Students will be graded in science on everything they do in science class.
This includes but is not limited to- tests and quizzes, homework and projects,
labs and lab reports, science reflection journal, binder checks and class work.
The final average is a weighted average with the following breakdown.
•Tests, quizzes,reflection journal entries 35%
and science portfolio
•Laboratory investigations 25%
•Homework assignments 10%
•Projects, class work assignments and
science current event summaries 30%
If you are not a great test taker, you can still succeed in this class by
doing your homework, completing all lab assignments and lab reports,
participating in class discussions, keeping your reflective science journal up
to date with required entries, keeping your science binder up to date and
organized with required content material and turning in all projects upon
their due date.
“A” grade stands for excellence in all areas.
Students will have the opportunity to correct low scores to make sure they
understand what was being taught and to have their grade raised depending on
the work done.
Tests, quizzes,reflection journal entries and science portfolio
You will have quizzes covering concepts and vocabulary from each section of
the chapter, as well as discussions and notes from class. Quizzes are given
after completing two or three sections. These quizzes may include multiple-
choice questions and short answer questions and are announced two days in advance.
Additionally, at the end of every chapter, there will be a test /
performance assessment, which will cover material from previous quizzes, as
well as information found in your text and class discussions/ notes, h.w
assignments, and lab work. Tests are announced a week ahead of time. All
graded tests are to be signed by a parent or guardian and shown to me. Test
make-ups for absences must be arranged as soon as possible after returning to
school. A science reflection journal will be maintained throughout the school
year, which will provide you with an opportunity to reflect on your classroom
learning experiences. Science journals and portfolios will be checked
periodically throughout the year so keep up with your required number of
journal entries as described in the journal rubric.Science portfolio should
have a table of contents.
Labs
Labs are a major component of our science class, as they allow you to apply
what you have learned to real-life situations and simulations. We will have
many opportunities for hands-on exploration throughout the course of the year.
You will be expected to follow all Class and Lab safety rules. Failure to do
so will result in a lab ticket or zero, and possible detention and/or
referral. We will be discussing Class Rules and Lab safety rules over the
course of next few weeks, as well as leading into each lab. Your lab grade
will include points for your lab work, group work, and written work during lab
as well as formal lab reports.
Homework
Homework assignments are used to preview / review and reinforce concepts
taught in class. Homework will be assigned daily except during holidays. All
that is expected on homework is that students try their best and neatly
complete it and turn it in on time. Each homework assignment is worth 10
points. Students are allowed to make up missing homework for half credit only
if it’s not required for next day’s class-work. (Suggestion-Effort required
for completing the homework is the same both the times but if its done later,
only half credit is received. So doing it the first time is a better choice.)
Every time homework is not completed, you will be filling a homework
excuse note - explaining the reason and getting it signed from the teacher.
Upon missing your 3rd homework assignment, a letter will be sent home along
with the homework excuse notes, which must be signed by your parent /
guardian. You are still responsible for knowing the material covered in the
homework assignments, which were not completed.
You are responsible for making up homework missed due to absence. After every
ten assignments, you will get your current grade report signed by parents /
guardians.
Projects,science current event summaries and class-work
We are fortunate to have a wealth of technology available to us, and we’ll be
using these resources to learn more about the world around us. We will be
researching famous scientists and inventors and completing independent
research projects, building balloon race-cars, roller coasters, solar ovens
and catapults. This is a great way to let your creativity and curiosity shine!
Class participation is crucial to success in this class. Class
participation means taking an active role in your learning, and the learning
of your fellow classmates. Participation means showing up for each class
having completed the assigned readings, asking questions about anything in the
readings or discussion that seems unclear, offering relevant arguments and
responses, and listening to the responses of others. Class work consists of
all the do now’s completed at the starting of the class each day, worksheets
as well as contribution to group work. Each do now assignment is worth 2
points and weekly total will be entered in the grade book. Each class work
assignment is worth 10 points.
Science current event summary is due every third Friday. Reading current
science articles and writing summaries will encourage students to connect
their science studies with current events, as well as historically significant
events that involve science. This is important both for students planning to
undertake science careers and for the general student preparation for informed
citizenship in a democratic society. Regular attention to science in the news
helps students see the relevance of science studies to their lives outside the
classroom.
