SCIENCE 10 - Mrs. Jeffrey Course Communication

Students taking grade 10 Science will be studying a science program, which will include topics, which fall in the realm of chemistry, physics and biology. Two of these units of study are the foundations for Chemistry 11 and Physics 11 The specific units include:

1. Motion

2. Chemical Reactions

3. Sustainability of Ecosystems

4. Weather Dynamics

Course Description:

Students should learn an appreciation for:

* The nature of science and the method that scientists use to answerquestions of a scientific nature.

* The use of technology and its connection to science

* The relationship between science, technology, society andthe environment

  • Scientific literacy (reading articles, collecting data, analyzing data, plotting graphical data)

The main course outcomes are achieved through:

- active participation in science activities

- practice ( homework, assignments)

- transferring scientific ideas into an everyday context

- studying newspaper and magazine articles to learn aboutscience and to improve reading and critical thinking

Assessment and Evaluation: A variety of assessment techniques will be used in this course including written assignments and projects, lab reports (formal and informal), tests,and a formal written end-of-course evaluation (exam).

Each Term:

Assignments25%

Lab Reports15%

Projects 10 %

Tests 30%

Exam 20%

Total = 100%

Assignments: There will be a number of assignments and projects given throughout the course. All work is to be neatly completed, on clean loose leaf, or on the assignment sheet in pen or pencil, no torn paper, and no graffiti. It may also be type written using a word program.

Lab Reports: There will be a lab report completed for each lab activity that is done. The format for individual labs both formallyand informal will be discussed in class.

Tests: Tests will be given throughout the course. Makeup tests will be given for those who miss a test due to illness, or previously discussed circumstances. A note from home must be provided in order to take the makeup test. There will be no dropped tests and no test rewrites.

Specific Expectations For Students:

  • Come to class on time and prepared with all necessary materials required to complete the lesson.
  • Enter the classroom quietly, take their seat and open their books to last days work.
  • Listen to and follow instructions for the day’s lesson or activity.
  • Begin activities without excessive talking or being reminded.
  • Listen carefully when others are speaking.
  • Complete work in class by using class time wisely.
  • Not interrupt/disrupt others as they work.
  • Exhibit a positive attitude and character to classmates and teacher and put forth best effort to complete tasks.
  • Complete any homework or assignments on time.

As well please keep the following in mind:

RESPECT – This is my main classroom rule. It covers all instances in the classroom. This includes respect for others – paying attention, being polite, and never being hurtful to others; respect for oneself – putting forth your best effort so as to not sell yourself short, and respect for learning – arriving on time and prepared for class, fully participating in activities, and keeping an open mind.

Absolutely NO cell phones are allowed to be used in class for any other purpose but educational. I will give instructions when this is to happen

Other media devices – mp3, ipods, etc. are also NOT allowed. This is a privilege in this class, not a right.

You are expected to do your work both in and out of class. If you choose to cheat and copying is cheating, you will receive a zero that cannot be made up. Academic honesty goes both ways: copying work and allowing your work to be copied. Both decisions will result in the same consequence.

Mrs. Jeffrey’s – Late Work Policy

You are responsible for completing your work and passing it in on time. There are always those individuals who do not get things passed in when the work is due. Consequently they find themselves behind the rest of the class and at risk of losing marks. When asked why the work is late there is generally one of three responses:

  1. “I didn’t understand the work”- There will be times when you are ill or will need some extra help in order to complete the assignment, lab, etc. Please make an appointment with me to get the help that you need. I am available at noon hours to assist students with their science work. Make sure that you keep your appointment. No marks will be lost for a student falling in this category but you will not be allowed to abuse this privilege.
  1. “I did not get it done”- This is not an excuse. I will hand out two assignment coupons that will serve as a get out a jail card for the course. They may be used at any time but once used there will be no more.

Your assignment will be accepted but you will lose 10% of the value of the assignment up until a terminal deadline of 10 calendar days from the day the assignment was assigned. The train has then left the station for you to submit any assignment or lab. I will not be marking this work for any value or points.

The moral of the story is…… Stay organized (use your AGENDA/CALENDAR) and get your work done.

Missed Classes:

Upon arrival back to class after an excusable absence, students are responsible for making up any missed work while they were absent. This includes notes, handouts, assignments and laboratory exercises. Notes can be borrowed from a classmate while handouts can be obtained from your teacher.

Grade 10 science students are expected to show maturity and a work ethic, which is reflected in homework completion, class participation and respect for their fellow students.

This science course is intended as a basis for grade 11 Chemistry and Physics. With this in mind, students must enter this course with a strong background in math and science and having experience with problem solving. If this does not sound like your skill level or your desire to put forth a strong work ethic, be prepared to struggle.

It will be necessary for students to maintain all notes and reports. It is necessary to obtain a separate ring binder for this subject due to the volume of material that will be generated.

This course is based on a great deal of student activity. Your instructor will explain in detail what is expected of you at these times and it goes without saying that foolish behavior will not be accepted.

Extra Help:

It is expected that the majority of students will be able to assimilate the material to be covered within class time.

Formal homework assignments will usually given each class. Students are expected to complete these assignments prior to class.

It is also expected that the majority of students will encounter difficulty in one topic or another. It would be appreciated that if you encounter difficulty as we are covering a subject, you will discuss and question during class time. If you do and still need help, I will be pleased to give help at a time convenient to both of us, however it must be reiterated that you will first be expected to discuss your problems during class time before you can avail yourself of extra help.

Extra help is available upon request at appointed noon hours only. The onus is on you to seek this help.

Resources Needed:

Binder, loose-leaf, pens, pencils, calculator, graph paper