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Course Description:  Science can be broadly divided into two main areas: the content or accumulated body of knowledge about the natural world, and the process, or scientific method through which we learn about the natural world. These two areas go hand in hand. Students must develop a broadening knowledge base through which the process skills can be developed.

The process of science is best taught by allowing the students to actually do science. Students at all grade levels get hands-on experiences in science. These experiences generate student enthusiasm, demonstrate the usefulness of the learning, and appeal to the students with a variety of learning styles. Since skills are not developed in a contextual vacuum, hands-on activities are part of the instruction and not the whole. Scientific processes and mathematical applications are integrated into the content curriculum. During each unit students will have opportunities to ask scientific questions and investigate to find the answer. Mathematics is used to quantify answers.

Homework: For the most part the student's homework will be the section review questions in their text book. While students are working on science fair projects (November to February) the students will also need to work on their projects.  Normally homework will be checked for completion.  Completed homework will receive full credit, late or incomplete homework will receive only partial credit.   Homework relevant to material presented in class provides an opportunity to broaden, deepen, or reinforce the student's knowledge. Homework also helps students develop a sense of responsibility for their academic success and personal pride through the quality of their work. Recording and completing homework is a skill that needs to be developed through cooperation between home and school. Weekend and vacation homework will be assigned at the teacher's discretion as a natural extension of class instruction and activities. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and complete homework assignments for any class/classes he or she has missed. In the case of absences, assignments should be completed within a reasonable length of time, usually within the same number of days as the days missed.

Grading:  Chapter tests will comprise 40% of the grade, and other in-class work (lab reports, etc.) will make up 30% of the grade.  Homework (20%) and class participation & conduct (10%) are the remaining components of the grade.

Chapter Tests: 40%

In Class assignments (lab reports, projects, etc.): 30%
Homework: 20%
Class participation and lab conduct: 10%