Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to concepts in the areas of Weather and Water as well as Diversity of Life. This course encourages the interaction between content and thinking processes. Students will use the thinking process with science content to plan and conduct experiments based on observations. They will evaluate their findings and draw conclusions to explain their results.  To create a stimulating learning environment, students will work as a whole class, in small groups, cooperative groups, and individually. Students will also participate in hands-on activities to develop their inquiry skills.

Grading

Grades will be based on a combination of tests, quizzes, labs, class work and homework assignments. 

Assessments may include multiple choice and short answers tests, quizzes, and written assignments. Although extra credit is not offered, there will be retakes on all tests. Unannounced "Open Note" quizzes may be given at any time after any notes have been given in class. It is recommended that students bring their folder and notebook to class everyday.

Lab Work (40% of the Science grade) 

Lab work includes completed lab reports and participation during the lab. Lab work will be completed during class. If a student doesn't complete the lab report in class, they will need to finish if for homework and turn it in the next day. If a student misses a lab, they can see me about making it up or completing an alternative assignment. Safety is very important during a lab. Students are expected to obey all rules at all times. Failure to do so can result in no credit for the lab, removal from the class during lab, and/or an office referral.

Classwork/Homework (20% of the Science Grade)

Science Notebook
Students should have a spiral notebook for science notes and a folder to keep any and all handouts. Students’ science folders will be kept current all year. It will contain class notes, completed tests, quizzes, class work, as well as any other items I announce to be kept in the science folder.  The science folder should be cleaned out at the beginning of each new quarter.  DO NOT throw away any science papers at home. 
 

Absences and Make-Up Work

It is the student’s responsibility to collect the work he or she has missed.  The student should check with Mrs. Widen for the day of the absence to see what was missed.  The student may also check with another student that they trust to see what else was learned in class during their absence.  Students have one day for each day they were absent to make up all missed assignments.  Some assignments may not be able to be made up because they involved materials that can only be used in class.  If a make-up lab or an alternative assignment can not be assigned, then the assignment will not count against the student.  Any work due the day of the absence is expected to be turned in the day the student returns to school.  Any test given the day of the student’s absence can be given to the student the day he or she returns to school.