The student will demonstrate an understanding of
- the nature of science
- living systems and the environment
- the structures and properties of matter
- motion, forces, and energy
- Earth and space systems

Students are responsible for all aspects of their education. They must bring their materials to class, take notes, complete all assignments, and study for exams. It is also the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she comes to tutorials if needed, asks for help, and gets make-up work completed.

We want every student to succeed this year and will do what we can to help each student.
However, the student must make the decision to study and do the work.

All students are expected to maintain the highest standard of behavior in class. Class policies are posted and must be followed. Deviating from policy will result in disciplinary actions. Please refer to the Student Handbook.

It is extremely important that students be in class. Science is an activity based class. Students not present for demonstrations, labs and activities, and discussions are at a disadvantage. Students will not be able to make up activities.

Students are responsible for checking the Science website, a friend’s agenda or their own to see what they missed, what assignments they must complete, and obtain any handouts they require from their teacher.

Students are considered late to class after the tardy bell rings unless they have a note from another teacher. Students will be required to sign a tardy log upon entering into the classroom. After 3 tardies, the student will be assigned a detention to be served after school.

There are four types of grades - daily grades, quizzes, test grades, and project grades.
Daily grades and quizzes are weighted as 1. Test grades are weighted a minimum of 2, meaning each test counts as 2 or more daily grades. Project grades will be weighted minimum of 2. Projects may count more than a test. Students are expected to keep a grade sheet. Keeping a weekly grade sheet alerts students immediately if there is an issue with a missing assignment. This also is another way for parents to keep track of how their student is doing.

Students are expected to keep all assignments in their binder to verify grades. If a student questions a grade, he/she must be able to produce the paper in question.

Parents/Guardians may register for Family Access which will allow you to check your student’s average and see individual assignment grades. See the main office for additional information on Family Access.

All students will be required to turn in acceptable work for grading. Below are lists of standards that will be enforced. Attempts to turn work in outside the parameters below will result in the assignment being handed back to be redone.

1. All work is to be done in pencil.
2. All short answers are to be written in complete sentences.
3. Full name, date and period placed in the top right hand margin of the paper.
4. Work must be legibly written in order to be eligible for grading.
5. No name papers will go in the no name basket and 10 points will be deducted.

Students are expected to turn in all work on time. All work not turned in on time will be penalized. Please see the below for the new District Grading policy.

Assignment turned in at the beginning Full Credit
of the period on the day it is due.

On the 1st day after assignment is due Maximum of 30% deduction

On the 2nd day after assignment is due Maximum of 50% deduction

After 2nd day Zero

After the 2nd late day a zero will be recorded and redos will not be allowed. Extra credit assignments are not an option.

Websites are maintained to help parents and students have easy access to agendas and other classroom information.

Brain research shows that the more senses we involve in the learning process, the deeper the understanding. There are a few movies throughout the year that are incorporated into our units of study to keep students interested in the topic and show them real application of the sciences. All movies will have a PG-13 or lower rating. Rather than send home a permission slip that has to be brought back each time, a place on the signature page has been provided.

The lab can be a hazardous place and it is vital that are students act responsibly. Below is a copy of the laboratory safety contract. Student and parent/guardian must sign the signature sheet showing understanding of these rules in a laboratory setting. Students will not be allowed to participate in lab activities until the signature sheet is returned.

Students caught playing around during lab will be assigned a zero (0) for the laboratory experiment and removed from lab. In addition, they will receive a detention to be served that day after school. Students may lose future lab privileges.

Students must agree to:
• Act responsibly at all times in the laboratory.
• Follow all instructions given, orally or in writing, by the teacher.
• Perform only those activities assigned and approved by the teacher.
• Protect my eyes, face, hands, and body by wearing proper clothing and using protective equipment provided by the school.
• Carry out good housekeeping practices as instructed by the teacher.
• Know the location of safety and first aid equipment in the laboratory.
• Notify the teacher immediately of an emergency.
• NEVER work alone in the laboratory.
• NEVER eat or drink in the laboratory unless instructed to do so by the teacher.
• Handle living organisms or preserved specimens only when authorized by my teacher, and then, with respect.