Course Procedures and Details

Science 7

Mr. Viker

Grading

Students will be graded on an A, B, C, D, F basis. You must meet all of the criteria for each grade.

A: Completion of the assignments in a timely manner. Scores that average at least 90% of possible points. Participate successfully in all group assignments. Takes notes.

B: Completion of most assignments in a timely manner. Scores that average 80% - 89.9% of possible points. Participate successfully in all group assignments. Takes notes.

C: Completion of assignments. Scores that average 70% - 79.9% of possible points. Participate in all group assignments. Takes notes in class.

D: Attempt assignments. Scores 60% - 69.9% of possible points. Participates in most group activities. Takes notes in class.

F: Failure to meet criteria of above.

Quarter Grade Determination

In Class Work 50%

Tests / Assessments 32%

Homework 10%

Attendance / Participation 8%

TOTAL 100%

Course Grade

1^st Quarter 25%

2^nd Quarter 25%

3^rd Quarter 25%

4^th Quarter 25%

Assignment Policies

1) Missed due date = 0 points (NO LATE WORK)

2) No name, no credit = 0 points

3) Plagerism = 0 points

4) Major written projects need resources cited, or no credit earned

Attendance Policies

Absences must be excused, otherwise attendance points not earned
Tardy is defined as late for class OR returning to locker for expected materials
The first 3 “tardies” earned in a quarter are warnings – each tardy after the 3^rd earns the student one period of detention. (example: 5 tardies = 2 detentions)

Classroom

Procedures

1) Be on time, ready to work, when class starts.

· Please have all materials with you – including a sharpened pencil

2) Show respect for yourself, others and property

· Give your best effort

· Do not interfere with teaching / learning

· Do not (without permission) touch things that are not yours

· Do not use inappropriate language

3) Understand that it takes effort to be successful

· Have assignments ready when they are due

· Actively participate in class activities

You may ask…

How can this affect my grade in science?

If necessary, each day, you will be getting a grade from me that will consist of the following categories…

a) On time, at beginning of class and returning from break

b) Having all materials ready, don’t need to go to locker

c) Discussion does not occur during “teacher talk”

d) Avoiding inappropriate language

e) Actively participating in class activities / attend class regularly

Types of Work

Exams: These are given in class without the use of notes. You will be given a list of items that you must know, understand, explain or otherwise be able to demonstrate that you have mastered the topic. Expect a variety of question styles on the exams.

Final Exam: There is a comprehensive OPEN NOTE final exam. Questions are handed out at the beginning of the course in this packet. Students are encouraged to work on the exam notes during the semester and not wait until the end of the course.

Pre-Tests: Each unit will have a pre-test that will be scored by the parents or another designated adult. The due date will be after the end of the unit. If turned in early, extra credit can be earned – Mr. Viker will give the earliest date possible.

Research: During the course of the year, you will be assigned research topics as an individual or as a member of a group. Various products will be expected. All students will make presentations.

Textbooks

Science Essentials Unit - No book, but a packet will be assigned

Plants - Prentice Hall Science Explorer From Bacteria to Plants

Animals - Prentice Hall Science Explorer Animals

Anatomy - Prentice Hall Science Explorer Human Biology and Health

Genetics - Prentice Hall Science Explorer Cells and Heredity

Ecosystems - Prentice Hall Science Explorer Environmental Science

** These are "skinny" books and will be assigned to your student at the beginning of each unit. All books assigned to each person will need to be turned in before the end of the year.