411 – General Science Class Syllabus

 

Teacher:  Mrs. Speight

 

I.                   Course Description

This course provides an introduction to general high school science fundamentals.  The course will include hands-on experimentation and field work that will enhance students’ understanding of the major topics listed below. 

 

II.                Topics

A.     Introduction to the Scientific Method & CAPT

B.     Sound and Light

C.     Chemical Interactions

D.     Inside Earth

E.      Earth’s Changing Surface

 

 

III.             Course Requirements

A.     All students must obtain a 1-inch three ring binder for this course.  It must have four dividers establishing a section for a science notebook, a lab notebook, a vocabulary notebook, and a science journal/current event notebook.

B.     Every student must also have a blue or black pen, at least one pencil, and an eraser daily.

C.     Hair ties for any students with long hair on lab days.

 

 

IV.              Course Expectations

 

Academic Expectations for Student Learning as stated in the Griswold High School Mission Statement stated below will be embedded in the curriculum.

 

The Griswold High School graduate:

1.      Uses standard English to read, write, and speak effectively.

2.      Communicates and receives information through oral, written, visual, artistic, and technical means of expression.

3.      Applies basic computational skills and mathematical techniques to solve quantitative problems.

4.      Utilizes critical and creative thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making.

5.      Employs tools of technology to research, process, and communicate information.

6.      Works independently as well as cooperatively to achieve goals.

 

 

A.     GHS Grading System – Can be found in the student handbook pg. 16.

 

B.     Calculation of Grades – Grades will be calculated using a point system.  Total Points Earned will be divided by the Total Possible Points.  Points will be assigned as follows:

 

1.      Homework = 10 points  *(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

a.       Goal – To reinforce already learned material or to prepare for upcoming material.

b.      Must be written in cursive, in blue or black ink or typed.

c.       All work is expected to be nice, neat, and complete!  Your work is a direct reflection of your effort – don’t hand in garbage – it will not be accepted!

d.      All work is expected to be handed in on time.  Excuses won’t take you anywhere in life or in this class!

 

2.      Bi-weekly Science Journals = 20 points  *(1, 2)

a.       Goal – To reflect on and analyze your learning experiences.

b.      Format:

·        Date each entry

·        Write one paragraph explaining/describing one thing you learned in Science during the past two weeks.

·        Write one paragraph explaining/describing your thoughts, ideas, and feelings about that topic.

·        Do the same for a second thing you learned during those two weeks for a total of at least four paragraphs.

 

3.      Monthly Science Current Events = 20 points for assignment and 10 points for presentation.  *(1, 2)

a.       Goal – To be aware of, to understand, and to share ideas about scientific events that are happening in our world today.

b.      Format:

·        Date

·        Title, where, and when this event took place.

·        What is the main idea of the article? (Include details)

·        What are your thoughts about this article?

·        Be prepared to answer any questions about your article.

 

4.      Lab Reports = 75 points  *(1, 2, 3, 4, 6)

a.       Goal – To learn to think like a scientist, to analyze your work and to be able to present your findings appropriately.

b.      Lab report formats will be given out at a later date.

c.       I expect there will be one formal lab report due every other week.

 

5.      Quizzes & Tests = TBA  *(1, 2, 3, 4)

a.       Goal – To assess student learning.

b.      Format will be any of the following:

·        Multiple choice, matching, short answer or essay questions.

·        Lab practicals will be used as deemed appropriate.

 

6.      Projects = TBA  *(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

a.       Goal – To allow students opportunities for independent research and public speaking.

b.      Format:  A project rubric will be handed out at the beginning of each new project.

 

7.      Science Notebook = 100 points  *(1, 2)

a.       Goal – To organize information to use to prepare for tests.

b.      Format:

·        Date at the beginning of each new entry to be located at the top right corner of the page.

·        Draw a line down the page dividing the page into two parts, ¼ of the page to the left of the line (you will write study questions here), and ¾ of the page to the right of the line (you will write your notes here).

·        Keep all notes and materials throughout the semester to prepare for the final exam.

·        You will be graded on your Science notebook half way through the semester and then again at the end of the semester.  It will be assessed using the following criteria:

o       Organization/format (25 points)

o       Neatness (25 points)

o       Completeness (50 points)

 

8.      Science Lab Notebook = 30 points  *(1, 2)

a.       Goal – To retain all information regarding laboratory experiences for final exam purposes.

b.      Format:

·        You will keep notes about lab experiences in your notebook; these will only be graded when your notebook is collected.

·        Your lab reports will be handed in, graded, and returned.  When you receive them back, it is expected that you will file them in your lab notebook behind the appropriate lab notes.

·        You will be graded on your Science lab notebook half way through the semester and then again at the end of the semester.  It will be assessed using the following criteria:

o       Organization/neatness (15 points)

o       Completeness (15 points)

 

9.      Vocabulary Notebook = 40 points  *(1, 2)

a.       Goal – To learn new science vocabulary and maintain this information as a reference for future assignments.

b.      Format:

·        Date at the beginning of each new entry to be located at the top right corner of the page.

·        Draw a line down the page dividing the page into two parts, ¼ of the page to the left of the line (you will write the vocabulary word here), and ¾ of the page to the right of the line (you will write the definition here).

c.       You will be graded on your vocabulary assignments as they are given; they are worth 10 points each.  Your vocabulary notebook will be graded half way through the semester and then again at the end of the semester.  It will be assessed using the following criteria:

·        Organization/neatness (20 points)

·        Completeness (20 points)

 

10.  Bi-weekly Science Journal/Current Event Notebook = 30 points  *(1, 2)

a.       Goal – To retain all Science journal and current event entries for reflection at the end of the semester.

b.      Format:

·        All journal and current event entries will be collected, graded, and returned.  It is expected that you will then place them in this notebook in correct chronological order.

c.       You will be graded on your Science Journal/Current Event notebook half way through the semester and then again at the end of the semester.  It will be assessed using the following criteria:

·        Organization/neatness (15 points)

·        Completeness (15 points)

 

 

V.                 Classroom Expectations

The Do’s of the GR8 SP8:

1.      Do be on time to class.

2.      Do leave all food and drink in your locker.

3.      Do come prepared to be a participant in your education.

4.      Do contribute to the learning process.

5.      Do have respect for Self, Others, and Property.

 

**Disruption of the learning environment will NOT be tolerated and will be    assigned appropriate consequences.