Disclosure: Earth Science Honors Option at Fairfield Jr. 2015-2016
Student name: ______Period:______
(Please print name legibly)
Definition of the Science Honors Option
All science classes at Fairfield Junior High meet the requirements of the Utah State Core Curriculum. The Science Honors option adds challenges and projects to supplement traditional courses in order to foster growth for advanced learners as outlined by the Davis School District Science Department. The honors option will have some additional content, but will focus on more strenuous cognitive tasks and skills. Often these tasks will include independent scientific research in order to provide students with an authentic scientific experience.
Inherently honors courses have standards written in a progressive nature and build upon prior knowledge and experiences. Please be judicious and realistic when setting expectations for yourself and your student.
Roles and Expectations
Student’s Role (includes but is not limited to):
- Be willing to take greater responsibility for their own learning.
- Develop their interest, ability, and motivation to meet the challenges of an honors level course, while aspiring to an advanced level of learning through high quality work.
- Dedicate adequate time to course work outside of school time.
- Be willing to fully engage in independent scientific research experiences.
Parent’s Role (includes but is not limited to):
- Be aware of the requirements and expectations of an Honors Level Course.
- Support your student in performing an advanced level of learning through high quality work.
- Support you student in dedicating adequate time to honors course work and individual research outside of school time.
Requirements
To earn the honors designation this year, students must comply with the following requirements. Failure to do so will result in the loss of the honors designation for the semester. This does not affect your traditional class grade.
□ A minimum of 80% (B-) must be earned in the traditional class.
□ A minimum of 80% must be earned in the honors assignments.
□ Students will be required to complete one project per semester. See the list of options below.
□ Late work will not be accepted. Project deadlines will be given far enough in advance that nothing should keep students from completing them and submitting them by the due date. If you are absent when a project is due, make arrangements to send it to your teacher on time.
□ BE HONEST! Cheating, including plagiarism, will not be tolerated and will result in the loss of the honors designation. You may not copy and paste anything from the internet without giving it proper citation and credit – student work should be primarily created by the student. Helping other students is encouraged when appropriate, but do not just give out or copy answers.
Projects
Students will be required to complete one project each semester. Actively participating on a Science Olympiad team for the entire year will count for both projects. Please choose from the following lists.
Semester 1 / Semester 2Science Olympiad
Science Fair
Boy Scout Merit Badge
Options Include: Astronomy and Space Exploration.
Book Report
Options Include: / Science Olympiad
Boy Scout Merit Badge
Options Include: Oceanography, Weather, Soil & Water Conservation, and Environmental Science.
Book Report
Options Include:
Parents: Please read through this disclosure with your student and make sure that you are both aware of the requirements and expectations of Honors Earth Science. If you have any questions or concerns, please write them in the comments box below or contact me at .
Students, please bring this signed paper back to me no later than ______September 4th______.
Signing this form acknowledges that you have read and agree to the requirements in the Earth Science Honors Disclosure.
Student signature: ______Date: ______
Parent signature: ______Date:______
Comments/Concerns: