520 Integrated Science (Level 3) - Mr. Siren
520 Integrated Science (Level 3) - Mr. Siren
Teacher: Mr. Christopher Siren
Mr. Siren’s Email: csiren at IGNORETHIS gdrsd dot org
Room: 209
Text: Dobson, Ken; Holman, John; Roberts, Michael, Holt Science Spectrum:
A Physical Approach, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2001.
Schedule
Course Goals
- To learn about the basic laws of nature through an introduction to motion, forces, and energy
- To learn some basic properties of matter and how matter interacts
- To explore why we think that matter is made up of atoms
- To learn what we know about the evolution of the stars and the universe
- To explore the structure of the Earthís interior and its atmosphere.
- To learn about how scientific knowledge is acquired by designing and carrying out experiments
- To gain laboratory skills ñ making measurements, using various lab equipment, handling
chemicals safely and efficiently, keeping a science lab book, setting up and cleaning up experiments
- To gain valuable problem-solving skills through the process of designing experiments and analyzing data
- To learn how to visualize scientific data in different ways by creating tables and graphs
- To become confident using basic math skills that are useful in science & science classes
- To learn how to read and to make sense out of a science textbook
- To complete an independent research project.
What To Bring To Class Daily
- Covered textbook
- Pens/pencils and scientific calculator
- 3-ring binder with section dividers
- Completed Homework, Assignments, Projects, and Lab Reports
- Lined paper and graph paper for notes, labs and quizzes.
3-Ring Binder Format
Each student is expected to have a 3-ring binder exclusively for science.
This binder should be organized into the following sections:
- List of Assignments
- Notes and handouts
- Completed Homework
- Quizzes and Tests
- Labs
- Project Work
- Miscellaneous
By having all your papers and by keeping them organized throughout the year,
you will be much more effective in preparing for quizzes and exams. To encourage
the habit of organization, your notebook may be checked by me at any time.
Grading Policy for Each Quarter:
| Labs | 25 to 50 points each |
| Quizzes/Homework | 1 to 10 points each |
| Tests | 100 points each |
| Class Participation | 30 points |
| Astronomy Project | 100 points (second quarter only) |
Both announced and pop quizzes will be given frequently throughout the year
to help me evaluate your understanding of new material, lab preparation, reading
comprehension, and homework completion.
You will have tests at the end of each chapter.
You will usually have at least one lab per unit. Some of these labs will be formal
labs, requiring a formal lab report. Others will be mini-labs, requiring a less
extensive write-up.
Preparation for your Science Research Project will be ongoing throughout the year.
For details on the Science Project please refer to your Science Project packet to
be distributed later.
Collaborative Learning vs. Academic Dishonesty
Please learn the difference between collaborative learning and academic dishonesty!
Collaborative learning is positive and involves constructive discussion of homework
problems and labs with your classmates. However, what you write down for homework
or in you lab notebook must be in your own words in order to reflect your effort and
understanding of the material. Students who hand in identical work, or work that is
too similar, will experience serious disciplinary consequences! Note that all quizzes
and exams are considered strictly independent work. While lab partners may share
data and discuss how to address the analysis questions, their final words should be
their own.
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