Freshman Science The purpose of this course is to provide students with a solid foundation in science and literacy. It satisfies one year of the physical science graduation requirement. Topics primarily include Earth Science and science investigation.
Expectations → Materials:
Pencils or pens
Science spiral-bound notebook (1 per year provided by school)
Chromebook, charged and ready every day
→ Science Notebook: You will receive 1 free spiral-bound notebook per year that is to be used for Science class only. Students must bring it daily. Lost notebooks will not be replaced by the school. The notebook is very important to your grade and as a studying resource, since it holds the majority of class work.
→ Class rules:
Respect each other. Respect the teacher. Respect the classroom materials.
Food and drinks are prohibited; water bottles are encouraged.
Take care of bathroom, eating, and grooming during breaks – not during class.
Use technology responsibly. NO earphones in ears, because it signals you are not listening. Phones used in class for non-educational purposes may be confiscated and given to the Vice Principal’s Office, where the parent will pick it up. Parents, please do not call or text the student during school hours. The office can send a message to the student if you need to get hold of your child. (office number: 619-401-4700)
Students are expected to follow the school’s student handbook policies.
Consequences may include: parent phone calls, reflections, held after class, cleaning equipment, after school detention, referrals, and/or suspensions from class.
→ Group Work and Behavior:
Students will often work in teams of 2-6 people, so it is necessary to maintain positive communication.
All students are expected to do their part of an assignment/project. Students who do not do their part will not receive credit and will need to complete the project on his/her own.
A student claiming credit for work that he/she did not do may result in a referral for academic dishonesty (includes copying, sharing documents or work online, etc.). In the case of copying, both parties will be held responsible.
Restroom Policy Students are required to sign out and return within 5 minutes when using the restroom. Students may leave class to go to the restroom 2 times maximum per week unless otherwise medically specified.
Chapter Packets At the end of each unit, a packet of lectures and worksheets will be turned in two times. First, worksheets will be turned in first to get stamped. Any worksheet that is at least 80% complete will get a stamp. After worksheets have been stamped, answer keys will be uploaded to my website. Students will have two days to make sure their packets are 100% complete, then they will be turned in for a second time and receive a grade. Only packets that have all worksheets stamped and are 100% complete will receive full points. Phone Policy During certain independent activities, students will be allowed to listen to music with headphones. When internet is required for class work, students are allowed to use their phones to do research. Using phones for any non-academic reason is not allowed.
Letter Grades: A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 60-69% F = 59% and below Assessments (performance tasks, quizzes, tests, final) count for 50% of your grade! Important to study!
→ Infinite Campus: Grades and assignments will be posted to Infinite Campus (phone app for parents and students).
→ Late Work: Late work is when the student turns in work after it’s due, with no excused absence. Late work gets a maximum of 70% credit.
→ Make-up Work: Make-up work is when the student makes up work from an excused absence. When absent: 1) ask a classmate to get missed notes and to copy their “agenda”, 2) check Google Classroom, my website, and Infinite Campus and 3) ask the teacher for any handouts, labs, or other assignments. Tests, quizzes, and labs: Must be made up within 1 week or the score is a 0.
→Tutorial: Teacher is available most days at lunch and some days after school. Students can request tutorial at any time.
→ Test Corrections and Re-Take: Test corrections may follow each multiple choice test. This is your chance to see what you did or did not understand before taking the final exam. Corrections are a class work assignment, not optional. If you failed a test and did test corrections, you may re-take that test after school for a replacement grade of up to 70%.
→ Homework: Almost all assignments will be done during class time. Therefore, attendance is extremely important and if you are absent you WILL have homework. You are expected to review your classwork regularly at home, especially before quizzes or tests. Study methods such as flash cards, highlighting, re-reading, or outlining are all encouraged.
→ Extra credit: There is little to no extra credit offered in this class. Students should focus on turning in all regular work rather than asking for extra credit.
Lab Safety Rules In order to promote learning in a positive and safe environment, we have lab safety rules. These lab safety rules apply AT ALL TIMES - whether a lab is currently being done or not. It is important that you understand these to avoid damage to school property, or injury to yourself or others.
Do not touch ANY materials or lab supplies without permission.
Read all instructions and safety guidelines before doing the lab.
Do not enter the lab area, or touch any lab materials without permission of the teacher.
Never work in the lab without being trained and supervised by your teacher.
Keep hands to yourself and be professional. No running, pushing, or other horseplay.
Clean up after yourself and others.
Do not bring ANY food, gum, or beverages into the lab area at all.
Do not taste or smell any chemicals.
Wash your hands with soap after an experiment, if told to by your teacher.
Report all accidents to your teacher immediately.
I am looking forward to a great school year with you all!
Best, Ms. Richards [email protected] [email protected] Turn in this page ONLY, by Friday, Aug 19th, 2016. Keep the first page of the syllabus to put in your notebook. You will only get credit if all blanks are completed.
My student and I have read and understood the Science syllabus. My student will honor it, and I will support it:
What is the relationship of Parent/Guardian to student? __________________________________________ (example – mother, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, stepmother…)
Student Science Safety Contract
Dear Student, In an effort to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning, and respectful of the classroom, we have a set of simple classroom policies and lab safety rules. It is important that you understand these to avoid damage to school property, or serious injury to yourself or others. Safety Rules:
Do not touch ANY materials or lab supplies without permission.
Read all instructions and safety guidelines before doing the lab.
Do not enter the lab area, or touch any lab materials without permission of the teacher.
Never work in the lab without being trained and supervised by your teacher.
Keep hands to yourself and be professional. No running, pushing, or other horseplay.
Clean up after yourself and others.
Do not bring food, gum, or beverages into the lab area at all.
Do not taste or smell any chemicals.
Wash your hands with soap after an experiment, if told to by your teacher.
Report all accidents to your teacher immediately.
Student Statement and Contract: “I have read and agree to follow the science safety rules to prevent accidents and injury to myself and/or others. I agree to follow all additional instructions given by the teacher. I agree to behave in a responsible manner at all times in the lab.”
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________________ ****Signature required to participate in lab activities****