Northwest Career and Technical Academy Course Expectations 2012-2013 Science Foundations Catherine Spivey [email protected] Course Description This one-year course is designed for seniors who have not passed the Nevada High School Proficiency Exam (NHSPE) in science. This course provides an integrated, standards-based approach by connecting concepts in life science, earth and space science, and physical science. Students gain a foundation in the nature of science and develop critical thinking skills through inquiry, experimentation, collaboration, and data collection with analysis. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. This course fulfills one science credit required for high school graduation and qualifies as a laboratory science for college entrance.

Course Goals Upon completion of this course, the students will be expected: 1.

To demonstrate safe laboratory activities. [NS: N.12.A]

2.

To utilize a variety of communication methods to share scientific information. [NS: N.12.A]

3.

To analyze the impacts of science and technology in terms of costs and benefits to society. [NS: N.12.B]

4.

To develop test taking strategies that address the unique conceptual development necessary for science proficiency.

5.

To identify the interactions between force and motion. [NS: P.12.B]

6.

To analyze the interactions between matter and energy. [NS: P.12.C]

7.

To confirm that atomic structure explains the properties and behavior of matter. [NS: P.12.A]

8.

To investigate the scientific theories of the origins and evolution of the universe.[NS: E.12.B]

9.

To examine heat and energy transfer in and out of the atmosphere and its influences on weather and climate. [NS: E.12.A]

10.

To analyze the geologic time scale based on scientific evidence. [NS: E.12.C]

11.

To verify that ecosystems display patterns of organization, change, and stability as a result of the interactions and interdependencies among living and non-living components of earth. [NS: L.12.C]

12.

To recognize that all life forms, at all levels of organization, use specialized structures and similar processes to meet life needs. [NS: L.12.B]

13.

To comprehend how genetic information passes from one generation to another. [NS: L.12.A]

14.

To explore biological evolution and diversity of life. [NS: L.12.D]

Approved November 2004, revised May 2009.

Textbook(s) There is currently no textbook adopted for this course. We use the RPDP.net website exclusively.

Materials The following materials will be required. A one subject spiral notebook (one per semester) Black ink pens Pencils

Course Outline/ Benchmarks The topics to be studied will be approached in the following manner:

Semester 1 Quarter 1 Content-Topics *Scientific Inquiry *Scientific Communication *Science and Technology *Test Taking Strategies

Syllabus Objective

State Science Standards

1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 - 4.2

**These objectives are introduced in quarter one and reinforced throughout the course.**

Forces and Motion

5.1 – 5.5

P.12.B.1, P.12.B.2, P.12.B.3, P.12.B.4, P.12.C.1, P.12.C.2, P.12.C.3, P.12.C.4, P.12.C.5, P.12.C.6

Matter and Energy

6.1 – 6.2

P.12.A.1, P.12.A.3, P.12.C.2, P.12.C.5

Properties and Behaviors of Matter

7.1 – 7.7

P.12.A.2, P.12.A.3, P.12.A.4, P.12.A.5, P.12.A.6, P.12.A.7, P.12.A.8

Quarter 2 Content-Topics *Scientific Inquiry *Scientific Communication *Science and Technology *Test Taking Strategies

Syllabus Objective

State Science Standards

1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 - 4.2

**These objectives are introduced in quarter one and reinforced throughout the course.**

Stellar Evolution

8.1 – 8.2

P.12.C.1, P.12.C.2, P.12.C.3, E.12.B.1, E.12.B.2, E.12.B.3, E.12.B.4, E.12.B.5

Transfer of Energy and the Atmosphere

9.1 – 9.2

E.12.A.1, E.12.A.2, E.12.A.3, E.12.A.4, E.12.A.5

Evidence for Geologic Time

10.1 – 10.4

E.12.C.1, E.12.C.2, E.12.C.3, E.12.C.4, E.12.C.5

Semester 2 Quarter 3 Content-Topics *Scientific Inquiry *Scientific Communication *Science and Technology *Test Taking Strategies

Syllabus Objective

State Science Standards

1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 - 4.2

**These objectives are introduced in quarter one and reinforced throughout the course.**

Energy through an Ecosystem

11.1 – 11.4

L.12.C.1, L.12.C.2, L.12.C.3, L.12.C.4

Organization of Life

12.1 – 12.2

L.12.B.1, L.12.B.2, L.12.B.3

Quarter 4 Content-Topics *Scientific Inquiry *Scientific Communication *Science and Technology *Test Taking Strategies

Syllabus Objective

State Science Standards

1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 - 4.2

**These objectives are introduced in quarter one and reinforced throughout the course.**

Genetic Inheritance

13.1 – 13.4

L.12.A.1, L.12.A.2, L.12.A.3, L.12.A.4, L.12.A.5

Evolution

14.1 – 14.3

L.12.D.1, L.12.D.2, L.12.D.3, L.12.D.4, L.12.D.5, L.12.D.6

Controversial Issues: CCSD 6124.2 Objective studies in the classroom of controversial issues are a responsibility of the public schools. The teacher, as impartial moderator, will inform the school administrator of potentially controversial issues before they occur. In the event a parent/guardian does not wish for their student to participate in the exploration of that topic, an alternate work will be assigned. The student will not lose points.

Technology Applications Use of computers using word and the Internet is expected. We will regularly use practice tests from RPDP.net.

Grading Policy - Grading Scale Letter grades will be determined on the following scale: A 90% - 100% B 80% - 89% C 70% - 79% D 60% - 69% F below 60%

Grading Procedures NWCTA students are on time to class. Tardiness affects opening of class and if there is an unexcused tardy and we have had a graded event this could impact the grade of a tardy student. Each day begins with a notebook writing objective. Participation grades are correlated with expectations of daily work i.e. participate daily in class. NO ABSENCES SENIORS. After school proficiency practice is mandatory. Mondays 1:30- 3:30 pm until October NHSPE.

Basis for Quarter and Semester Grades Quarter grades will be calculated as follows: Notebook daily proficiency studies 50% Logs for practice tests 50% Notebooks are graded once a week on Monday or Friday. Semester grades will be calculated as follows: tt 1 Q 40 % nd 2 Q 40 % Semester Exam 20 %

Make-Up Work After any absence, the student is required to initiate contact with instructor to obtain appropriate make up work within three (3) school days directly following the student’s return. Any previously assigned and due assignments before the absence are due next class period. If a student exceeds more than seven unexcused absences, they will receive no credit for that semester.

Late Work Policy No late work will be accepted, however, work will be accepted early. Partial credit may be given for incomplete work that is turned in on the due date. When doing group work, be sure all members of the group have copies of all parts of the project. I.E.P. accommodations must be followed.

Basis for Citizenship Grade Students must not exhibit behavior that interferes with the teaching/learning process. O – Outstanding: student attends class without unexcused absences or tardies, submits work on time, is always respectful, cooperative, and non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process and follows all class/school rules. This student is a positive classroom participant. S – Satisfactory: student attends class with two (or less) unexcused absences or tardies, submits work on time, is always respectful, cooperative, and non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process and follows all class/school rules. N – Needs Improvement: student has 3-5 unexcused absences or three unexcused tardies, some of the work is missing or late, needs occasional reminders to be respectful, cooperative, and/or non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process, and needs occasional reminders of class/school rules. U – Unsatisfactory: student has 5 or more unexcused absences or four or more unexcused tardies, the work is often missing or submitted late, student needs frequent reminders to be respectful, cooperative, and/or non-disruptive of the teaching/learning process, and needs frequent reminders of class/school rules. Student engaged in academic dishonesty.

Class Rules 1. Food/Drink/Gum/Candy is NOT permissible. Water is acceptable except in the science classroom. Hallway is permissible. 2. NWCTA Hall Passes must be properly issued to leave the classroom. No passes to cars will be issued. 3. School Rules – All school rules listed in the NWCTA Handbook will be strictly enforced within the classroom, including but not limited to: a. Proper Use of Computers b. Proper use of Internet c. Tardies 4. Academic Integrity- All students involved in copying, plagiarizing, or cheating of any kind will receive a zero on the assignment and a “U” in citizenship. In addition, students may face additional consequences based on the severity of the incident. Please see attached academic honor code for further clarification. 5. Respect is full class participation in a multicultural setting.

Classroom Progressive Discipline Certain actions including insubordination, violence, and harassment will warrant immediate referral to the dean. Students who choose not to follow the classroom and school rules listed above will face the following consequences: First Offense – Verbal warning Second Offense – Teacher’s written warning Third Offense – Teacher phone call/ e-mail home Fourth Offense – Dean’s Referral

Office Hours I will be available before and after school for make-up work and questions. Generally, my hours will be 6:50 am – 2:30 pm in room 903. Parents feel free to contact me at anytime.

Lab sciences No food or drinks Closed toe shoes for lab Lab stations are cleaned after each lab by the group.

NORTHWEST CAREER AND TECHNICAL ACADEMY ACADEMIC HONOR CODE Students are expected to demonstrate honesty and integrity while in attendance at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy. Each student is expected to do his or her own work, including homework, testtaking, class and computer lab assignments, and the creation of essays, compositions, term papers, computer presentations and scientific research. There is no distinction between giving or receiving unauthorized help; one who helps another to cheat is as guilty as one who benefits from cheating. The following actions are considered cheating: 1. Claiming credit for work that is not the product of one’s own honest effort. 2. Providing unwarranted access to materials or information so that credit may be dishonestly claimed by oneself or others. 3. Submitting work to more than one teacher for course credit without prior approval. 4. Forging or falsifying of any school records or forms. 5. Knowledge of and toleration of any of the foregoing. 6. Any behavior which can be defined as cheating represents a violation of mutual trust and respect essential to education at the Northwest Career and technical Academy. Students who cheat should expect to be confronted by their teacher, staff member, or administrator observing this behavior and be subject to one or more of the following consequences: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Zero/no credit on the assignment. Notification of parents/guardian. Documentation on Discipline Record. Required Parent Conference Signing of a behavior contract to be placed in the student discipline record. Honor Code Probation. Exclusion from school activities such as dances, activities, athletics, field trips, and graduation Loss of college recommendation letters.

All students who have computer access should be aware of the Acceptable Use Policy for computer usage and follow it.

Northwest Career and Technical Academy Course Expectations Agreement 2012-2013 Science Foundations

Catherine Spivey

Student Name: (print) ________________________________________ Grade: ______

Student Number: ___________

Period: _____

I HAVE READ THE COURSE EXPECTATIONS FOR __________________. I UNDERSTAND WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED FOR ALL STUDENTS AND MYSELF. I AGREE TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE CLASS AND UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES IF THEY ARE BROKEN. Student Signature: _________________________

Date: _________

Parent Signature: __________________________

Date: _________