Expectations and Grading

Expectations

Students should enter the classroom respectfully and ready to learn. School policies and rules are strictly adhered to within my science classroom.

Each unit throughout the year incorporates 1-3 labs or experiments. These labs will make use of a variety of chemicals, tools, and supplies. For this reason, students are expected to take and pass a Lab Safety Test before participating in our labs. Students are given two chances to pass the test in class, and then must come to my office hour to pass the test after that. Students are expected to adhere to the lab safety rules and policies throughout the year, and will receive a 0 on labs in which they are not behaving appropriately or safely.


Absences

All work covered in class and assigned for homework is posted to the class blog. It is the student's responsibility to check the blog to stay caught up. Students are given two additional days to complete work that was due from the time that they return to class.


Grading

Tests: (20-100 pts) There is a test at the end of each unit. Tests are usually given on Thursdays. Quizzes are usually announced 2 days prior, but I occasionally give pop quizzes!

Reading  and Lecture Notes: (10-20 pts) Notes are to be written in your spiral notebook. Notebooks are collected the day of each test and are graded within the period for effort, neatness, and completeness.

Homework: (20pts) We usually have time to begin homework in class and the rest is completed at home. Homework is assigned 2-3 nights a week. Homework is to be completed in your spiral notebook and worksheets are glued into the notebook. We usually self correct or sometimes peer-grade with red pen.

Labs and Projects: (20-40 pts) Labs and projects are assigned throughout the year for students to demonstrate their knowledge of the course material and investigate the content with real-life application. Most labs and projects are group assignments with class time allocated.


Grading Scale

Each unit consists of 200 pts. Here is the grading scale:

195 - 200  = A+
188 - 194  = A
180 - 187 = A-
175 - 179 = B+
168 - 174 = B
160 - 167 = B-
155 - 159 = C+
148 - 154 = C
140 - 147 = C-
135 - 139 = D+
120 - 134 = D
0 - 120 = F

If you find yourself in jeopardy of failing a unit, please come speak with me and we will work together to solve the problem.