Springfield High School Science Department Course Expectations

Course: Biological Science

This course  is a continuation of the ninth grade science course. The concentration is on biology, human body, and ecology but also includes physical/earth science and chemical science in relation to concepts of life. Topics are aligned to the Vermont State Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.

Expectations for Student Learning
• Complete homework assignments• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentations• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write formal lab reports• Participate and complete in all class work

Specific Student Skills and Objectives
• Practice the scientific method• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics• Be reflective scientists
• Use problem solving techniques

Assessment and Evaluation:
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards/Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.
The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment (trimester exam).
Each Grade Expectation’s assessment may include quizzes, homework, notebook evaluations, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS science department guidelines.
• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to five school days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 percent point reduction for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up by the following help night.

Student responsibilities
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

HELP NIGHT IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Required Materials
• Notebook (as per teacher instructions) • Calculator
• Pens (blue or black ink)/pencils/colored pencils

Course: Biology
Prerequisite: C+ or better in Earth/Space/Physical Science

This course is a study of the living world. Topics covered are aligned to the Vermont State Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.

Expectations for Student Learning

• Complete homework assignments
• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentations
• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write formal lab reports
• Participate and complete in all class work

Specific Student Skills and Objectives

• Practice the scientific method
• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records
• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics
• Be reflective scientists
• Use problem solving techniques

Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards/Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.
The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment (trimester exam).
Each Grade Expectation’s assessment may include quizzes, homework, notebook evaluations, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS science department guidelines.
• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to five school days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 percent point reduction for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up by the following help night.

Student responsibilities
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

HELP NIGHT IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Required Materials
• Notebook (as per teacher instructions) • Calculator
• Pens (blue or black ink)/pencils/colored pencils

Course: Chemical Science
Prerequisite: Two credits in science, including earth/space/physical science and biological science.

This is a course designed to complete student access to Vermont State Grade expectations for science. These include science inquiry, properties of matter, physical change, chemical change and nuclear change.

Expectations for Student Learning

• Complete homework assignments
• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentation
• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write formal lab reports
• Participate in and complete all class work

Specific skills and objectives

• Practice the scientific method
• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records
• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics
• Be reflective scientists
• Use problem solving techniques

Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards/Grade Expectations for Science and inquiry. The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment.
Each Grade Expectation’s assessment will include quizzes, homework, notebook evaluations, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS science department guidelines.
• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to five school days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 percent point reduction for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up the following help night.

Student responsibilities
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily (NO locker passes during class)
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

HELP NIGHT IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

REQUIRED MATERIALS
• Notebook (as per teacher instruction)
• Pens (blue/black), pencils/colored pencils

Conceptual Physics 

This course deals with the interaction between matter and energy: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light, sound, and quantum mechanics. The concepts explained will unify much of the student’s previous knowledge of other disciplines because they represent the underlying principles of the universe. Students will use the language of science extensively as they logically work their way through a variety of problems, questions, and challenges. Students should allocated sufficient time at home for homework.

Expectations for Student Learning

• Complete homework assignments
• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentations

• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write lab reports
• Hand in class work
Specific skills and objectives

• Practice the scientific method
• Become familiar with the Vermont standards
• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records
• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics
• Be reflective scientists and mentors
• Use problem solving technique

Student responsibilities
Students are expected to:
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily (NO locker passes during class)
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards. The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment.
Each Grades Expectations assessment may include quizzes, homework, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS Science Dept. guidelines:

• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to 5 days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 point drop for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up the next day or taken the day before.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• 1 - 100 page graphing spiral notebook pens (blue or black)/pencils
• folder
 

 Earth/Space/Physical Science (Freshman science)

This course is an integration of earth, space and physical sciences. Topics covered are aligned to the Vermont State Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.

Expectations for Student Learning
• Complete homework assignments• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentations• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write formal lab reports• Participate and complete in all class work

Specific Student Skills and Objectives
• Practice the scientific method• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics• Be reflective scientists
• Use problem solving techniques

Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards/Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.
The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment (trimester exam).
Each Grade Expectation’s assessment may include quizzes, homework, notebook evaluations, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS science department guidelines.
• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to five school days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 percent point reduction for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up by the following help night.

Student responsibilities
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

HELP NIGHT IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Notebook (as per teacher instruction)
• pens (blue or black)/pencils/colored pencils

• calculator

Honors Biology
Prerequisite: B or better in Earth/Space/Physical Science, strong study skills, and developing research skills. Teacher recommendation.

This course is a study of the living world and a prerequisite to advanced placement biology. Topics covered are aligned to the Vermont State Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry

Expectations for Student Learning

• Complete homework assignments
• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentations
• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write formal lab reports
• Participate and complete in all class work

Specific Student Skills and Objectives

• Practice the scientific method
• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records
• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics
• Be reflective scientists
• Use problem solving techniques

Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards/Grade Expectations for Science content and inquiry.
The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment (trimester exam).
Each Grade Expectation’s assessment may include quizzes, homework, notebook evaluations, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS science department guidelines.
• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to five school days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 percent point reduction for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up by the following help night.

Student responsibilities
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

HELP NIGHT IS EVERY WEDNESDAY

Required Materials
• Notebook (as per teacher instructions) • Calculator
• Pens (blue or black ink)/pencils/colored pencils
 

Physics 

This course deals with the interaction between matter and energy: mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, light, sound, and quantum mechanics. The concepts explained will unify much of the student’s previous knowledge of other disciplines because they represent the underlying principles of the universe. Students will use the language of mathematics extensively as they logically work their way through a variety of problems, questions, and challenges. Students should allocate sufficient time at home for homework. Topics covered align to the Vermont State Grade Expectation for Science content and inquiry

Expectations for Student Learning

• Complete homework assignments
• Participate in individual and group laboratory experiments
• Prepare oral and written presentations

• Keep an organized and complete notebook with regular entries
• Write formal lab reports
• Hand in all class work 
Specific skills and objectives

• Practice the scientific method
• Become familiar with the Vermont standards
• Use the metric system
• Keep accurate laboratory records
• Keep current, organized, legible notebooks
• Understand the use of rubrics
• Be reflective scientists 
• Use problem solving techniques 

Student responsibilities
Students are expected to:
• Practice safety at ALL times
• Arrive and leave class at appropriate times
• Bring all course materials to class daily (NO locker passes during class)
• Be respectful and courteous to everyone in the classroom
• Be seated and ready to work when bell rings

Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be expected to meet or exceed the Vermont Standards. The grading policy will be based upon the Grade Expectations covered during each trimester including scientific inquiry and a common assessment.
Each Grades Expectations assessment may include quizzes, homework, labs, projects and class activities in accordance with the following SHS Science Dept. guidelines:
• Late lab reports and projects will be accepted up to 5 days late, but the grade will reflect a 5 point drop for each day late.
• Late homework will not be credited towards homework grade, but if placed in the notebook it will credited for that grade.
• In the case of an excused absence from class, students have until the following help night to pass in and/or make up any missed class work including tests and quizzes. For example: if you miss Tuesday’s class you will be expected to attend Wednesday’s help night.
• In the event of a school activity (sport, field trips, etc.) homework and other preassigned work is to be handed in prior to your leaving for these events. Quizzes and tests must be made up the next day or taken the day before.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• 1 - 100 page graphing spiral notebook pens (blue or black)/pencils 
• folder scientific calculator

 

Attachments:

File	File size
checklist.pdf	32 Kb
safety2007.pdf	61 Kb
SHS lab rubrrubric.pdf	63 Kb