijkAbout Mr. Steenwijk• 6th year in 6th grade at ISB• Taught Algebra 1 in the High School at ISB• Instructed SCUBA in Southern Thailand• Taught High School Biology/Science/Math in NZ• English Instructor for Berlitz School, Kobe, Japan• Masters in Chemistry (University of Canterbury)• Currently studying toward a Masters through SUNY

in Information Technology and Digital Literacy

66thth Grade is a Transition Year Grade is a Transition Year

• Many teachers• Many different classes• So much to remember• Lockers, combinations, schedules, tardies,

schedule changes, synergy days, early release days, rotating timetable, sports, dances, friends!

• Becoming responsible and organized!

General InformationGeneral Information

• We meet 3 out of 4 days• 2 hour block (1 hour math and 1 hour science)• Homework is due the next time we meet

AgendaAgenda (Student Handbook) (Student Handbook)

• Essential for keeping track of homework

and upcoming tests and quizzes• Needs to be brought to class each day

(and taken home)• Great when parents ask to see agenda and use

this as a possible discussion point

MathMath

• New Curriculum - Connected Math Project (CMP)

• Understanding concepts

• Making connections across concepts and throughout year

• Reflecting on students’ own learning

• Units: Factors and Multiples, Fractions, Decimals, Percents, Geometry

ScienceScience

• New Curriculum - Inquiry Science

• Doing and designing science investigations and experiments

• Explaining using evidence

• Deep understanding and application

• Units: Diversity of Life, Forces and Motion, Weather and Water

Grade BreakdownGrade BreakdownMath• 35% - Homework/Reflections• 35% - Quizzes/Partner Quizzes• 30% - Projects/Unit Assessments

Science• 20% - Homework• 40% - Labwork• 40% - Assessments

Grades – What to ExpectGrades – What to Expect• Grades don’t become “final” until the end

of the semester

• Early grades – based on very few assignments

• Later grades – reflect a more proper balance of different types of evaluation

Homework – What to ExpectHomework – What to Expect• Average of about one hour per night

(total for all core classes)

• Math – almost every night

• Science – not as regularly as Math

Knowing what’s going onKnowing what’s going on• PantherNet

• PowerSchool

• Mr. Steenwijk (the actual human)

PantherNetPantherNet• Homework and Files-to-be-downloaded

will be posted here for students

PowerSchoolPowerSchool• Grades are posted throughout the year

• Useful as a tool for students (and parents!) to keep track of assignments

Supporting Your ChildSupporting Your Child• Ask your child questions about our lessons

• Provide time and a suitable place at home to study

• Contact me with any concerns

• Visit the curriculum program websites (on the following slides)

Science WebsiteScience Website• http://fossweb.com/modulesMS/DiversityofLife/• Curriculum overview, demonstrations and lesson

support materials• User Id and Password coming

Math Website 1Math Website 1• http://www.phschool.com/cmp2/

• Online activities, homework help, more practice and information (use codes in book)

Math Website 2Math Website 2• http://connectedmath.msu.edu/parents/

• General advice, specific examples, vocabulary

Extra Help for StudentsExtra Help for Students

• During lunch or after school by appointment with me

• Homework ClubMonday and Wednesday2:05-3:00Monday - Mr Tague 317Wednesday – Mr. Steenwijk 324

ContactContact

• My email is jonathas@isb.ac.th

Questions?Questions?