syllabus

Mr. Christensen's Course Syllabus

6th Grade Exploring Computers l Annual Staff l Webpage Design

6th Grade Exploring Computers:

About the Class

Being computer literate is a necessity in this world. This one semester, broad-based introductory course will cover various aspects of computers according to the standards below. The most fundamental component of using a computer is being able to keyboard efficiently. Therefore, we will spend the first few weeks of this class learning or improving our keyboarding skills. These keyboarding techniques will continue to be emphasized and practiced throughout the class. This class meets the High School graduation requirement for computer literacy

Class Standards:

Develop Keyboarding skills

Develop Word Processing skills (Word)

Create Spreadsheets w/formulas and graphs (Excel)

Create and manage a Database

Become familiar with drawing tools and DTP

Create a presentation in PowerPoint using various media

Be exposed to the Internet, search techniques

Be exposed to computer vocabulary and theory

Grading:

Students grade will be determined by the points earned on lessons, assignments, projects, and tests. Much of the work will be graded at the end of each week, with a weekly grade given. It is very important to keep up with assignments and make up work that is missed. Good attendance is critical. It is the student's responsibility to find out what was missed and complete it. Homework is rare. Therefore, productive class time is essential. Grade report printouts will be sent home periodically to be signed and returned.

The grading scale will be as followed:

90+% = A
80+% = B

70=% = C

60+% = D

below 60% = F

Computer printed progress reports will be sent home periodically to help keep students and parents informed of current progress and grades. These are to be signed and returned the following day. This is to assure the parent sees these. Points are awarded for prompt return.

Helpful Hints

(these things will help students be successful)

Attend class regularly and be on time.

Listen to and follow ALL directions.

Treat equipment with respect at all time.

Make sure all work is saved properly.

Work productively during class.

Annual Staff Class:

Annual Staff Website

Lewis Middle School has a tradition of producing top quality, award winning yearbooks. As a member of the Annual Staff, you are now a part of that tradition and have joined in the responsibility of producing the best Lewis yearbook ever.

The Lewis Annual Staff class is a broad based experience for students of a wide variety of backgrounds. Limited to mostly eighth graders with a few positions for seventh graders (with the intention of grooming for leadership the following year). This program is designed as a hands-on approach to the world of publications, providing the students the necessary school-to-work skills needed to be successful in the work place.

This program is based on a Job-like situation. Prospective students must complete an application process. The selection process may include many factors; application, interview, academic and citizenship grades, teacher recommendations, ethnic, gender, and grade balancing, attitude, and responsibility, as well as numbers constraints. Students are assigned positions of various degrees of leadership and responsibility. Students are also assigned the responsibility of designing, layout, and completion of a certain number of pages in the yearbook. Great importance is placed on ability to complete their layouts before the deadline with minimum supervision. Many projects are performed in groups or partnerships emphasizing cooperativeness and teamwork. Students will gain experience in working on the computer, using a camera, and familiarity of publishing language. Self organization of students time and duties is essential to the success of the yearbook. These publication, technology, and life working skills learned in this class provide a valuable base for their transition into the work place.

Grading:

Grading is based on the students ability to perform the required tasks, on time, with minimum supervision. Human nature is such that some people do the bare minimum to get by while others go above and beyond. It is not fair that both types of individuals that complete a deadline receive the same grade if one puts in much more effort. Therefore, the standard grade for the class is a B grade (the grade that should be received if they meet their deadline and do the minimum that is expected). To receive an A grade, the student must show that they have gone above and beyond expectation. A grade below B will be given if a deadline is missed or a student is unable to work effectively and cooperatively within the program. Whereas, there may be some free time in which to work on the computer or homework, it is the students responsibility to make sure that all class related responsibilities are completed FIRST. Students grade will be effected if time management becomes a problem.

Due to the nature of this class, and the enormous responsibility placed on it, trust and reliability are essential and thus, will also become part of a students grade. Any abuse of the freedoms, trust, and responsibility placed on students in this class may result in student being removed from the annual staff.

We are looking forward to a great year and the production of a book of memories that will last a lifetime. I am excited about the opportunity to work with and get to know these fine young people. Thank you for your support.

Webpage Design

About the Class

This is a one semester class for 7th and 8th graders which backs up to the Java programming class during the adjacent semester. Students should have a good background in computers with an interest to go deeper into the world of technology. Students will learn how to create web pages using a web page editor, as well as some basics in HTML programming.

District Standards: Performance Standard 6.3

The student uses information-gathering techniques, analyzes and evaluates information, and uses information technology to assist in collecting, analyzing, organizing, and presenting information.

Grading:

Students grade will be determined by the points earned on lessons, assignments, projects, and tests. It is very important to keep up with assignments and projects and make up work that is missed. Good attendance is critical. It is the student's responsibility to find out what was missed and complete it. Homework is rare. Therefore, productive class time is essential. Grade report print-outs will be sent home periodically to be signed and returned with points for timely return.

The grading scale will be as followed:
90+% = A

80+% = B

70=% = C

60+% = D

below 60% = F

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