Northview Heights Science Department (TDSB) Academic Year 2011-12

Northview Heights Science Department (TDSB) Academic Year 2011-12

Teacher Developers: Dermott, Frost

Science Curriculum Leader: T. Frost

What is this course about? This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. You will study the behaviours of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that affect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science. Further information about this course can be found at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/2009science11_12.pdf

*Note: The order and duration of the units may be subject to change.

What is evaluation? Evaluation determines a grade. In order to earn a credit in this course, you are responsible for demonstrating evidence of achievement of the knowledge and skills described by the course overall curriculum expectations (see link above).Your achievement in Learning Skills (independent work, teamwork, organizational skills, initiative and work habits) is key to your success. Academic integrity, good attendance, homework and assignment completion are critical. Your Learning skills are evaluated and reported separately on your Provincial Report Card.

How will I be evaluated? You will have opportunities to learn and be assessed (formative assessment) before evaluations. List of evaluation strategies which may be used (but are not limited to) are: quizzes, tests, problem-sets, laboratory activities, hands-on activities, independent study, problem-based learning, role-plays, and simulations.

How is my grade determined? Evaluation of the achievement of the overall curriculum expectations is based on the achievement chart for science. The achievement chart for science can be found at www.edu.gov.on.ca. Guidelines are consistent throughout the province. Marks are weighted according to the achievement chart categories (Knowledge/Understanding, Inquiry, Communication, and Making Connections).

How is my grade reported? The grade for each term/reporting period is based on the evaluations that have been conducted to that point in the course and will be preliminary and tentative. They will be based on the most consistent level of achievement to that point in time, but some of the overall expectations, strands, and units will not have been addressed. The students’ grades will most likely change when the students’ entire work is evaluated by the end of the course.

You will receive regular indications of progress from your teacher. Mid terms reports will be distributed on ______. Final reports will be distributed on ______.

How will missed or incomplete evaluations impact my grade?

Absences for an evaluation will result in a mark of ZERO unless arrangements have been made with your teacher prior to the evaluation. In some cases this zero will be used as a placeholder until evidence of learning in this category can be displayed. Do NOT expect to show up the next day with a note of any kind and be able to write the test/quiz. You must call your teacher and speak to him or her to make new arrangements and this will only be done should there be a valid reason.

Projects/assignments are due on the given due dates. If there are difficulties, discuss these issues with your teacher as soon as possible. This must be BEFORE the due date if any accommodations are to be made. Otherwise a mark of zero will be earned.

Leaving early for a family vacation will not be considered a legitimate excuse for missing evaluations.

What is plagiarism or cheating? Plagiarism or cheating is: copying, reproducing or paraphrasing significant portions of someone else's published or unpublished material, and representing these as one's own thinking by not acknowledging the appropriate source, or by failing to use appropriate quotation marks.

Students are expected to demonstrate academic honesty on all assignments, presentations, tests and examinations. Cases of academic dishonesty will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and will involve an investigation, communication with the student and the parent/guardian, and a mark of zero for the plagiarized work.

How can I get in contact with my teacher and/or get extra help? Extra help is available from your teacher and/or homework club. Remember, if you are absent it is your responsibility to arrange for completion of missed work.

You can contact your teacher by phone at 416-395-3290 ext ______

Where can I find tips to become a successful science student? The handout given by your teacher titled GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR SCIENCE ACADEMIC SUCCESS is a great place to start. If you follow these expectations and practice these habits, you will enjoy learning!

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR SCIENCE ACADEMIC SUCCESS

The science department has established the following key rules. The rationale for each rule is stated so that you can understand its importance. Any rules you wish to add in addition to these are certainly open for discussion.

1. Be here.

Regular attendance is important. 10 absences is equivalent to missing 15% of the course.

2. Be on time.

Lates are disruptive to the flow of the class. Every late results in lost learning time. If a pattern of lates (or lack of attendance) becomes evident, it will be dealt with in a serious manner.

3. Be prepared.

This means that you must bring your pen, paper and any other materials you are asked to bring (calculators, textbooks, handouts, or assignments). Failure to do so results in lost learning. You will experience difficulty following the lesson.

4. Be courteous. Respect others, and respect yourself.

In a classroom setting it is difficult to learn if the person who is speaking cannot be heard by others. Whoever has the floor should be heard. Questions asked in class usually facilitate the lesson.

5. BE RESPONSIBLE.

YOU must take responsibility for your own actions.

YOU are the person who wants to succeed.

YOU owe it to YOURSELF to follow these rules and contribute to others because

YOU are the only one who will benefit.

STUDENTS WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL IN SCIENCE REGULARLY:

USE CLASS TIME EFFECTIVELY

Working on homework and assignments in class will alert you to problem areas immediately.

ASK QUESTIONS IN CLASS

Don't be afraid to ask questions because YOU have the right to learn, besides, everyone in the class will benefit from the answer (or had the same question themselves).

USE THE TEXTBOOK

The textbook can usually offer a different way of explaining the concept.

REVIEW EVERY DAY

The concepts covered in one day of class will be expanded upon as the unit progresses. Spend time reviewing these concepts everyday to ensure that YOU can build on your knowledge and understanding.

COME IN FOR EXTRA HELP

If you don't understand something, the problem won't go away by itself. Extra help sessions can be easily arranged; please notify me immediately if you need assistance.