Course Syllabus

Integrated Science II – Bachmeier

“A high-quality science education means that students will develop an in-depth understanding of content and develop key skills—communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem-solving, and flexibility—that will serve them throughout their educational and professional lives.” – Next Generation Science Standards

LEARNING SCIENCE

During Integrated Science II, we will cover a range of science topics with a primary focus on Physical, Earth, and Life science. Our learning is guided by the high school level Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). A selection of the units we will complete include:

1. Cells, DNA, & Albinism [CDA]
2. B.o.B. [Boat on Building] - Earth's Energy
3. Heredity & Inheritance
4. Colliding Galaxies
5. Ocean Acidification
6. Snapchat [Waves & Technology]

Homework: Rarely assigned beyond completion of unfinished classwork or preparing for assessments.

ABSENCES

Tardy: Not being in the classroom at the beginning of class.

Science is an activity-based class so being in class every day is important. You are responsible for reviewing and completing the work you missed during any absence as soon as possible.

Step 1: Check the “Daily Slides” section on Mr. Bachmeier’s Canvas site for a copy of each day’s slides. 

Step 2: Check the “What Did I Miss?” folders in the classroom for any handouts from the day(s) missed.

Step 3: Use the Daily Slides or a partner’s notebook to update your own notebook and complete any work missed.

Step 4: After checking with classmates and using the resources in class to update your notebook, ask Mr. Bachmeier any remaining questions (before or after class, if possible).

MATERIALS

REQUIRED

1.  Pencil: we use pencils in our science notebooks. Please have several sharpened pencils at the beginning of class (or mechanical pencils with graphite).

OPTIONAL

• Binders and Spiral Notebooks are provided for students to complete their science notes and store their work. If you prefer a different style of notebook or binder, you may provide your own. 
• Other Supplies: we frequently use tape, scissors, rulers, & colored pencils. These are available during class, but bringing your own supplies to class will allow you to complete some tasks more quickly and efficiently.
• Headphones: we will use Chromebooks to watch videos and complete online simulations in class.
• Textbook: None. Any reading completed in class will be provided electronically and/or as a paper copy for later use.

GRADING

MASTERY (MA)  -- Summative assessments including tests, lab write-ups, final models, etc… used to assess learning of a concept, skill, or standard.

NOTEBOOK (NB) -- Student notebooks, in-class work, and quizzes are graded formatively as evidence of progress toward learning science standards and skills

QUIZ (TSQ) -- Formative checks of student learning completed during a unit. Quizzes are completed on Canvas and may be reassessed to improve the score.

All work is graded on “4 point Scale”. 

LATE WORK -- All learning activities may be turned in up to the final day of the semester. Late work will be the lowest priority for grading and cannot always be reassessed.

CREDIT

Credit is awarded by the quarter--grades “reset” each quarter. Students have the ability to earn credit until the end of the following quarter (for example, first-quarter credit can be earned until the end of the second quarter). See Mr. Bachmeier to develop a plan for completing missed or below-standard coursework and earning missed credits in science.

REASSESSMENT

The goal of this class is to achieve mastery of various scientific skills and concepts. Students have the opportunity to complete assignments, re-take tests, and revise projects in order to demonstrate a greater understanding of a science practice or standard.

Reassessment Process:

Students may reassess any MASTERY assignment (test, project, lab write-up) during the grading period when the standard was introduced and assessed. To reassess students should:

Tests:

1. Complete any missing lessons, note, or classwork in the science notebook (and study guide if assigned)
2. Review updated notes and study guide with Mr. Bachmeier to demonstrate new learning
3. Complete and or correct the original test -- OR -- Re-take a similar test, covering the same content
   

Labs/Projects: 
1.    Complete or correct the original work
       a.    Make revisions and additions in a different color, or mark with sticky notes 
2.    Re-submit the work within the grading period, with the original evaluation attached

EXTRA HELP

Mr. Bachmeier is available before school, after school, or during lunch to help students work on achieving mastery of standards in science. Please check with Mr. Bachmeier in class at least 1 day before you want to stay after school to avoid conflicts with other meetings. 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Students will work together to establish behavior agreements for their own class around the State Street HS Expectations: 
Respect SELF | Respect OTHERS | Respect PROPERTY

Students who violate the classroom norms or disrupt the learning and safety of others will enter the following progression of intervention:

1. Reminder of the expectations/norms being violated
2. Opportunity to re-evaluate their behavior in a different seat in the class
3. Invitation to visit the office to reset their behavior
4. Phone call or e-mail home to discuss behavior with parents/guardians
5. Removal from class and discipline infractions

These steps may happen concurrently or be bypassed depending on the severity of the behavior.
•    School-wide behavior expectations apply within the classroom. See the student handbook for additional details on SSHS behavior guidelines.