9-10 Science -- Chemistry

9th-10th Science 2011-2012  

Teacher—Andy Patari and Eric Rhomberg

 

      Evolution

A 10-week core science unit where we will learn about the history of the universe and life on earth, and how life has changed and adapted.                                   

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Throughout this work, there will be some common expectations and procedures:

Class Participation:

Students are expected to arrive to class on time and prepared. They should have their notebooks and materials ready to go, and be quietly seated and focused on receiving the instructions for the day. Students should put in their best effort to have their “minds on” and truly engage with the material being studied. You are encouraged to find your own personal hooks and perspectives to make the material relevant and challenging for you. Work with me to guide the course in interesting and valuable directions. Engage fully in all classroom activities, and act respectfully and collaboratively to create a constructive learning environment for all.

Science Notebooks: 

I expect you to use a well organized notebook to keep track of the work for this science class.  Your notebook should be a 3-ring binder, and all papers (handouts, notes, assignments, etc.) should be hole-punched and filed in your notebook in an organized way. Optional: You may keep a running table of contents in the front of the notebook listing all the documents you place in the notebook. It is important that you have these notebooks with you in class everyday, along with writing utensils and preferably a calculator.  I will be reviewing your notebooks periodically.  Here are some basic tips:

  • Don’t store work in the pockets; all papers should be hole-punched and placed in a logical order.
  • Date all materials before putting them into the notebook (handouts, class notes, assignments, projects, etc.)
  • If you’re taking notes, make a note in your notes when the instructor gives you a handout related to that material and file that handout immediately after that page of notes.
  • Use colored pieces of paper to indicate changes in units/chapters/etc.  (Especially good for when you’re switching between different subject areas within science).
  • All graded work should be filed as soon as it is handed back.

 

Work Completion Policy:

1. “Work Completion” has its own individual line on the report card. Late or incomplete work will result in a lower grade on this line.

2. Individual assignments will be used as evidence of attainment of course learning outcomes. Incomplete or missing work will result in lower (or failing) grades in those outcomes.

3. Work that is more than one day late may result in the student being assigned study hall (lunch or afternoon) until the work is complete.

4. When a pattern of late or incomplete work is evident, parents will be contacted. If problems completing work continue, an SST meeting will be arranged to discuss an action plan to resolve the problem.

5. Late work will not be accepted after the end of the course. In extenuating cases, a student may petition the teacher for an extension.

6. Incomplete work may result in not passing the course which could lead to not passing science for the year.

 

Course Web Page:

The course web page can be found on the Compass site at

http://compass-school.org/eric/9-10-science

Here you will find copies of handouts and assignments, notes, resources, assignments, and schedules for the course. Please utilize this resource!