Mrs. Kaniuga
email: pkaniuga@rivervalleyschools.org
school phone: 756-9541 extension 1109
About me...
I knew that this time would be here sooner or later... I have many students of former students! This is my 26th year teaching and I have spend all of those wonderful years at River Valley. One of the greatest compliments that I can receive is when a former student, now a parent , tells me that they couldn't wait for their child to be in my class, or telling me that I can't retire until after I have their child in class.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University in 1985, double-majoring in Earth Science and Geography, along with minoring in Biology. According to "No Child Left Behing," I am highly qualified in all of those subject areas. I completed my Master's Degree in Geography (Western Michigan University) in 1988 and eventually earned a second M.A. in Science Education (1991).
This year I am teaching 8th grade Earth Science (for high school credit), 10th grade Biology, and Forensic Science. I continue to coach track & field, along with being the advisor of the National Honor Society. I still adore my cats and of course... the Irish of Notre Dame!
KANIUGA’S COMMANDMENTS
The Golden Rule: Be courteous to the teacher, fellow students, and the classroom.
- You are expected to be quiet and in your seat when the bell rings or you will be marked tardy. The tardy policy, according to the handbook, will be followed.
- You are expected to bring all necessary materials with you to class (texts, assignments, pencils etc.). Cell phones are to remain OFF during class time.
- You will be given five hall passes each marking period. The unused passes may be turned in for extra credit points.
- If you are absent, then it is your responsibility to get lecture materials and assignments from me. You have one week to make up any missed labs and/or tests. The school absence policy will be closely followed.
- You are expected to turn all assignments in on their due date. The grade will be lowered one half grade for each day that the assignment is late.
- Ask for permission to get out of your seat after class has begun.
- The end of class is signified by my dismissal, not the bell.
- If you are observed writing on the tables or lab tables, then you will stay after school and clean all of the tables. All trash goes in the wastebasket.
- I expect superb behavior all of the time. If your name is left by a substitute teacher because of behavior, then expect to spend time with me after school.
- This rule is for anything that I have forgotten.
Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open
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Earth Science
TOPICS
Studying the Earth
Composition of the Earth/Rocks & Minerals
The Dynamic Earth (Plate Tectonic, Earthquakes, & Volcanoes)
Reshaping the Earth’s Crust (Hydrogeology)
Energy Resources
Historical Geology
Atmospheric Forces
Astronomy
REQUIREMENTS
- There will be daily assignments ranging in value from 5-20 points. Each is expected to be handed-in on time (or points will be docked) and handed-in before each unit test. (Daily assignments amount to 50% of your grade.)
- Labs are graded according to your participation, data accuracy, and analysis. These activities will be worth 10-30 points. They must be made-up within a week and must be done after school.
- You will keep a daily journal that will be checked after each unit.
- Each test will be worth 100-150 points. A study guide will be given that specifically has the items that are being tested. (Assessments amount to 50% of your grade.)
- There will be several small written reports throughout the year. All reports must be typewritten.
- Either a binder or two-pocket folder is recommended to keep your science materials organized.
GRADING SCALE: A = 100 - 93; A- = 92-90; B+ = 89-87; B = 86-83; B- = 82-80;
C+ = 79-77; C = 76-73; C- = 72-70; D+ = 69-67; D = 66-63; D- = 62-60
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Earth Science Classroom Assignments/Homework
Monday 10/31
1. computer lab: mineral mania
Tuesday 11/1
1. lab: identifying minerals
Wednesday 11/2
1. characteristics of minerals pg 103-111
Thursday 11/3
1. Mohs hardness scale pg 111
Friday 11/4
1. no school
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BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
TOPICS:
- Biology and Your World
- Cellular Biology
- Microbiology
- Human Physiology
- Genetics
- Gene Technology
- Evolution
- Ecology
REQUIREMENTS
- There will be several assignments ranging in value from 5-20 points. Each is expected to be handed-in on time (or points will be docked) and handed-in before each unit test.
- This is a lab-based class and labs are graded according to your participation, data accuracy, and analysis. These activities will be worth 10-30 points. They must be made-up within a week and must be done after school. Lab report and assignments amount to about 50% of your grade.
- You will keep a daily journal that will be checked after each unit. This journal will be worth 35-50 points for each marking period.
- Each test will be worth 100 points. A study guide will be given that specifically has the items that are being tested. (Assessments amount to 50% of your grade.)
- A binder or two-pocket folder is recommended to keep your science materials organized.
GRADING SCALE: A = 100-93 B- = 82-80 D+ = 69-67
A- = 92-90 C+ = 79-77 D = 66-63
B+ = 89-87 C = 76-73 D- = 62-60
B = 86-83 C- = 72-70 F = 59-0
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Biology Classroom Assignments/Homework
Monday 10/31
1. lab: lactase enzymes
Tuesday 11/1
1. lab anaylsis
2. enzyme reading questions
Wednesday 11/2
1. lab: detergent enzymes
Thursday 11/3
1. review for test
Friday 11/4
1. no school
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Forensic Science
TOPICS:
Introduction to Forensic Science
The Autopsy
The Crime Scene
Trace Evidence and Impressions
Serology (Blood)
DNA
Fingerprints
Document Examination
Drug/Toxicology
Ballistics/Arson
REQUIREMENTS
- There will be several assignments ranging in value from 5-20 points. Each is expected to be handed-in on time (or points will be docked) and handed-in before each unit test.
- This is a lab-based class and labs are graded according to your participation, data accuracy, and analysis. These activities will be worth 10-30 points. They must be made-up within a week and must be done after school. Lab report and assignments amount to about 50% of your grade.
- You will keep a daily journal/crime log that will be checked after each unit. This journal will be worth 35-50 points for each marking period.
- Each test will be worth 100 points. A study guide will be given that specifically has the items that are being tested. (Assessments amount to 50% of your grade.)
- A binder or two-pocket folder is recommended to keep your science materials organized.
GRADING SCALE: A = 100 - 93; A- = 92-90; B+ = 89-87; B = 86-83; B- = 82-80;
C+ 79-77; C = 76-73; C- = 72-70; D+ = 69-67; D = 66-63; D- = 62-60
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Forensic Science Class Assignments/Homework
crime scene study guide
Monday 10/31
1. lab: memory skills
Tuesday 11/1
1. promethean (eyewitness testimony)
Wednesday 11/2
1. laptops: serial killers research
Thursday 11/3
1. laptops: serial killers research
Friday 11/4
1. no school
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