Science 9 Syllabus
Mr. Mesenbrink
Phone & Email Contact Information: (262)369-3611 VM:
Room Number:S-111
Course Description:
The Science 9 course has been designed to develop the thinking processes and laboratory skills needed for subsequent science courses while emphasizing the connections between science, mathematics, and real life. Students will participate in laboratory investigations and projects with the purpose of exploring physics, Earth science, space science, and chemistry.
Supplies:
Lab Notebook
Goggles
Calculator (basic to graphing, just bring one to class)
Folder or Binder
Note taking resource (notebook, loose leaf, computer, etc..)
Semester Final:
At semester time, your 18 week cumulative percentage will count for 85% of your total semester grade. The remaining 15% will be determined by your performance on a comprehensive semester final.
Grading & Assignments
All assignments whether it be a lab, project, tests, quiz, or homework assignment will be aligned to student learning objectives. Students will be evaluated on the various types of assignments according to their level of understanding. The following rubric will be used to evaluate progress towards learning objectives on a particular assignment:
Advanced (4) / Proficient (3) / Basic (2) / Minimal (1)Work demonstrates complete & detailed understanding of the information important to the topic. Specific examples are provided. / Work demonstrates complete understanding of the information, but more details are needed. / Work demonstrates incomplete understanding of the topic and/or misconceptions about some the information. Basic understanding is there. / Work demonstrates a very incomplete understanding of the topic or has so many misconceptions that the material appears to be misunderstood.
The purpose of all assignments will be to increase understanding such that student learning objectives can be met. Tests, quizzes, labs, and reading assignments will make up the greatest percentage of the grade, which means completing homework & lab assignments on time will be critical in enhancing understanding and assessment performance. A weighted grading scale is used in which each task is assigned one of the following categories:
Rubric Scale Grade % Scale
Lab Work-40% 4 - 3.5 A 100% -90%
Tests/Quizzes - 40% 3.4 - 2.7 B 89% - 80%
Homework/class participation -20% 2.6 - 1.7 C 79% - 70%
1.6 – 1 D 69% - 60%
The semester exam is worth 15% of their overall grade.
Late Work: Work considered late is work not done by the beginning of the period it is due!
* All late work must be completed before the end of each unit.
* All work will be accepted up until the final “school” day of the grading period.
* Students can not be assessed on a Level 4 (10% deduction) if work is submitted late.
Absences and Missed Work:
If students are absent for one to three days, they will have three school days to make-up missed work. (pg 14 of “Arrowhead High School Student and Parent Information Guide”)
Reading:
Students are expected to stay current with assigned readings, these may be current events or readings directly connected to topics focused on throughout the course. Each student is required to present, write, discuss, and complete group activities related to reading assignment.
Citing Sources:
All assignments that use ideas other than your own MUST be cited using APA style, including parenthetical (in text) citations and a list of references at the end of the document.
Cheating and Plagiarism (pg 26 - 27 of “Arrowhead High School Student and Parent Information Guide”):
Students are expected to complete their OWN work in their OWN words, regardless of whether or not they have worked in groups to collect data for the assignment. All written documents must be individual unless otherwise stated by the teacher!
Safety Issues:
Safety equipment (goggles, aprons, eye wash, etc.) MUST be used as instructed and you will be signing a “Safety Contract” agreeing to its proper use. Violations of this agreement will be dealt with swiftly and severely.
NOTE: If you lose, misplace, or forget your goggles you may BORROW a pair from the instructor for the class period.
Tardy Policies: (pg 22 of “Arrowhead High School Student and Parent Information Guide”)
It is a school rule that if you are tardy four times you must serve a Saturday detention. It is important that you are in class on time because we have a lot to do and little time to do it in.