Integrated Science

Integrated Science Syllabus

Teacher: Ms. Coffman

Room: 254

Phone: (864) 355 - 5771

Email:dcoffman@greenvilleschools.us     dcoffman@greenville.k12.sc.us 

Course Description: 

Science relies on logic and creativity.  Science is both a body of knowledge and a way of knowing—an intellectual and social process that applies human intelligence to explaining how the world works. Throughout the year, this course will provide an opportunity for students to develop analytical scientific skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the internal functions of living organisms, as well as their interactions with the surrounding environment.  This course places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, allowing students to take responsibility for their own learning by engaging in problem-solving, decision making, critical thinking, and applied learning.

Course Objectives:

• Teach students practical scientific skills, which they can use to investigate, study and explain the world around them. 

• Give each student a deeper understanding of how science impacts their daily lives. 

• To encourage the spirit of scientific investigation and with it the attitudes of accuracy in thought and work. 

Materials: 

• Chromebook and charger

• Pen or Pencil (please make sure they are not super light)

• Good Attitude

Assessments: This course will be divided into 5 units, with up to 1 test each unit.  Each unit will also contain a variety of projects, laboratory activities, and quizzes.   

The units covered:  Scientific Inquiry, Chemistry, Structures of Organisms, Function of Organisms, and Energy in Ecosystems

Grading policy:  There will be an End-of-Course test that will count for 10% of each student’s final grade. The remaining 90% will be calculated as follows: 

10%: Homework/classwork

30%: Minor grades (Quizzes, labs, etc) 

60%: Tests, Projects, and Interactive Notebook Checks 

The grading scale is: 

A= 90 – 100     B= 80 - 89 C=70 – 79     D= 60 – 69

Attendance Policy: Student Handbook p. 11-12 

Absences in High School are accrued per course. Any absence in excess of 10 may cause the student to lose credit for a 180-day course. Any absence in excess of 5 may cause the student to lose credit for a 90-day / semester course. Absences that are medical (doctor notes), bereavement, and/or Principal Approved are not included in the maximum absences.

Tardiness: Student Handbook p.13 

Greer High students must be present a minimum of 45 minutes to be counted present.

1st and 2nd offense: Warning    

3rd offense: Warning and Call home

4rd offense: Referral, Lunch detention 

5th and 6th Offense: Referral (ISS) 

7th and Future Offense: Referral (OSS) 

Starter Work: 

• You will get a bellring EVERYDAY

• You need to need to start the starter within a minute of the bell

• You will need to write down the answer for each starter 

Put all starters on ONE sheet of paper or Google Doc, which I will collect at the end of the week for a grade

 Communication:  I am available to meet with students before and after school by appointment.  Google Classroom will contain updates for the course.     

Academic Policies and Procedures:

• Assignments are to be turned in on Google Classroom or in the appropriate tray.  You must submit your work in order to receive credit.

• Assignments are due at the beginning of class.  10% will be taken off for each day that the assignment is late.  After 5 days, late homework will be assigned a grade of no higher than a 50.

• If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain any assignments you missed while you were gone on your first day back to class.  

• Missed tests or quizzes must be taken within 5 days of the missed test.  Failure to do so will result in a zero quiz/test grade.

• Any plagiarism or academic dishonesty will result in the grade of a zero, parent contact, and administrative referral.  

Classroom Policies and procedures:  

• Be respectful (of yourself, your classmates, your teachers and your class supplies). 

• Be on time (Be in the classroom when the bell rings). 

• Be prepared (Bring your textbook/chromebook, notebook and pen or pencil)

• Be responsible (The classroom/laboratory room must be cleaned at the end of the period). 

• ID badges must be worn and visible at all times.

• No food or soft drinks are allowed, only water is allowed.

Technology: You may not have your phone out during class unless otherwise stated by the teacher. A green card will be displayed to signify times when phone use is appropriate or that you may use your Chromebook in class. When a red card is displayed, the Chromebook should be shut and phones must be put away.  

If you forget your computer/uncharged, you will still be required to finish the assignment on paper or an alternate assignment.

Failure to meet the policies listed above will result in the following consequences:

1st offense: warning

2nd offense: lunch detention      

3rd offense: referral

Cell Phones:

• You may only use your cellphones when instructed by your teacher 

• If you are on your cell phone during class, you will receive a warning and must put your phone away.  Refusal will result in a referral

• Otherwise, it should be turned off in your book bag

Computers: 

• You may only use your computer when instructed by your teacher 

  • You are allowed to use your chromebook while taking notes.  If you are using your chromebook incorrectly (video games, watching a movie, etc.) while you should be taking notes, you will receive one warning.  After that one warning, your chromebook will be taken away for the class period and you will have to take notes by hand for the remainder of the semester.

• If you forget your computer/uncharged, you will still be required to finish the assignment on paper or an alternate assignment

• If you refuse to put up your computer, it will be an automatic referral 

**see the student handbook for the cell phone/computer policies as well

Course Calendar 

Scientific Inquiry (4 weeks)

Chemistry (2 weeks)

Structure of Organisms (1 week)

Function of Organisms (1 week)

Energy in Ecosystems (1 week)

Lab Safety: Each student will be required to sign a Laboratory Safety contract, which needs to be returned by Friday August 18th, 2023.  Each student will also be required to score an 80% or higher on a lab safety quiz before they can participate in lab activities.