HONORS SCIENCE 8 (2011-2012)

Students should have a 2 or 2 1/2 inch, loose-leaf, 3-ring binder for honors science. The binder should be used exclusively for science class. This binder should be divided into the following sections: homework, labs, tests & quizzes, and an other category. Students should also have 5 1/2 X 8 inch notebook in which they will keep their reading and classroom notes.

Students' grades will be computed by a combination of homework, labs, quizzes, and exams. Although the specific weighting of assignments may vary slightlyfrom quarter to quarter, the assignments and tests are approximately weighted as follows: 5% homework, 15% labs, 10% written assignments/projects, 10% quizzes, and 60% tests.

Tests will be given approximately once every 2-3 weeks. The tests include primarily multiple-choice questions, but sometimes include open-ended or essay questions. The questions are designed using a SAT II format. Each exam is structured to include questions at three different levels: level one--retention of basic concepts, level two--interpretation of concepts, and level three--application of concepts. All tests will be closed-book and closed note. There will be a cumulative final will be given at the end of each semester. There are generally 4 tests each quarter. Each regular test is worth approximately 15% of a student's quarter grade. Semester finals are work approximately 25% of a a student's grade within the quarter they are taken.

After each test there will be a test review session. These sessions are designed help students improve their test scores. Students are expected to attend the test review session following the first test if they received a grade lower than a "B-". Subsequent sessions are optional, but highly recommended for every student. The dates and times for test review sessions will be announced following each test. During the first quarter there will be one before or after school review session which parents may attend with their son or daughter. After the first quarter, test review sessions will be restricted to only students. No tests will be sent home with students or parents under any circumstances.

There are four types of quizzes, which will be given during the year: reading, video, notebook, and notes quizzes. There will be between 3-4 quizzes given each quarter. Students may use their notes or notebooks when taking a quiz. Each quiz contains between five and ten questions. Notebook quizzes test students on their basic organization of their notebook materials. Reading quizzes test students on their ability to read and comprehend the critical information from a reading assignment. Video quizzes tests students on their ability to extract important information from a video they have seen. Notes quizzes test students on their note taking abilities. Students may refer to information recorded in their notebooks for any of the quizzes. Collectively quizzes are worth approximately 10% of a student's quarter grade.

Students will be working on laboratory assignments on a regular basis. Labs are graded on both accuracy and the correct interpretation of information of collected. Students will participate in approximately forty different labs during the academic year. Students are encouraged to use original thinking when developing solutions to the labs. Collectively labs are worth about 15% of a student's quarter grade. LATE LAB ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS IT IS BECAUSE OF AN EXCUSED ABSENCE. Students who have an excused absence are responsible for making up all missed assignments or tests.

There will be two group projects which students will complete during the academic year. The first is an engineering project and the second is an Earth Science Presentation. These projects will be completed by small groups of self-selected students. Students are strongly encouraged to select members of their group with whom they: 1) are compatible, 2) live in the same general geographical area, 3) are in the same class period, and 4) feel will add an area of expertise that will strengthen the group.

Every day some "randomly selected" students will be asked to answer a critical thinking question at the beginning of class. This question is referred to as an "opener". Students who answer the question correctly receive an "A". Students who answer the question incorrectly, will receive a "B". Students who make no attempt to answer the question, will receive a "C+". Over the course of a semester students may be asked to answer several different openers. Answers to openers are worth 1% of a student's grade.

Question of the Day

In addition to openers, students are expected to write a question about their previous night's homework. Each day some students are called on to share their question with the rest of the class. Students who have a question prepared receive an "A" students who do not have a question receive a zero (designated as a missing assignment). Over the course of a quarter a student may be asked to present several different questions. The category of "question of the day" is worth 1% of a student's quarter grade.

Students who participate in outside science contests may receive extra credit. Participation in any science contest is purely optional. Students who wish to participate in a contest for extra credit must receive written approval in advance from their instructor. Many of these extra credit opportunities are listed under science contests. No more than one extra credit assignment will be accepted during any one quarter. These extra credit opportunities are designed to encourage students to participate in outside projects and will only have a slight affect a student's grade. Generally speaking, the extra credit is about 5-10% of one test grade selected by your instructor. Extra credit will be given to students when their contest has been completed and evidence of participation is submitted.

This is an honors class. Papers and homework are expected to be turned in on time. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED except in the case of a documented, excused absence. Assignments will receive a zero if they are turned in without a documented excuse.

Grades will be posted on "Thinkwave.com" on a daily basis. Students are expected to check their grade regularly. Grades will be posted in class using a number code. Students who find a discrepancy between a grade recorded on Thinkwave and their actual grade should turn in the assignment in question with an explanation of what needs to be corrected.

Students are expected to complete their own work! Cheating on tests, quizzes, homework, or other assignments will be dealt with harshly. Students who engage in dishonest activities will receive a zero for the assignment and a disciplinary referral. This referral will lead to a "Saturday School". Students who receive a second referral for cheating will be suspended. Copying another student's homework or lab answers is cheating. Completing a homework assignment at the beginning of class rather than before class is cheating. Providing homework, quiz, or test answers to others is cheating. Using materials specifically designed for the teacher, not the student, is cheating. Using a tutor who provides old test materials is cheating. Asking other students for or providing other students with answers on tests is cheating. Students who persist in dishonest activities will be considered in violation of the Hopkins Honor Code and will be recommended for removal from the honors program.