• 3 ring binder with dividers (page protectors are strongly encouraged)
• Student Planner
• Loose-leaf paper or spiral notebook
• Calculator
• Pen/pencil

• McLaughlin, Charles; Thompson, Mary; Zike, Dinah. Glencoe Physical science. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Inc. 2002.
• In the second semester, we will not be using an official textbook. In light of this it is important that you keep all handout s and notes in an orderly fashion. Notes will be taken in lieu of textbook. We will work on note taking skills over the course of the year.
• All reading materials are supplements to the material presented in class.

1. Homework (35%): Responsibility and turning homework in is extremely important to your success in this course. Assignments will be posted in the room and will be checked for completion. We will often go through the answers in class and correct mistakes, so homework cannot be “made up”. If you are absent it is your responsibility to show it to me when you return. Extensions will be granted for special circumstances discussed in private between the student and teacher.
2. Test Average (15%): Tests will be given at the end of each unit or few units depending on size. Retesting is available for students who have completed all their work for the unit and completed the retesting prerequisite process designated by the teacher. This test has the same content but different questions. The 2^nd test grade is retained no matter what.
3. Lab Work (15%): Science is an active field of learning and exploring and therefore lab work is an integral aspect of the course. We will do labs frequently throughout the year. You will be expected to complete the lab by the assigned due date, so know your due dates
4. Quiz Average (10%): Quizzes will happen about once a week and will cover weekly topics. They are meant to prepare you for the test and will include questions about the lab and videos, etc. 
5. Projects (10%): A semester project will be given to the class. Futher details upcoming.
6. Final Exam (10%): This is a cumulative test as many of the topics in science are very closely linked and have definite connections. It will include questions off of previous tests, quizzes, labs as well as some questions you haven’t seen before on the same content from the semester.
7. Organization and Class Participation (5%): It is important that when you are in class, you are participating. I have no doubt that this will be a problem for any of you. I also expect you to keep materials organized and ready for use. With that said, I will be checking your binders periodically to make sure that all papers are present and organized. Your effective use of your student planners will also go into figuring this category.

1. You must have all homework, labs and reviews completed and turned in by due dates.
2. You must correct the mistakes on your old test.
3. Pick up and complete a worksheet.
4. Meet with me to answer questions you have.
5. Complete retake within two weeks of the original test date or by end of current 6 weeks grading period.

• Follow a set procedure for laboratory activity and complete the procedure
• Analyze and draw conclusions from lab data
• Demonstrate their ability to devise their own lab procedure and analyze data from it
• Use a microscope
• Take organized written notes
• Keep materials organized and available

• Use the scientific method to perform scientific inquiry
• Identify and use concepts of Newtonian motion
• Convert values within the metric system
•  Discuss basic elements of atomic theory
• Describe the structure and funclion of a cell
• Classify animals
• Illustrate the form and function of the systems in the human body
• Illustrate patterns of inheritance and pathways of human genetics
• Classify and describe the planets of our solar system.

• Appreciate God’s creation
• Discuss examples of the intricacy of God’s design and finely tuned workings
• Appreciate the scientific technological advances in our society

If you are absent it is your responsibility to make up work assigned while you were gone. Absence the day of an assignment is due or a test is given means you will be expected to show the assignment or take the test the period you return. Exceptions may be granted for extended illness or unusual circumstances.

Late Work Policy

Prompt, timely work is usually that which is done the best. Turn your work in on time and complete. Any assignment that is not turned in the day it is due is late. Late work will lose 20% per day up to 50%. After 3 days, the highest possible score on an assignment is 50%. Some work, at the discression of the teacher, may not be accepted late.

Tardy Policy

If you do not have two feet in the door when the tone sounds, you are tardy. If you come late to class bring a pass or you will be sent to the attendance office to receive one. No excused tardies without a pass. I follow the school tardy policy explicitly.

• Respect each other
• Are willing to step out of the box and try new things/take risks
• Participate in class
• Act with integrity and class
• Give maximum effort and want to succeed
• Want to have fun while learning