Goals of this course will be:

1)      To understand and apply scientific concepts, principals, and theories pertaining to the physical and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas of science.

2)      To use scientific inquiry, to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.

3)      To problem solve.

4)      To use communication and cooperative skills effectively, be creative and curious, and convey a positive attitude about science.

5)      To complete a comprehensive Science Fair project each to the fullest ability of its creator.

CLASSROOM MATERIALS (are to be brought to class daily):

1)      Science text

2)      Science Notebook

3)      Pencils/Pens

4)      Daily Agenda/Planner

GRADING The final average is a weighted average with the following breakdown:

1)      Tests/Quizzes.................55%

2)      Labs............................... 20%

3)      Homework.......................15%

4)      Performance....................10%

EXAMS: Tests will be given at the end of each completed standard (generally every 1 ½ to 2 weeks). Sometimes the material will be very difficult and will require you to study hard.  Studying for a test should happen daily. 

QUIZZES: Announced or unannounced quizzes may be given weekly, or sometimes even more often.  They are given to make sure you are actively participating and following classroom activities.  Quizzes are often given at the conclusion of viewing a Science video.

LABS: Laboratory experiments will follow every appropriate lesson.  During the lab period you must deal with lab equipment, appropriately conduct the experiment, gather data and respect classroom/lab rules.  Talking during lab or tampering with materials will result in a zero for that lab.  After the lab work is complete you will have up to a week, depending on the difficulty level of the lab, to turn in the finished lab report/lab. 

HOMEWORK: It is your responsibility to have it prepared for the date that it is due.  Incomplete homework will be appropriately marked down.  Late homework will encounter a 10% reduction of the grade.  A note should accompany any student who has not completed their homework due to illness, death in the family etc.  It is the responsibility of the student to make sure all homework and assignments are completed.

CLASSWORK:  I value very highly the effort and seriousness you put in the classroom.  There will be room for extra credit.  Extra credit will usually be assigned, if asked for by the student/parent, in the form of a report.  At the end of each marking period it may determine your grade for the better.

EXTRA CREDIT: ALL REGULAR ASSIGNED WORK MUST BE COMPLETED FIRST BEFORE EXTRA CREDIT WILL EVEN BE CONSIDERED!

NOTEBOOK CHECK: At the end of each Trimester there will be a notebook check to ensure all materials handed out are present.  This counts as an exam grade.

BEHAVIOR: Poor language, lack of respect, endangering another person’s safety and any other act detrimental to the learning process will be dealt with appropriately as layout in the Taunton Public School Student Handbook.

ABSENCES: Missed work must be made up promptly.  If you know you will have an extended absence please let me know.  It will be your responsibility to complete the missed work.  Late assignments need to be made up in an appropriate timely manner.  They are reduced in grade by 10%.

WEBSITE:  I also have a website about this science course.  It is a great tool to use, especially if you are absent or if parents want to know more about what goes on in the classroom/school each day.  Also, there will be other important notes, news and events listed on it, and it has a direct link to my email address.  You can find it www.tauntonschools.org/webpages/jvaillancourt.  Homework is posted on the web site DAILY by 2:00 P.M. 

TECHNOLOGY & MULTIMEDIA:The use of educational videos and other means of technology are used frequently in this science course.  Remember…

1.      There is no talking of any kind during presentations.

2.      Presentations are not an appropriate time to ask to leave the class for non-emergencies.

3.      Frequently, notes must be taken during presentations and studied for future exams and for quizzes.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Academic integrity means that all work is done by the students. Any type of dishonesty in school work is not integrity. Anyone caught in academic dishonesty will be dealt with in accordance to the Taunton Public School Student Handbook.

Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

1.      Copying the work of another student

2.      Using notes during exams and quizzes without permission

3.      Copying and pasting from electronic media

4.      Providing answers to others

5.      When academic dishonesty occurs:

a.     The student(s) will receive a ‘0’ for the assignment

          b.      A second infraction will result in disciplinary action

          c.      If a student is using the work of others all students involved may be given a “0”.      

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