Mr. Cox's Classroom Orientation

1. Classroom Orientation
What is Physical Science?
Physics
• Forms of energy
• Energy transformations
• Heat
• Waves
• Sound
• Light
• Forces and Motion
• Electromagnetism
Chemistry
• Atoms and molecules
• Periodic Table
• Properties of matter
• States of matter
• Chemical reactions
• Acids and bases
• Nuclear energy
Discussion:
1. Which of these topics do
you already know
something about?
2. Which of these topics
are you most interested
in learning about?

2. Mr. Cox…
 Did you remember to have students glue the Unit Outline to
the FIRST PAGE of their science notebooks?
Good. Now let’s move on!

3. Classroom Orientation
Tie Your Shoes
You learned to tie your shoes after being shown how. Then you practiced
doing it on your own. Making a few mistakes was part of your learning
experience. And now that you can tie your shoes all by yourself, you can
get where you want to go without tripping over untied laces.
In this classroom you will be shown how to do many things. If you are to
master these things the way you mastered the ability to tie your shoes, you
must practice doing them on your own. You must be willing to learn from
your mistakes and try again. And once you can do these things all by
yourself, you can get where you want to go in life without getting tripped up
by your confusion. When you no longer depend on others to do things for
you, then you may be considered independent.

4. Classroom Orientation
Teaching Techniques:
In order to build a strong foundation of understanding you will be held accountable for
demonstrating your knowledge of topics in a variety of ways and on a daily basis:
• Speak Up! – Talk to a classmate about what you have learned. “It is only in the
saying that the learner figures out what he/she gets or doesn’t get.” (Marshall)
• Cold Calls – You may be called on to answer any question at any time whether
your hand was raised or not!
• No Opt Out – “I don’t know” is not an acceptable answer in this classroom. You
are expected to give the correct answer to the question asked of you. Relax…
assistance will be provided as needed.

5. Classroom Orientation
The only real failure in life is not trying.

6. Classroom Orientation
Cold Calls - Practice:
You have 6 minutes to read pgs. 19-21 of you Interactive Textbook
and prepare to answer the following questions:
1. What tools do scientists use to make measurements?
2. Why is the International System of Units (a.k.a ‘the metric system’)
important?
3. How many millimeters are in a meter?
4. What is mass and what units are associated with it?
5. What is volume and what units are associated with it?
6. Why can’t we measure density directly?

7. Classroom Orientation
Expectations:
1. Be Resourceful – You have access to many tools to assist you in
learning. Figure out what they are and learn to use them wisely.
You have 3 minutes to Speak Up! to a classmate about the following: (Cold Calls)
• What tools are available to assist you in learning?
• How can those tools be used wisely?
• How can those tools be used UNwisely?

8. Classroom Orientation
Expectations:
2. Be a Driver
You have 2 minutes to Speak Up! to a classmate about the following: (Volunteers)
• What is the difference between a driver and a passenger in a car?

9. Classroom Orientation
Expectations:
2. Be a Driver – Take control of – and responsibility for – your learning.
You have 2 minutes to Speak Up! to a classmate about the following: (Volunteers)
• What is the difference between a driver and a passenger in a car?

10. Classroom Orientation
Expectations:
3. Treat every mistake and failure as a learning opportunity – Mistakes
can be our greatest teachers when we are not afraid or ashamed of
them.
“Let your mistakes make you stronger.”
You have 2 minutes to Speak Up! to a classmate about the following: (Cold calls)
• How can making mistakes can make you stronger?

11. Classroom Orientation
Procedures and Discipline:
• The 100% Principle – There is only one acceptable percentage of
students following directions in this classroom: 100%. Anything less than
100% poses a threat to the learning environment by suggesting that you
have the option not to do what is asked of you.

12. Classroom Orientation
Procedures and Discipline:
"If we don't discipline ourselves, the world will do it for us."
-William Feather
You have 2 minutes to Speak Up! to a classmate about the following: (Volunteers)
• How does the world discipline us?
• How can we discipline ourselves?

13. Classroom Orientation
Procedures and Discipline:
• Problems in the classroom generally occur for one of two reasons:
incompetence or defiance. While there is never one best way to deal
with occasional discipline problems, there are some general guidelines
that we will use as necessary. Please know that the rules and
expectations that I enforce exist to ensure that I have a safe and
effective learning environment for ALL students. Irresponsible
behavior should be seen as an opportunity for growth so you will be
encouraged to exercise self-discipline through reflection and self-
evaluation.

14. Classroom Orientation
We are here to build each other up, not
tear each other down.

15. Classroom Orientation
Hand Signals:
In order to minimize disruptions, you are NOT permitted out of your seat
without permission. Rather that interrupting instruction to ask for
permission, please use the hand signals posted at the front of the room to let
me know what you need.
Pencil Restroom Trash Tissue

16. Classroom Orientation
Procedures and Discipline:
End of Class:
1. Organize class materials and clean up your area.
2. Stay seated until you are dismissed. I dismiss you, not the bell!

17. Classroom Orientation
Materials:
You are expected to have the following items with you EVERY DAY:
• Science notebook (5-subject)
• Interactive Textbook
• Supplemental documents booklet
• Writing utensils
• Notebook paper

18. Classroom Orientation
Notebook Guidelines:
You are expected to maintain an organizes notebook for this class. Your
notebook should be for science ONLY. This notebook will serve as a
valuable resource for recording and reviewing your learning.
• Use a permanent marker to write your name on the front and back cover.
• Number the pages of the first section (front side only)
• Feel free to personalize the front and back covers

19. Classroom Orientation
eClass:
I make extensive use of a variety of online resources to demonstrate,
support, or enrich topics studied in class. Sometimes we will use these
resources in class and other times you will be expected to use them on
your computer at home. If you do not have internet access at home,
please have your parent/guardian let me know in writing.

20. Classroom Orientation
eClass Expectations:
1. Regularly check your course pages for content and updates.
2. Regularly monitor your grades and progress in all classes. (Be a driver!)
3. Participate in required online discussions:
• Super Awesome Science Trivia!
• 1 question per week – answers must be posted by Friday
evening!
• You can earn up to 10pts. per question
• Answers must be in your own words (Use resources wisely!)
• You will not be able to see other students’ responses until you
post yours.

21. Classroom Orientation
USA TestPrep:
• There will be a practice “test” for each unit in USA TestPrep. The “tests”
will be available throughout the entire unit and MUST be completed by
the day of the classroom test.
• Once the unit has ended, you will no longer be able to access the test.
• The grade you earn will be entered as a class work grade.
• You will be allowed up to 3 attempts on each “test”.

22. Classroom Orientation
Classroom Culture:
We want our classroom to be positive and productive at all times. In this way, we
can develop the academic and social skills that are so necessary for successful
lives.
SPEAK UP!
You have 5 minutes to discuss with your group the following question. Copy the
question and record your thoughts on a sheet of paper. (Cold Calls)
• What does an IDEAL classroom culture look/feel like?

23. Classroom Orientation
Classroom Culture:
One of the most important aspects of a strong and successful learning
environment is trust. We must trust each other to provide support and
encouragement. While the occasional disagreement is normal, negative and
hurtful speech or actions are never appropriate.

24. Classroom Orientation
Classroom Culture:
SPEAK UP!
You have 5 minutes to discuss with your group the following questions. Record
your thoughts on a sheet of paper. (Cold Calls)
• What are the benefits of helping create a positive and productive
classroom culture?
• What will YOU do on a daily basis to promote a positive and productive
classroom culture?
• How do YOU intend to handle disagreements with your classmates?

25. Classroom Orientation
Classroom Environment:
Our minds are shaped by our environment and a messy
learning environment can be a big distraction to teaching and
learning. Therefore we must work to maintain an orderly
classroom.
Keep the aisles clear! Your book bags, backpacks, binders,
jackets, and anything else you bring must be kept under your
chair at all times.

26. Classroom Orientation
Let’s Review…
On the BACK of the page you glued your syllabus to…
1. Title it “MR. COX’S CLASS ORIENTATION”
2. Trace your hand.
3. In each finger (including your thumb), write ONE key point you remember
from this lesson. (Cold Calls to follow)
4. In the center of your palm, write one thing you hope to
do/learn/accomplish this year. (Volunteer to share)