Science is a comprehensive process by which we continually refine our understanding of the universe. Scientific literacy enables us to make informed, responsible decisions that affect our daily lives.
District 203 provides an inquiry and standards based comprehensive curriculum in life science, earth and space science, and physical science. An integral part of this curriculum is to promote an understanding of the interconnections among science, technology, society, and the environment.
Science instruction will provide opportunities for students to participate in scientific inquiry as they experience the wonders of science. A rich variety of cognitively appropriate strategies and resources will be utilized so that all students have opportunities to experience both challenge and success.
Using inquiry imp0lies involvement that leads to understanding. Students in science classes will actively construct their own knowledge by being engaged in observing, questioning, investigating, problem solving, predicting, evaluating, and communicating ideas.
Students are required to keep an organized "journal" which is a collection of all work pertaining to a unit of study. This journal will be an invaluable resource when preparing for unit exams. Students will also keep track of their own points/grades on a grade sheet that will be periodically graded for accuracy.
| Unit | Umbrella Question (to guide unit of study) |
| Environmental Science | How do
organisms interact with their environment? |
| Force, Motion & Energy | How do
forces affect motion? |
| Astronomy | What are
the characteristics of the components in our galaxy and how do they
influence the Earth |
| Diversity and Adaptation | How does
variation occur and lead diversity among living organisms? |
| Properties of Matter | How are
characteristic properties used to identify matter? |
| Plants | What is a plant? How does the structure of a plant affect its function and the environment? |
Journal - Students are required to keep all information including notes, handouts, labs, quizzes, and tests in a journal. Students may use either a 3-ring binder or a spiral notebook. A 3-ring binder is highly recommended. This journal must be only used for science class. Spirals/Journals will be graded periodically for their accuracy, completeness, and neatness.
Goggles - Goggles are sold during the first few weeks
of school. Prices will be posted at the beginning of the year. Students
must have their own pair. No Sharing! (Think of it as sharing your toothbrush
with strangers!)
GRADING POLICY
(As stated in the Student Handbook)
100% - 90% - A
89% - 80% - B
79% - 70% - C
69% - 60% - D
In Ms. Atiq's classes grades are recorded on a point system.
All papers will show the number of points earned out of the total points
possible. Students are required to keep an up to date point log. If you would
like to know your child's current grade in science, take a look at their point
log!
The assignments I require are important to the learning process. Assignments are expected to be complete, neat, and on time. If an assignment is 1 class period to one day late then it is worth a maximum of half credit.
Last updated: 08/25/2006