• Course Description:  

    Unit 1: Waves

    • Ask questions (science) and define problems (engineering) - all units

    • Engage in an argument from evidence - all units

    • Use mathematical and computational thinking to show how amplitude of the wave is related to the energy of the wave

    • Plan and carry out investigations to determine the relationships among the energy transferred

    Unit 2 Energy Transfer

    • Design a device (engineering) that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer

    • Use and develop a model to explain wave transmission, absorption, and reflection through various materials

    • Plan and carry out investigations to determine the relationships among the energy transferred, the type of matter, the mass, and the change in the temperature of the sample

    • Engage in an argument from evidence to support the claim that when the kinetic energy of an object changes, energy is transferred to or from the object

    Unit 3 Evolution

    • Analyze and interpret data from the fossil record to infer patterns of environmental change resulting in extinction and changes to life forms throughout the history of the Earth

    • Support explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and decreases of specific traits in populations over time

    • Construct explanations from evidence that describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some individuals' probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific environment, how characteristic animal behaviors as well as specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively

    • Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the technologies that have changed the way humans influence the inheritance of desired traits in organisms

    Unit 4 Planetary Systems

    • Analyze and interpret data on scale properties of objects in the solar system

    • Use and develop a model to explain seasons, lunar phases & eclipses, the role of gravity in space, wave transmission, absorption, and reflection through various materials

    • Engage in an argument from evidence

    Course Expectations: 

    • Everyone has the right to, and should expect to, learn

    • Participate in class

    • Show up on time and prepared for class

    • Treat every individual with respect

    Preparation for Class:

    • Charged iPad

    • Pencil

    • Workbook

    • Science Folder  

    • Completed Homework

    Grades:

    Grades will be available for you to view at all times on Tyler 360. Grades are based on a point system. Each assignment is assigned a point value based on the difficulty and importance. Daily work such as class participation, homework, or quizzes will be worth fewer points than unit tests and projects. A student's final average is weighted as follows:  Classwork= 50%, Homework= 10%, Participation= 15%, Test= 25%

     A= 100-90%, B=89-80%, C=79-70%, D= 69-60%, F= 59% and below

    Course Policies: 

    Student Work: Students will be expected to complete assignments outside of class  time on a regular basis. All students are expected to read class material, think  critically and write effectively. Students are expected to use complete sentences,  proper grammar and correct spelling in every written performance. 

    Class Materials: Students will need to bring their class materials (iPad, notebook, pencil) to class every day.  

    Group Activities: Students will be working in groups on a regular basis. Students will be expected to be an active member of the group and participation points will  be assessed accordingly. Students will always be graded as individuals; however  your group may earn points together, which will lead to a reward. 

    Absences: If a student is absent, it is HIS/HER responsibility to check with the teacher for missed work and return it in a timely manner. Tests and quizzes that were missed due to a SINGLE day absence have ONE week to make up the test or quiz. After the one week mark, if work has not been made up, points will be docked.  Students who are absent for an extended period of time will work with the teacher to make up work at an appropriate pace. Reach out to your peers with questions too!

    Class Rules of Respect: 

    • Racial slurs, sexual innuendos and jokes, swear words, belittling or insulting statements and other words and comments deemed inappropriate by the teacher are not welcome in this classroom. 

    • Students should demonstrate good listening behaviors to the teacher and to their peers. This includes open ears, an open mind, and eye contact. 

    • Objects belonging to other students in the classroom may only be touched or used with the owner’s permission. 

    • Objects in the classroom set out for student use, as well as materials loaned to students, should be treated with care. 

    • Supplies designated for student use (notebook paper, Kleenex, pencils, pens) should be used economically so that there is always some available for all.

    Parent Contact: 

    • Classroom management issues

    • Any sudden grade drops

    • Positive communication

    • Frequent absences/ tardiness

    Statement for Academic Dishonesty:  

    Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not be tolerated.  Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no  grade on assignment or others as deemed appropriate. Academic dishonesty will be  reported to a school counselor and a parent will be notified.