IMPORTANT FACTS FOR

RICHMOND HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

SCIENCE ZOO MAGNET STUDENTS AND PARENTS 

General Program Requirements

The Science/Zoo/Math Magnet is an intensive, challenging and innovative program that will include in-depth instruction in many areas of science and technology. Students will concentrate on development of specific skills leading to their involvement in research, experimentation, analysis and application of concepts, science and computer technology. 

Therefore, in order for a participant to successfully complete this intellectually demanding science program, the following requirements must be met: 

Complete and hand in on time to the instructor, all homework assignments. 

Complete daily assignments such as laboratory experiments; class activities and assignments; class notes; research projects, both group and independent; computer station modules; zoo research task, field trip packets, and special projects. 

Complete at least three major independent science projects per year.

Of the three projects, one must be a science fair project. 

Satisfactorily pass the major exams and quizzes. 

Bring appropriate supplies and materials to class daily. 

Maintain appropriate behavior in the classroom, on field trips, and on zoo grounds and other off-site facilities. 

Maintain a "C" average in ALL core content subjects and conduct every nine weeks.

Curriculum Design

This curriculum has been designed:

To attract targeted students residing in the South area of Miami-Dade County Schools in an educational environment which employs the scientific method as a basic instructional approach that will stimulate and encourage learning. 

To provide opportunities for students to develop necessary skills for effective critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making in order to acquire the tools necessary for improved academic achievement.

To expose students to career opportunities in the fields of mathematics, science, and computer technology and encourage them to pursue advanced course work appropriate for their preparation.

To provide activities designed to emphasize the interrelationship of man and his environment. 

To enable students to acquire skills in computer technology, instrument interfacing, data interpretation and word processing. 

To concentrate on the development of specific skills leading to the research experimentation and application of mathematical and scientific concepts. 

To provide intensive instruction in study skills and test taking techniques.

To enable students to experience academic success.

Will they go to the Zoo daily?

The 6th, 7th and 8th graders are scheduled for their Zoo Research courses on an alternating weekly schedule. The following chart is a sample of a typical schedule for the Zoo Research Courses and the state required courses offered at Richmond Heights Middle School.  

The alternating weekly schedule of 6th, 7th and 8th graders will begin with groups of 6th and 7th graders going to the zoo the first week of school and the next week, a different group of 6th and 7th graders will go to the zoo while the first group remains at Richmond Heights Middle School. 

This alternating weekly schedule will be continued throughout the school year.  

The 8th graders will participate in a SPECIAL PROJECTS program alternating between their Honors Earth Science class and one of the following off-site programs: Metrozoo, Parrot Jungle and Gardens, Monkey Jungle, and the zoo magnet laboratory at Richmond Heights Middle School. 

Typical 6th Grade Zoo Schedule

 Typical 7th Grade Zoo Schedule

Typical 8th Grade Zoo Schedule

Grading Criteria

The students enrolled in the Science Zoo Magnet Program will receive two grades: one for the zoo component and one for the Comprehensive Advanced Science I and II (6th and 7th grades) or Honors Earth Science(8th grade) courses. 

At the end of each nine-week grading period, the student will receive a report card. The report card issued at the end of the year (36 weeks) represents an average of all grades to determine the annual grade unless there is a teacher override. 

Interim Progress Reports will be sent home midway in each grading period throughout the year.  

Grading Scales
Academic Grades

Transportation

Transportation will be provided by the Miami-Dade County School System for students who reside in the transportation zone schools as per school board rule.

Students living outside the attendance boundaries of the targeted/feeder pattern schools may apply to the Zoo Magnet Program with the understanding that transportation will not be provided for these students unless there is an existing bus stop near their homes and the bus is not filled to capacity. Space available accommodations can not be made during the first ten days of school. 

Transportation will also be provided by the Miami-Dade County Schools system for the six-mile round trip from Richmond Heights Middle School to Miami Metrozoo. A postcard is mailed to the homes of all participants with information concerning bus departure time, location, and homeroom assignment for transportation to and from home.  

All participants should notify the Instructor, Lead Teacher, Facilities Director of Metrozoo or Zoo Security Manager of any injuries or accidents occurring at the zoo. An emergency contact sheet for each student is maintained by instructors and zoo personnel as well as  Richmond Heights Middle School.

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