8Th Grade Science Course Disclosure

CSI (Conducting Science Investigations)

2015-2016

Mrs. Donna

Room 008 – Blue Springs South High SchoolPlan hour – 6th period

(816) 224 – 1315

TEXTBOOKS: Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations; Antony J Bertino.

Forensic Science: Advanced Investigations; Brown and Davenport.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Pencil or Pen (blue or black ink only!)

Paper/spiral notebook for notes and assignments

Colored Pencils

Flash Drive

Students will be utilizing OneNote very often for this class to store work, work at home, get assignments, submit assignments, etc. Public library computers, or phones with internet access/use of the app can be utilized if student does not have a home computer.

INTRO/COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is a hands-on, lab-based science course in which students will investigate how scientific and technological advances are applied to civil and criminal law. Students will use modern forensic techniques, along with the scientific method, to solve problems involving legal investigations.

This course is designed to introduce students to various disciplines of science by learning how they are employed in forensic investigations. Students will review some previously learned concepts as well as gain a deeper understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics concepts using both inquiry-based and active investigations.

Topics & Timeline:

CLASS INFORMATION

The CSI class is probably unlike any science course that you have ever experienced. Listed are some of its unique attributes:

• This is a lab based class with on average 1-2 labs per week.
• You will be assigned to a three or four-person lab team.
• Because the lab supplies are consumable and time sensitive, making it very difficult to make up a missed lab. If you are absent, you will most likely have to complete a research assignment/book work to make up your points.

If your absences are excessive, it will be very difficult for you to receive credit for this course.

• Textbooks – We have a classroom set of textbooks that will be used in this course and WILL not be checked out to students. Students will be given ample class time to complete book-based assignments. Students are encouraged to use the time allotted in class for book assignments. BOOK ASSIGNMENTS NOT COMPLETED IN CLASS WILL HAVE TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE OR AFTER SCHOOL.

**If you signed up for this class looking for an “easy” elective science credit, I strongly encourage you to go a different route. While it is no more rigorous than a Biology I class, it is also not a ‘blow off’ class. Students are expected to work DAILY. Failure to do so will result in frustration and possible grade failure. Students who have come in with this mind set in the past have been extremely unsuccessful.

GOALS

1. Students will design and perform experiments, and value inquiry as the fundamental scientific process.
2. Students will plan and conduct their own experiments, and come to their own conclusions as they read, observe, compare, describe, infer, and draw conclusions.

EXPECTATIONS

1. Respect: One another, teachers, and school property.
2. Be here, and be on time.
3. Follow procedures outlined in class.
4. Be prepared: Have all of your supplies with you.
5. Ask Questions when you are lost or confused.
6. Work hard.

CONSEQUENCES (if severity of infraction warrants, teacher will skip to offense 4)

Offense 1: Verbal Warning

Offense 2: Conference with student and teacher

Offense 3: Parent contact

Offense 4: Student will be sent to office, detention, or possibly referral

ATTENDANCE/TARDIES

Make sure you are in class every day. It will be beneficial in your learning the content. If you are just entering the room or wandering around without a purpose when the bell begins to ring, you will be counted tardy. Tardies will be followed according to school policy (warning on 2nd tardy…referral on 3rd).

***Academic Integrity (Plagiarism/Cheating):

As stated in the Student Handbook, you are accountable for everything you say and write and for the integrity of your work. You should not misrepresent your work by using the work of another and representing it as your own or give or receive unauthorized aid. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, bringing answers into a testing area, copying homework or assessments from another student, providing answers for another student, or using unauthorized notes or technology. The consequence of Plagiarism/Cheating will be a zero on the assignment and can include up to two days of ISD.

GRADING SCALE

The grading scale is as follows:

Grade Distribution:

•Labs : 60%

•Quizzes and Tests : 20%

•Homework/In class work : 10%

•Final Exam : 10%

ASSIGNMENTS/LATE WORK

HOMEWORK: This may be assigned daily and will be due the next day, unless stated otherwise. Due dates may be changed per my discretion. It will be in your best interest to complete your work in a timely fashion & to not waste any class time I give you.

LATE WORK: I do not accept late work. When an assignment is due, it is due at the beginning of your class period on the assigned due date. If it is not turned in, you will get a zero. If circumstances warrant a later due date, please see me (you may be penalized points on the assignment.)

STUDENTS are responsible for seeing me about missed assignments.

LONG TERM ASSIGNMENTS: As stated in the Student Handbook, a long term assignment is exempt from the absence makeup work policy and will be due on the ASSIGNED due date. It will not be accepted late.

Group Dynamics: Because this class is separated into lab groups, you must work cooperatively. Each member assists with the completion of the labs, and therefore, if a student in a research team is not pulling their weight, a warning will be given. If the poor work ethic continues, then the member will be pulled from the group and complete all labs alone. Working productively with others is an important “real world” skill that I want you to learn in this class.

EXTRA HELP:

I am available for help each morning (except Thursdays) at 7:00 AM and after school (until 3:00). Please be responsible and come in for help if you need it.

This signed disclosure is the first assignment of the year (10 Points). Your signature here is your statement that you have read and understand the course outline, expectations, and consequences for CSI.

Please feel free to contact me if there are any questions regarding the information in the syllabus.

Student Name (please print):______

Period:______Date:______

STUDENT

I, ______, have read this class disclosure and feel I understand every part of it and have shown it to my parent(s) or guardian(s).

PARENT/GUARDIAN

I, ______, have read this class disclosure and discussed it with my child and agree to be available for conferences. If you would like an additional copy of this please make note and I will send one home with your student.

Parent phone: ______

Parent e-mail______