General information for Mr. Blanchard's Science Classes

Website

All materials handed out in class are on my web site. These include study guides, worksheets, Teacher’s Pages section of the LIS web page. The calendar on the site will have homework, up-coming tests and project due dates.

Grading

Grades will be calculated using a point system. Points are earned from tests, labs, quizzes, classwork and general assignments. Extra credit points will be given during each marking period in the form of extra credit questions on quizzes, labs, etc. The number of points the student receives will be divided by the number of possible points for the marking period. This answer is the student’s grade for the marking period. Please note that Unit tests will be given for each of the main units of study: General Science, Weather, Geology and Astronomy as well as a summative Science Skills Assessment. These scores will be included when calculating the student’s overall average for the course.

Letter grades are as follows:

90 – 100 A

80 – 89 B

70 – 79 C

60 – 69 D

Below 60 F

A classwork score (out of 10) will be given each week. A student's classwork score starts at 8 and goes up or down depending upon the following: Behavior in class, class participation, group participation, etc. Also, some assignments will be designated as a Classwork grade.

Writing Format

• • Writing assignments must be hand written or printed out - not shared or submitted electronically.

  • If you type an assignment it must be typed in the following format:

  • Font = 12pt Times New Roman, Color = Black, Spacing = double, Margins = 1” all around

  • At the top of each page (you may use the header function) you must have your name, date and your HR teacher's name.

  • On the first page you must have the title.

  • Indent each paragraph.

  • If a length limit is given (exp. no more than one page) nothing beyond the limit will be read or factored into grading.

On all projects, papers, etc.

• • Your name, date and Group name should go on everything you hand in.

  • Cutting and pasting from the internet can be a bad habit. Never use a word in paper or a project unless you can define it! Otherwise, you may lose points.

  • Specific instructions are given for labs, papers and projects. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully. Failure to present the project or paper as instructed will results in points coming off your score.

Late policy - If you hand in the assignment (other than homework):

On time you will receive 100% of your score

1 day late you will receive 50% of your score

more than that 0% is your score

(example; your score on a lab is 48 points but it is one day late = you will receive 24 points)

I will make exceptions for illness or family emergency.

Lessons and other absences from class:

Students are responsible for making up any work, contacting me for any handouts, etc. that they miss while out at instrumental lessons. I suggest that students make arrangements with a classmate to share notes and get extra copies of handouts.

CHEATING

Any cheating is unacceptable and will result in a zero on that assignment. If two students are willfully involved in the incident, both will receive the same consequence. Cheating includes the following:

• • Copying others' homework or classwork assignments

  • Talking during quizzes, tests, or other individual assessments

  • Sharing and/or copying answers during quizzes, tests, or other individual assessments

  • Having notes or study materials open/visible during quizzes or tests

  • Plagiarizing on any written assignment

If you have any questions, please email me at tblanchard@ltps.org.

Handouts on Rules and Procedures are below

Updated 9/1/2023