About+This+Class

About This Class



__** Topics: **__ **The Nature of Science** - How does scientific knowledge or technological design help us solve practical problems? What skills do practicing scientists use when conducting a scientific investigation?

**Earth Resources** - What are the sources and uses of earth resources? What is the relationship between meeting the needs of society and the the sustainability of natural resources?

**Mechanical Energy** - How do we identify and measure different forms of energy and energy transfer? How do the principles of force and motion apply to mechanical systems?

**Chemical Energy** - What are the structures and properties of matter? What are the different ways of obtaining, transforming, and distributing energy, and how do these processes affect humans and the environment?

**Electrical Energy** - What is electricity and charge. How is electrical energy created and distributed?

**Electromagnetic Processes** - What is the relationship between electricity and magnetism? Where is electromagnetism found in technology? What is radiation?

**Information Technology** - How are electromagnetic waves used in technology and communications? How is information recorded, stored, and transmitted?

**Forces and Motion** - How do we describe and predict the motion of objects? How do Newton's Laws and gravitation describe the interactions we observe in the world around us?

**Space Science** - What do we know about the composition, structure, and origin of the universe? Why explore space?

__** Organization: **__ Most everything you will need will be digital (on the computer), so you may not need a folder or notebook at all for this class. Your Macbook will help you organize your life! Your Macbook can also be your calendar, calculator, digital camera, and unit converter.

There is no textbook for this class. All the resources you will need for success will be made available to you online. Most of the assessments and unit tests will be open note - so it will be very helpful to keep your work and course materials organized in a way that works for you. I will work with you to design and improve your own organizational strategies for success in this class.



__** Assignments: **__ **Benchmark Assessments (BA)**- The benchmark assessment is the most important contributor to your grade. **As long as you show proficiency on the benchmark assessments - you will pass this class**. These test that you understand the most important concepts.

**Check Your Understanding Quiz (CU)** - These Quia Quizzes will check your understanding of key terms and competencies. Take these quizzes as often as you like during the term to improve your grade.

**Unit Assessment (UA)** - This will be the assessment at the end of each unit. You may use your work, class notes, and your benchmark assessments to complete the assessment. The unit assessment is an opportunity to connect information and ideas and show what you know.

**Tech Talk (TT)** - These assignments are designed to provide you with opportunities to read about, talk about, and write about your science and technology ideas. They are designed to make your thinking visible.

**Inquiry Activities (IA)** - These short laboratory assignments will allow you to learn and practice the skills useful in an inquiry investigation. You will identify questions, plan investigations, collect and interpret data, share results, and evaluate your conclusions and the conclusions of others.

**Projects (PR)** - Projects will allow you to apply course concepts to individual designs. One project will be assigned each marking period, and milestones for project completion will be identified.

**STEM Connections (SC)** - These extra STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) assignments will allow you to connect classroom ideas with practical problems and current issues. Some of these will be required, but STEM assignments can also be added to improve your overall grade.

**Citizenship Grade (CG) -** It is expected that you will demonstrate respect, trust, caring, and responsibility. The citizenship grade will allow me to provide you with feedback so that you can develop your citizenship skills.

__** Grades: **__ It might take you a while to get used to the grading scale in this class. All assignments will be assessed using a 4 point scale.


 * A "0" means that the work is missing. If left undone, this zero will be reported in the grade-book and will bring your overall grade down. Get to it! A "0" is considered an "F".
 * A "1" means that you have submitted the assignment, but your work is incomplete. You are encouraged to try again to demonstrate a your understanding or to show greater effort on the assignment. A "1" is considered a "D".
 * A "2" means that your work is average, but should be improved. Review the feedback you get to figure out how to get your "2"s up to "3"s and "4"s! A "2" is considered a "C" grade.
 * A '3" means that your work meets expectations. Good job - you did it! A "3" is considered a "B" grade.
 * A "4" is earned for excellent work. These assignments show an advanced understanding of the material or demonstrate above and beyond effort. A "4" is an A!

__** Class Expectations: **__ RESPECT - Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive and productive environment.

This is a science classroom (Chemistry most of the day). Safety is a priority!
 * no horseplay
 * eating is not permitted in class
 * drinks should be kept in book bags or on the floor
 * respect all materials - ask before you use something.