INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Class Introduction:

Integrated Science
2016 - 2017 (1 credit)

Girdwood 7-8 School

Instructor: Mr. David Robinson
Phone: 742-5300 (between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) and 229-7969 (after 5:00 p.m.)
Email: robinson_david@asdk12.org
Classroom: #210
Periods: 1st and 2nd
Text: Padilla, Michael J. et al (2000). Science Explorer. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Website: http://apps.asdk12.org/staff/robinson_david/

Course Objective:
The task is not so much to see what no one yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought about that which everybody sees.
Arthur Schopenhauer

The primary objective of Integrated Science is to develop a solid grounding in the principles of the biological, physical, and earth sciences as stated in the Anchorage School District's Science Frameworks. This will:
� provide the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in a high school science course;
� give you a frame of reference in which you can look at the development and dissemination of science in a critical manner;
� explain many of the natural phenomena that you may have questions about; and
� help you create for yourself a richer understanding of our species' role in the natural world.

Course Assessment:
� Homework, Labs, and Quizzes: Students are required to keep an up to date day-planner showing all assigned work and due dates. To assist you, a master sheet will be posted in the classroom and my website is updated daily�check them regularly. Parents: please ask to see our student's day-planner periodically and use my website to check its accuracy. Quizzes will usually occur several times per month (some without notice!), and homework will be assigned several times per week. All assignments (quizzes, labs, homework, etc.) will carry equal weight (100 points) unless specified otherwise. Homework will be expected on its due date before class begins. Late work may be turned in for reduced credit�specifically, the credit will be reduced 10% for every day late up to a maximum of 50% off the grade earned. Assignments that are not turned in will receive 0 points. Assignments that earn a grade of �D� or �F� are eligible for one attempt at grade improvement; the maximum earned grade will be a �C�. If you are absent on the day of a quiz (or an assignment�s due date), the district guidelines regarding makeups will be followed�be familiar with them. For example, you get one day to make up an assignment if you are absent one day.
� Assessment: All graded assignments are to be signed by your parents within a week of you getting them back. You will keep all handouts, notes, readings, and completed work in a binder that will be graded as a unit (and without prior notice) near the end of the quarter�keep it current and in chronological order. Individual assignments will be assessed on a sliding scale (highest score = 100%, with grades following in 10% increments) using the traditional classification scheme: A, B, C, D, F, and Incomplete. For example, a 15 question quiz in which the highest score is 10 correct will result in an �A� for those with 9 or more correct, a �B� for those with 8 correct, etc. In addition, work that shows a lack of pride in the finished product (soiled or rumpled, papers in the improper sequence, etc.) may lose a letter grade. "Study Guides" are excepted from this grading policy; instead, they will be handed in when quizzes are taken and graded �pass/fail�. Each missing study guide results in the loss of a letter grade on the accompanying quiz. For example, a �B� on a quiz with two missing study guides will earn a �D� for the student. Quarterly meetings will be held to review each student�s portfolio and progress in the course. At this time a participation grade will also be assessed (it will be worth 100 points).
� Extra Credit: Students may arrange for extra credit projects by discussing them in advance with the instructor. EC work will only be arranged with students who have completed all of their regularly assigned work.
� Progress Reports: Please read the district policy regarding progress reports and grading. I believe that the student (and the work they produce) is the best source of information regarding their progress; therefore, I expect parents and students to sit down weekly and review their coursework. Progress reports will go home eight times this year (quarter and mid-quarter), but the information gleaned from them is relatively inconsequential compared to that derived via student/parent conferences.
� Hint: Reviewing and discussing course material on a regular basis�not just the night before an exam�will help you greatly in this class.

Course Expectations:
� General Expectations:
1. Take this class�and your intellectual development�seriously.
2. Treat your classmates and instructor with respect.
3. Be on time and prepared to learn (materials and attitude).
4. Listen the first time instructions are given.
5. Follow all class and lab safety rules.
� Attendance: Come to class every day. Since something different will happen in every class, you could miss out on some important stuff by not attending. In addition, the textbook is supplemental to class lectures and activities, not a substitute. If you miss class you are still responsible for any work assigned and/or material covered. Therefore, please look at the master assignment sheet, check my website, or send me an email if you are tardy or absent from class.
� Materials: Come to class with your binder, day-planner, textbook (if applicable), lined paper, and a writing utensil (pen is preferred). Any deviation from this routine will adversely affect your success�and therefore your grade�in this class. No passes will be given!
� Hall Passes: Hall passes will not be issued during the first or last ten minutes of class. Please don't ask. At other times passes will be given at a reasonable rate for valid reasons.
� Plagiarism and Cheating: Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. The first offense will result in a grade of incomplete for that assignment. The second offense will result in a parent/teacher conference and the involvement of the school administration.
� Disclaimer: This is not a complete listing of class rules; these will be covered in greater detail during class time. In addition, I reserve the right to add or delete specific rules during the semester as long as I give you prior verbal notice.