This is a one-year course that will present integrated concepts in earth science, biology, environmental science, chemistry, and physics. Demonstrations and/or lab experiences will be an important part of instruction. The concepts in Principles of Science will be taught by using the various processes involved in scientific inquiry. The course is designed to provide a foundation for further study in science as students explore unifying scientific principles and concepts. This course will satisfy one of the two science credits required for high school graduation and will meet college entrance requirements for a laboratory science.
Course Goals:
To develop skill in the use of scientific methods of problem solving and investigation.
To develop a respect for safety procedures and responsibility in the proper use and care of laboratory equipment.
To recognize dimensional quantities and the importance of the metric system in science.
To apply scientific terminology.
To use technology as an integral part of problem solving.
To develop decision making and problem solving skills through activity-based instruction.
To construct, read, classify, and interpret data on tables, charts, and graphs.
To recognize the properties, materials, features, and processes that shape the earth's surface and to understand the earth's place within the solar system.
To recognize the physical nature and behavior of matter.
To understand the structure and function of living systems and their interactions with the environment.
To develop an understanding of character, ethics, and manners as appropriate for this course.
To identify and encourage occupational opportunities in science.
General Rules:
Be prepared, on time, with a positive attitude every day.
Always demonstrate respect for yourself, your classmates, the teacher, and all school property; keep your hands, feet, inappropriate comments, and profanity to yourself.
Follow all instructions the first time they are given.
Keep your work area clean before, during, and after all classroom activities.
Safely conduct yourself and properly handle equipment during labs and activities.
Be honest, trustworthy, and strive for continued improvement.
Be actively involved by participating, listening, producing quality work, and helping others do the right thing.
Follow all Coronado High School and Clark County School District rules, policies, and procedures (Refer to Student Planner and CCSD Behavior Guidelines for Secondary Students).
Classroom Expectations
You must be seated by the late bell.
It is the sole responsibility of the student to come to class prepared with all necessary materials; notebook and writing utensil. Failure to due so may affect your grade.
Seating is assigned by the instructor at their discretion; lab partners and groups are assigned by the teacher.
Personal belongings not related to science or the daily activity will be placed under your table; leave personal items out of sight.
Bottled water with a lid is permissible; no other food or drink is allowed in classrooms.No food or water allowed during lab activities.
All assignments are posted on the board and will be copied by each student in the student planner; student planners will be randomly checked.
All assignments will have the same heading (Name, Period, Date); lab reports will have a title page.
Complete work in pencil, blue or black ink, typed on a computer, or as otherwise instructed.
All homework is due at the beginning of the class period of the due date; turn in work to appropriate location.
A student supply area is maintained in the back of the classroom. All assignments, graded work, and make-up work, are in this area. Keep this area neat.
We will maintain clean and undamaged room and equipment; student fine cards will be issued for non-accidental damages.
The student planner is used as a hall pass.
You are dismissed by the teacher. Do not pack up early.
Consequences
All students will behave appropriately in science class. Behavior that interferes with or distracts another student from learning or interrupts teaching will be dealt with. If you choose to break a rule or do not follow procedures, the following consequences may be initiated:
· Verbal warning
· Corrective training
· A phone call home
· Teacher detention
· Dean referral to set up parent conference
Attendance/ Tardies
Attending class everyday and being on time shows responsibility and respect. It is impossible to participate if you are not present, or on-time. Students are expected to be prepared and ready to start class when the bell rings. Any class activity missed will be made up with prior arrangements made with the instructor and failure to do so will result in a zero grade. Arriving late is disruptive to the class, please make your best attempt to be present and on time!
*Students that exceed ten unexcused absences in a semester will receive a failing grade and lose class credit.
Materials:
These MUST be brought with you every day
Cougar Planner
Pencil and pen
Grading Policy:
Grades for each quarter will be calculated by adding the percentage of points available in each of the following areas:
Quizzes20%
Exams25%
Labs20%
Activities25%
Homework10%
Total100%
Semester Grades will be weighted as follows:
Quarter grades = 45% x 2 90%
Semester exam 10%
Total for Semester: 100%
Grading Scale
A = 90% - 100% C = 70%-79%
B = 80% - 89% D = 60%-69%
Less than 60% will result in a failing grade.
Citizenship Grading Scale:
“O” = Student has achieved a superior performance.
“S” = Student has achieved average performance.
“N” = Needs improvement.
“U” = Student has achieved below average performance .
Citizenship Grades reflect performance in the areas of self control, respect, attitude, cooperation, preparedness, and excellent attendance.
Testing
Tests may be in the format of a written test (e.g. multiple choice, true/false), essay exam, or performance based assessment (i.e., practical). A unit exam will be given at the closure of each unit. This will be approximately every 2-3 weeks. Quizzes will be given on a weekly basis, both scheduled or unscheduled (“pop quizzes”). The quizzes are a quick way for the teacher to monitor your understanding of homework, labs, class work, and vocabulary.
CoronadoHigh School Homework/ Make-Up Work Policy
l Homework assignments will vary. Examples of homework include: work that was not finished during class, studying for quizzes or tests, working on independent study projects, or assignments from the text. All homework is due the following day unless noted otherwise. Routine homework assignments will not be accepted late.
l Students who are absent on the day of a previously announced major quiz or test must be prepared to take the assessment immediately upon return from the absence (during class). If this is impossible due to extenuating circumstances, the student will have 3 days to schedule a make-up session.
l After an absence, you have 3 days to make contact and obtain appropriate make up work. You are expected to obtain the work the day that you return to school and complete the work in the same amount of time your classmates had.
l Prearranged work is due the day a student returns from a prearranged absence.
l If you are absent partially (example- medical appointment), you will be required to hand in previously assigned work that is due on that date.
l Assignments will be penalized 10% each day late.
Scheduling/ Obtaining Make-Up Work
l A monthly chart listing all homework assignments will be kept in the room. Handouts and notes will be available in the crate, or from a friend. Notes missed must be hand copied into your own notebook. It is the sole responsibility of the student to get all make-up assignments from the homework chart or from a friend. If you need any assistance obtaining make-up work, please do so before or after school.
l Missing laboratories: An after school lab day will be announced. Due to time constraints and materials, all make-up lab will need to be completed prior to the end of the following week.
Student Assistance
Any student who requires addition help with an assignment or needs to speak to me should see me before or after school. If you stop by the room and I am not there, wait a few moments because I will usually return shortly.
Have a great year!!
Mr. B's Amazing Place for Science! Coronado High School 1001 Coronado Center Drive Henderson, NV 89052 (702) 799-6800
