Welcome to Integrated
Science!
Throughout this course, we will explore
many different topics including chemistry, physics and earth science. We
will also be practicing valuable skills like critical thinking, how to read and
write scientifically, collaborating with peers and using technology as a
learning and communication tool. The overarching goal of this course is
to set you up for success in future science classes at Ottumwa High School.
About the Teacher
Summer West Room 415
Phone: 641-683-4444 ext. 1415
E-mail:
summer.west@ottumwaschools.com
Available in my room at least a half an hour both
before and after school.
I will be posting to this
blog every day a recap of the day’s activities as well as downloadable
assignments, study tips, announcements about upcoming events, tests or quizzes,
helpful links, videos and more. Students
and parents should both be checking in periodically (especially when absences
occur) to see what’s going on in class and making sure you’re caught up.
Grading Policy
In compliance with the district requirements, the following categories and weights will be used for Integrated Science:
65% Summative Assessment (includes
tests, quizzes and major projects)
20% Formative Assessment (daily work, notebooks,
and participation)
15% Semester Test
Summative
Short quizzes will
be given frequently and will focus on a chunk of information immediately prior
to the quiz. Quizzes will require the
memorization of a few small details and an understanding of some topic specific
concepts. Tests will be given at the end
of a unit and will have more general questions about the big ideas of the unit. Even though these questions are much broader,
they actually require a deeper understanding of the material. Students will be notified about quizzes 1-2 class
days beforehand and tests one week before.
Many projects will
be completed in small groups, but students will be graded as individuals. Rubrics will be provided at the beginning of
each project.
Formative
Much of our daily
work will be completed in class. Many
times, students will be allowed to work together, and you will always be able to ask me for help. Therefore, everyone should get all of your points in this category if you use
class time well and turn everything in on time.
Most formative
assessments are collected and checked for completion. A complete, well done assignment turned in on
time earns you a check (Ö).
If the work is exceptional, you might even get a plus (+). If you don’t turn in the assignment on time
or the work is poor, you will receive a minus (-). A minus can turn into a check if you turn in
an acceptable assignment before the unit test, but you can never get a plus on
an assignment if it was originally a minus.
Students will be given a weekly formative assessment grade based on this
system.
In addition to
daily work, students will be responsible for keeping a notebook. You should have a notebook specifically for
Integrated Science. We will use these
for journaling, taking notes and recording data. These notebooks will be collected
periodically to check for completion and understanding.
Semester Tests
A comprehensive
exam will be given at the end of each semester, one in January and one in
May. These will be much like the Unit
Tests in that they cover the big ideas of the course rather than the small
details.
Absences
Integrated Science is a very hands-on
class. Many of the activities we do in class are hard to replicate and if
you miss class, you are missing out on these learning opportunities. (In fact, scientific research shows a direct
correlation between attendance and test scores.) If you know ahead of time that you are going
to be missing class, let me know as soon as possible so we can get your make-up
work together or arrange for making up a lab/quiz etc. This will prevent
you from having to play catch-up when you return from school. If an
unexpected absence occurs, the best thing you can do is check the class blog to
see what you missed. If the absence is going to be longer than 2 days,
please contact me before you come back to make sure you are not
falling behind. Due dates for all
assignments collected or assigned during absences will be arranged between the
student and teacher based on the situation.
Tardies
To avoid being counted tardy in my class,
students must be in their seats when the bell rings. Often times, there will be something to start
working on right away - journal question, studying before a quiz, or reading
the instructions for a lab. As per
district policy, 3 tardies in one class will result in an office referral and
in-school suspension.
Other things to note
Cell phone use will not be tolerated in
this course! If I see an i-Pod or mp3
player, I will assume it is a phone and follow the same procedures outlined by
the building. The first time I catch you
with your phone (or other device) out or hear it ring during class, I get to
keep it until the end of the period. On
the second offense, you will be sent to the office and will have to leave your
phone there until the end of the day.
The second time your phone ends up in the office, your parents will have
to come in and pick it up. Save yourself
from this hassle and do not have your cell phone out in class.
Class Rules
We came up with our own set of rules the first day of class. These should be written on your printed syllabus.
We came up with our own set of rules the first day of class. These should be written on your printed syllabus.
