Grading Policies

Science is a very hands on discipline, through labs and other virtual activities, but it also does come with a certain amount of note-taking, diagram drawing, documenting understanding of labs and activities through worksheets, projects, quizzes and tests. 

Summative: 40% of grade

Tests (20-50 points) Each unit ends with a unit test. The tests include but are not limited to: multiple choice questions, matching, fill-in-the-blanks, labeling of diagrams, and a choice from select short answer questions. Students will be able to use their science notebook or a 3" by 5" notecard filled with their handwritten notes to use on the test. For this reason, it is very important that students keep up with taking notes.

Quizzes (10 - 20 points) There are usually 2-4 quizzes within each unit and are used to gauge where the student are in their understanding of the material that has been covered. On occasion, there will be pop quizzes to check that students are keeping up with reviewing their material and keeping up with their assignments.

Comprehensive unit Labs (20 points) These labs are towards the end of the unit and encompass knowledge and skills from throughout the unit. 

Labs/Projects: 25% of grade (alternative assignment could be used in case of absence)

Labs are a big part of science, but because they are a learning process, they are not as large a percent of the grade. It is important that ALL students are safe and follow the lab expectations. If a student intentionally does not follow lab expectations, they will receive a 0/20 and sit out of the lab for the safety of others. 

Projects (30 - 50 Points) Projects will be assigned for every unit covered in class and are a comprehensive way to evaluate the overall knowledge the student has about a particular topic or concept within the unit. Many projects are created to allow students to choose so that each individual will create a unique final project.

Classwork: 20% of grade

Assignments (10-20 Points) Assignments are the most frequent work your student will do to demonstrate their knowledge. Most work is assigned in class, with some class time to complete it. Some will complete in class, and others may need to bring it home to complete. If students use the class time given wisely, most work should be completed in class. 

Text Reading (10 points) Being able to learn content through reading is essential in every class. We will be focusing on how to read informational text every week. 

Participation: 15% of grade

Participation (5 - 10 points)  These points CANNOT be made up! Students will be graded on their level of participation each week. Did they come into the classroom prepared with their materials, complete the starter questions, participate in group collaboration, notebook checks, etc? These points are awarded at the end of each week and do add up over time, so each student must do their best to participate in science class.

Absences: 

In the event that your child is absent, the student is responsible for scheduling a time with me before school, during lunch or going to schoology to get the work that was missed. Make sure on the assignment that you write "Absent" and the date of absence is noted at the top of the paper or assignment. During class is not an appropriate time to ask for missing work. If a lab is missed, student is responsible for getting data from the group or from the teacher, do alternative assignment, or summarize assigned video. All will be posted with the lab assignment in schoology. 

Late work:

Late work must be turned in within one week of the assigned due date to receive credit.  After one week, student work will receive no credit.