Honors Science 10 Syllabus 2015-2016
Mr. Ben Mangrum
Room 410
Phone: 566-5710 ext. 2484
E-mail:
Planning Period: 5th period
(E-mail is the most reliable way to contact me)
This course completes a two-year program that covers the topics of physics, chemistry, and biology. This year is mostly devoted to chemistry and biology.
The chemistry portion of the course emphasizes the study of the structure and behavior of matter on the atomic and molecular level, and concentrates on conceptual understanding as well as mathematical problem solving. Topics studied will include atomic and nuclear structure, periodicity, compound formation, nomenclature, symbolism, reactions and reaction equations, stoichiometry, solutions and acid/bases.
The biology portion of the course emphasizes the study of living organisms and the fundamental components of life. Topics studied will include ecology, cellular structure and function, genetics, and evolution. This course will prepare students for the Washington State End-of-Course Exam in early June.
Topic Overview:
1st Semester:2nd Semester:
September: Chemistry Review (Chemch. 7-10)February: Photosynthesis/Respiration October: Stoichiometry, (Chemch. 11) (Bio ch. 8, 9, Physch. 16)
November: Gas Laws (Chemch. 13)March: Cell Division (Bio Ch. 10)
December: Biological Molecules, Ecology (Bio ch. 2, 3)April: DNA/Genetics(Bio Ch. 11, 12, 14)
January: Cellular Structure (Bio ch. 7)May: Evolution(Bio Ch. 15, 16, 17)
June: Physics Review (Phys Ch. 8-13)
MATERIALS: bring the following to class every day!
1) Chemistry or Biology Book. You will likely be able to leave your book at homeassuming we have enough remaining for a class set.
2) ScienceJOURNAL You are requried to maintain a notebook journal of your activities in class (a non-spiral bound, composition notebook). This includes daily notes and assignments, lab data and observations.
3)Three Ring Binder -to organize handouts, returned quizzes, tests, etc. May be shared with other classes
4)A Pen and a Pencil- for completing in-class assignments, taking notes, making observations, etc.
5)A Calculator- will be used nearly every day—you will not be able to borrow one from me.
6) An Excellent Attitude, Respect, Responsibility and Curiosity!
CLASSROOM RULES:
Attendance: Regular attendance in class is important. Because of the nature of daily classroom instruction, discussion, observations, practice and laboratory work, there is learning that can only be gained by being in class during regularly scheduled class periods. Class work points lost by a student due to an absence cannot always be made up. It is also becoming increasingly important to future employers that students demonstrate a value in regular attendance. The Curtis High School Attendance Policy as outlined in the handbook will be enforced. Each unexcused absence will warrant after school detention. Your regular attendance in class is expected.
Participation - is integral to our curriculum and your success. Because of the nature of any laboratory science deals with oftentimes complex or abstract concepts and applications, a variety of instructional methods are used. Discussion, small and large group activities/labs, sharing, practice, and going over examples, question and answer opportunities, lab preparation, analysis and interpretation—these are all common parts of regular classroom instruction. There is information and experience which can only be gained by being in class during regularly scheduled class periods.
Tardiness: Be IN your assigned seat BEFORE the tardy bell rings. The following procedure will be used:
1st-2nd tardy: Verbal warning3rd tardy: Teacher/Parent Contact
4th tardy: 20 min. teacher detention and parent contact5th tardy: Office referral and after school detention
6th tardy: Office referral and Friday Night School7th-8th tardy: 1 day suspension
9+ tardy: 3 day suspension
Bathroom: Students are encouraged to use the bathroom before and after class. Permission to use the bathroom will be both limited and monitored. You will receive a single sheet of six passes to be used during the semester, but those that are not used will count as extra credit. You must have this sheet to use the bathroom! If there is abuse of the bathroom privilege, a parent/teacher contact will need to be made and the privilege may be revoked. The only bathrooms that are to be used are the ones just outside the classroom. Sign out on the Pink Checkout log before you leave the room.
All Excused AbsentWork must be made up after one class session or the duration of your absence whichever is longer. Until it is completed the assignment will be indicated on your report by a "0" for a grade. Make-up sessions for lab work will be scheduled, but must be completed within two weeks of the initial lab day. It is your responsibility to ask about missed assignments, so there are no excuses for missed work. You must make it up or you will not receive credit for it! Any assignments that are missed because of an unexcused absence may not be made up.
All Assignments, Labs, Reports and Projects are due on the due date. Late work will not be accepted. Of course, all excused absence assignments may be made up within one class period of the absence, but will be counted as zero until made up. Assignments will be graded on completion and effort, and answers will be posted and questions will be reviewed.
Courtesy: During lectures or discussions do not leave your seat without permission. Raise your hand and wait to be called on even if you have to sharpen your pencil, throw something away, ask a question, turn in something, etc.
Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices: These should not be used during class, with limited exceptions. Turn them off and leave them in your bag.
All Cheatingis unacceptable and will count as a zero. This includes the copying of assignments as well as lab reports (lab partners must write their own independent reports), and keep in mind that both parties will be held responsible. Two strikes and you will be dropped from the class.
Laboratory Rules and Safety Rules:These rules and procedures are essential. Failure to comply will result in expulsion from the lab and loss of lab and participation points. See handout for complete rules.
NO FOOD or DRINK in lab area during lab activities. This is state law for any lab classroom with chemicals. You may use a closed-top beverage only (no open-mouthed containers).
Seating: Seats will be assigned - when the period ends, wait quietly at your seat to be dismissed by the teacher.
Discipline Consequences: (All instances are documented)
In this class we will have a series of consequences for any inappropriate behavior or failure to follow classroom rules or procedures. These consequences will be as follows:
1) Verbal warning
2) 5-minute detention during passing period
3) Conference with teacher and parents contacted
4) Referral to the office
5) Required behavioral contract to remain enrolled in class
Extra Help – Time will be availableby appointment during my planning period (5th period), during my lunch (1st lunch), or before school.
Grades - will be calculated as assignments are completed. Online grades will be available through Skyward Family Access, and the overall grade will be the semester grade (not the quarter grade). Assignment indicated with a “*” have not been entered yet, and are not missing. Grades will be weighted using the following percentages:
A = 93.33A- =90.00 B+ = 86.67B = 83.33
B- = 80.00 C+ = 76.67 C = 73.33C- = 70.00
D+ = 66.67D = 60.00 F = below 60.00
Grades will be weighted using the following percentages:
Tests = 60% Closed book, no note exams given about 4 times a semester. There will also be a cumulative semester final which will count as two tests. Your lowest test for the semester will be dropped.
Labs = 15% Approximately 8 laboratory experiments and write-ups of those experiments
Quizzes = 15 % Given approximately every other week to check progress. Format will vary depending on the topic being studied
Classwork/Homework = 10% Assigned on a daily basis, given both orally and written on the board. Assignments will be checked off for completion, a key will be posted, and all questions will be discussed in class.
Parents: The best way to get in touch with us and keep track of your child's progress is via e-mail. I will be happy to reply to your requests for info, but unless your child has a D or F I can only respond to requests initiated by you.
Thank you.
Honors ScienceFall 2015 Student/Parent Contract Instructor: Ben Mangrum
Student Name______Period______
(please print)
I have read the Honors ScienceSyllabus and the Lab Safety Contract, and I understand the requirements and expectations for the course.
______
Student Signaturedate Parent or Guardian Signaturedate
Parent / Guardian e- mail ______
Parent/ Guardian Phone # ______home work
Can I contact you at work? ______
Please sign this page and return by September 11th.
Thank you. I look forward to working with your son or daughter. Please call or e-mail anytime you have a concern or question or just to keep in touch.
Honors Science Fall 2015 Student/Parent Contract Instructor: Ben Mangrum
Student Name______Period______
(please print)
I have read the Honors ScienceSyllabus and the Lab Safety Contract, and I understand the requirements and expectations for the course.
______
Student Signaturedate Parent or Guardian Signaturedate
Parent / Guardian e- mail ______
Parent/ Guardian Phone # ______home work
Can I contact you at work? ______
Please sign this page and return by September 11th.
Thank you. I look forward to working with your son or daughter. Please call or e-mail anytime you have a concern or question or just to keep in touch.