This document outlines the expectations, policies, and grading system for a science class. It explains that students will keep a science journal where they will take notes, answer questions, and make drawings during class instead of using a textbook. Journals are worth 10% of the grade and must be kept neat and complete. Homework and unit assessments are bundled together in large packages that are passed out at the start of each unit and take several weeks to complete. Students can use their science journal notes, the internet, peers, and the teacher for help on assessments but cannot directly copy another student's work. The grading system weights various assignments, including the assessments which are worth 20% of the final grade. Students are expected to stay current

1. SCIENCE Syllabus Name:______________
Hello and welcome to another exciting school year. This guidebook will be helpful to you
as it outlines my expectations, grading, homework policies and the lab report format. It is
important that you and your parents read this over together so we are all on the same page. It
is also necessary for you to keep this reference in your notebook at all times. Again, welcome
to an exciting new year! I am excited to be teaching you.
What does it mean to come to class prepared?
• You will need to arrive on time, every minute is important.
• Materials to have everyday are the following:
1. Science Journal (You will need to get one before the end of the week.)
2. Assignment binder (For recording homework)
3. Pen or pencil
Extras that may help you – Small tool kit with colored pencils, ruler, scissors,
calculator, protractor, straight edge, and compass.
Science Journal
A science journal is a written record that you will be keeping of what you are learning in
class. We very rarely use a textbook in science. Instead, you will be writing in your journals
everyday such as taking classroom notes, answering journal questions, drawing graphs, and
making observations. Journals are 10% of your total science grade and will be checked for
periodically throughout the Semester for neatness, completion, and quality. You will be filling in
the entire journal with writing and drawings by the end of the year.
Homework, and Unit Assessment / Bundled Homework Package
Most of the homework and tests this year are grouped together in something called an
end of the unit assessment. They are similar to a test but differ in some ways. They range
somewhere between 8-16 pages covering the various topics throughout the semesters. Each
year students will complete 4-10 of these bundled homework packages. They are passed out
near the beginning of a unit and should be completed as part of nightly homework. They are due
shortly after the end of the unit. The due dates should be copied into the student agenda book.
Students should use their notes from their science journal as a reference to assist them.
Students can also use the internet, books, family members, relatives, and past students for

2. help. Students can also assist other students as long as it is not direct copying. Direct copying
from another student’s assessment is considered cheating. My expectations for a well done
assessment are very high because students are given several weeks to complete, access to class
notes in their science journal, access to the internet, and the ability to discuss questions with
peers and myself. Do not wait to the last minute, as a well done assessment takes a
considerable amount of time and chronologically follows the notes from the science journal.
Always complete your bundled homework / assessment up to the most recent notes in your
science journal, I call this “Staying Current”. Students should be working on assessments about
15-20 minutes a night or an hour a week. Homework from now till the end of the year is to stay
current on your assessment that is due.
Absence
Please see me after an absence to discuss what you have missed. You can obtain missed
class notes by going through the class slideshow on the student computer located in the corner
of my room. You can also use a friends science journal to record the missing notes or see me
for a copy. In all cases, taking a proactive approach to your missed days is recommended.
Grading:
I use an electronic grading system that uses category weights. It is very important to be
successful in all of the different categories to obtain a strong grade. A printed copy of your
student’s individual grades can be obtained by request periodically throughout a semester.
20% • Unit Assessment / Bundled Howmework (Like a test, helps review material)
10% • Science Journals (Everyday entries, class notes, and observations)
10% • Participation (Lab Reports One or two a semester / Exploratorium)
30% • Assignments (Daily labs, worksheets, online discussions)
30% • Defense of Mastery (Proposal, product, presentation, findings & conclusions)
Additional Help
If you need help with an assignment then please come and see me. I am here to help
you in whatever way I can. I am usually available during most study halls. I am also available to
assist you after school if needed. Please let me know in advance if you would like to stay after
school so I don’t make any other appointments.
Please read this guidebook with your parents and keep it for the rest of the year. If you or
your parents have any questions, please feel free to contact me at timwelsh@sjcoe.net Thanks
again, and I look forward to another exciting year.
Sincerely,