WDYT? 9/1/2010:

If you were absent on Friday, you do not have to make-up the WDYT? just write “ABSENT” on your paper.

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Homework for Every Class But 2nd Period:

Watch the following video and list each step of the Scientific Method used as explained in class:

Scientific Method:

WDYT? 9/2/2010:

What is the difference between an inference and an observation?

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Homework for 2nd Period Only:

Watch the following video and list each step of the Scientific Method used as explained in class:

Scientific Method:

How many different ways can you make observations? Explain.

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Why are there variables in an experiment?

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Did you use the Scientific Method to solve a problem over the weekend? Explain.

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Due on 8/31/10

Notes for the Open Note Quiz.
(you can print out an extra copy of the notes here)

Scientific Method:

(click the post title to view the Sci. Method’s larger version)

Click the image to view a larger version.

How is playing Super Mario Bros. an example of science?

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Scientific Method:

(click the post title to view the Sci. Method’s larger version)

Click the image to view a larger version.

What do you think science is?

You can print out an extra copy of the WDYT weekly worksheet here.

Homework:

A signed copy of the Discipline and Grading Policy needs to be returned.

You can print out an extra copy of the Discipline and Grading Policy here.

Course Philosophy

“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” -Albert Einstein

Science is a way of approaching the world we live in. It is about looking at things from lots of perspectives and thinking critically.

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” -Albert Einstein

In this class, more than anything, you will be asked to think. We will strive to have fun, work hard, and exercise our minds.

Your Responsibilities

Your education is mostly your responsibility but, part of the responsibility lies with me as your teacher. There are some high expectations in this class that I am sure you can meet if you dedicate yourself. I can promise you this class will not be easy, and it will not be boring. I will work to teach you science in a way that is interactive and exciting, and I will treat you with respect and fairness. In return, I ask the following from you:

• Attendance & Tardies Coming to class is the first step to understanding science. If you are tardy you will miss important information and disrupt others. If you have to miss class, it is up to you to ask for and make up the work you missed. All assignments will be posted on ProgressBook (https:/parentaccess.neonetda.org) and at www.mrjworld.com.
  
• When you Get to Class When the class period starts you are expected to begin working on the “WDYT?” (What Do You Think?) journal entry listed on the board.
  
• Passes Just as attendance and tardies can cause you to miss important information, so does leaving the classroom after class beings. I understand that you may forget something in your locker or may have to leave the room for some other reason, so I will allow each student to have six passes. At the beginning of each grading period each student will receive a card with six spaces to be marked once a pass is used. The card will have two sets of three passes which are broken down into these two categories:
  • Hall Passes: These passes are used to leave the room to go to a locker, the office, or the bathroom.
  • Other Passes: These passes are used for late assignments (see below for more details), “no name” assignments, and extra hall passes.
    Note: If all of the passes are marked or the card is lost, during a grading period students will not be allowed any of the advantages listed above without other consequences or Demerits being issued.
    
• Assignments Most of your grade will depend on how you perform on assignments in class, and some will be homework.
  • Late Assignments: You are expected to hand in work on time, however I understand that sometimes things happen that prevent you from turning in your work on time. Late assignments may be accepted if the student has any “Other Passes” left for that grading period. (See the “Passes” section above for more details.)
  • Missing/Incomplete Assignments (Writing Club): If you fail to complete an assignments or receive a failing grade on an incomplete assignment you will be invited to “join” the Writing Club to bring up the failing or missing grade.
• The Writing Club The Writing Club is a chance to raise a a missing/failing grade to a middle “D” instead of a “zero.” The Writing Club requires students to recopy the missing assignment and the associated notes or work. Every student who gets “invited” to the Writing Club will receive a personal “invitation” explaining the process in more detail.
  
• Materials Each day you must bring the following to class:
  • Pen and/or pencil
  • Paper
  • 3-ring binder JUST FOR SCIENCE
  • The current textbook being used
    
• Behavior Your actions affect others. Unfortunately, many do not see how their behavior affects the people around them. When you choose to study, participate, and work hard, your knowledge and focus help the class learn more. If you engage in disruptive behavior, the Demerit System will be used as a punishment.
  
• The Demerit System*:
  • First Offense – A demerit goes home to be signed and returned.
  • Second Offense – A second demerit goes home to be signed and returned along with a phone call.
  • Third and Fourth Offenses – A demerit goes home to be signed and the student earns a morning detention.
  • Fifth Offense – A demerit goes home to be signed and the student receives DAC (Disciplinary Action Class, a.k.a. In-School-Suspension.)
  • *all offenses are reset at the start of each new grading period

Grades

The academic grade is based on an earned points system, which is then converted to a percentage. In some classes it has been said that if you complete all of your work you are guaranteed to pass. In this class the only thing that can be guaranteed is that if you complete all of your work, then your grade will accurately reflect what you learned. Science test scores will make up 45% of your total grade, while all other work (assignments, projects, and quizzes) will make up the other 55%.

You have the right to access and view your grade anytime on ProgressBook (https:/parentaccess.neonetda.org) or you may ask me during homeroom to see your current grade in science class.

The grading scale for this class is as follows:

• A = 93-100%
• B = 85-92%
• C = 77-84%
• D = 70-76%
• F = <70%