General
Overview
Coordinated Science is a multi-year course designed
to meet the graduation requirements of the State of Delaware and the
Appoquinimink School District, to address the State of Delaware Science
Standards, and to help students be successful in their junior year science
component of the Delaware State Testing Program (DSTP). Students are
instructed with a thematic approach that integrates biology, chemistry,
earth science and physics. Students are introduced to a broad scope of
scientific concepts by a variety of methods including a significant amount
of lab work.
Course
Description:
Coordinated Science 2 is the second year in the course
sequence. The course uses the textbooks Chemistry and Astronomy,
(both published by Glencoe), and Prime Science, Level 2, (published
by Kendall/Hunt). In addition the course uses the Delaware Department of
Education unit of instruction, “The Nature of Science and Evolution”.
Topics in Coordinated Science 2 include the nature of science, radiation,
radioactivity, chemical reactions, acids and bases, introductory
biochemistry, inheritance in plants and animals, genetics, astronomy and
space exploration. A yearlong research project is an integral part of the
curriculum. This project requires student to do library research on a
science topic of their choice, to collect current event articles on the
topic, to interview at least two experts, and to give oral presentations.
Expectations:
It is expected that all students will:
1.
Take responsibility.
2.
Show respect for other people, their property, and their opinions.
3.
Take pride in their work.
4.
Abide by all safety rules.
Lab
Expectations:
Lab activities are an important part of the course. Students
are expected to follow ALL lab safety rules, which will be detailed
in writing and discussed in class. Any student who breaks a lab rule will
receive a zero for the lab grade. Repeat offenders will lose their lab
privileges, and receive zeros for ALL labs.
Grading:
- In
each marking period, students will be assessed using tests and
quizzes, lab activities, class assignments, homework, participation,
and the yearlong research project. Each marking period grade will be:
50% Product – this includes
tests, quizzes, projects and some lab reports
25% Yearlong Project
25% Process – this includes class
assignments, homework, participation
- The
yearlong project is also 50% of the final exam grade. The remaining
50% is a written exam.
- Extra
credit will occasionally be available.
- Homework
is assigned when appropriate. Students should make sure to complete
all assignments to the best of their ability. Students must make a
reasonable try or NO credit will be given.
- Quizzes
will be given every Friday, unless otherwise notified. These quizzes
cover material discussed through the previous Wednesday so students
absent Thursday are expected to take the quiz on Friday.
- It
is the student’s responsibility to arrange to make up any missed
work. Work missed due to an unexcused absence will not be accepted;
however, the student is responsible for any content involved in that
work.
- Late
work will not be accepted unless a student is excused absent. The
exception to this is the yearlong project. Each marking period the
assignment must be turned in on time. It will be accepted up to four
days late with a grade penalty.
Materials:
Each student will need:
1.
a 3-ring notebook with dividers. Each student will keep an
organized notebook.
2.
a supply of loose-leaf paper for notes, labs, and homework.
3.
a writing instrument.
4.
their
own agenda book.
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(Detach
and return signed)
I have read my
child’s course description and understand the basic requirements of the
class that my child is enrolled in.
Child’s name:
___________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s
signature: _______________________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s
daytime phone number: __________________________
Parent’s/Guardian’s
email: _______________________________________ (please print clearly)
To see overview of yearlong project click
here.
