WELCOME!
Course Information Grade 9/10 Essential Science
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of science. Students will explore these concepts as they relate to the world around them. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they solve problems emerging from their investigations. Students will consider the impact of science on society and the environment. Students will also recognize the ethical ramifications of scientific knowledge and technological applications.
In accordance with Board Policies and initiatives, our course focuses on Equity/Inclusivity, Modern Learning, Mental Health, Well-Being and Mathematics through topics, tasks, presentations and projects.
The goal of the science department is to ensure student achievement through engagement and personally relevant material and information.
The following topics are covered in the course (the exact order may be different)
Astronomy
Biology
Chemistry
Weather
Learning skills will be reported separately and will include feedback on work habits (effort, homework completion, punctuality, participation, preparedness), organization, initiative, teamwork, and ability to work independently. You will be assessed these skills regularly throughout the course. Please refer to the M.D.H.S. Learning Skills Rubric for grading criteria.
Assessment and evaluation will be based on the provincial curriculum expectations and the achievement levels as outlined in the policy documents. It should be noted that an evaluation in the 70~79% range (level 3) is the ministry standard for students meeting a high level in achievement. The evaluation for this course will be on a continuous basis and overall breakdown is as follows:
Understanding Concepts (Knowledge) 18%
Inquiry 18%
Communication 17%
Applications 17%
In class summative(s) 30%
Assessment of Knowledge/Understanding and Application will be gathered topically and so the weighted mean of summative tasks involving these categories will be used. These summative tasks will generally be in the format of a unit test but may also involve assignments and quizzes. No marks are dropped and no retakes are allowed. A number of formative assessments will be used to provide feedback to students. Students should take advantage of the feedback provided on quizzes, lab reports and assignments to help improve their achievement. Teachers will ensure that evaluation strategies are designed to improve student learning are fair, valid and reliable, and are varied in nature to provide many opportunities for students to demonstrate the full range of their learning.
You will need to bring the following items to your science class EVERY DAY:
3-ring binder and/or notebook
Lined paper and Graphing paper
A pencil, a pen, an eraser and a ruler
An intrinsic desire to learn!
A 3-ring binder is required and should be for Science ONLY! You are expected to keep a neat and complete notebook. It should be well organized and include all board/overhead notes, assigned work and handouts. A separate section should include all assessments.
Since science classrooms contain costly equipment, as well as chemical residue that may be harmful to your health,
NO FOOD OR WATER WILL BE ALLOWED IN ANY SCIENCE CLASSROOMS.
Homework checks and class work will be evaluated randomly. Answers to all textbook questions should be checked with the answers in the back of the text. When class work and homework are taken up in class you must check your answers and make the appropriate corrections.
Extra help is available regularly for all students. Your teacher is available after school on Monday-Thursday. Please let your teacher know ahead of time if you would like to make an appointment for a particular evening.
Assignments / projects will vary both in length and format. They should be submitted on the given due date. The absolute deadline for any assignment is the moment that the marked assignments are returned. Adhering to due dates is important to ensure timely feedback. Remember that your fellow students deserve to get feedback on their work as soon as possible so do not expect your teachers to hold back returning work because of your negligence.
All tests MUST be written on the day given or else a mark of zero will be assigned. If you are absent for a test (with a note from your parents), then be prepared write a make-up test on the day you return to class; also, expect that your test will be different than the original test. If you know ahead of time that you will be absent on the day of an assessment (field trip, driver’s test, etc.) let your teacher know BEFOREHAND so that we can arrange a time for you to do your make-up PRIOR to the original test date.
It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to remind your teacher that you missed a test/assessment and to provide the appropriate documentation.
REMEMBER It is your responsibility to keep up to date. If you are absent for school activities, see your teacher in
advance and get the homework you will miss. If you are absent due to illness or other unforeseen
reasons, contact your teacher as soon as possible.