Course Description:
The focus of this class is on inquiry-based science. We will be using the scientific method to solve problems and perform experiments related to natural science. During each trimester, students will get the opportunity to discover the wonders of science and practice skills that will help them to be successful students. Please refer to the general course summary for a description of course goals.

Course Expectations:
In this class you will be expected to always be on time and prepared with the required materials. If you have an excused absence from school, it will be your responsibility to get the missing assignments from the teacher or from one of your classmates. Upon your return to school, you will have one day to complete and turn in all missing assignments in order to receive credit. If this is not possible, you must at least see the teacher about your make-up work. All laboratory experiments must be made up immediately upon your return to school or no credit will be given for that lab. Some labs will not be able to be made up so additional work may be assigned. Make-up work will only be given during 8th period.

Required Materials:
Students are expected to bring to class everyday:
Blue or Black pen/sharpened pencil
Folder Paper
Science Composition Book
Completed homework/assignments

Grading Policy:
It is possible for every student to succeed in this class, but it is your choice on how successful you want to be. Grades will be based on homework, tests, quizzes, labs, projects, journals, portfolios, and other class assignments given throughout each trimester. 15% of each semester grade will be determined from C.O.P. points which are based on cooperation, organization, and participation. Students will be able to earn up to 5 C.O.P points per day but will receive deductions for improper behavior, being tardy, unexcused absence, late assignments, lost papers, not bringing necessary supplies/materials to class (including S.A.B.), and not following teacher, laboratory, classroom, and school expectations.

Classroom Expectations and Consequences:
In addition to school rules, all students are expected to follow all class rules:
1. Always practice the values of Mälama (care), Kuleana (responsibility), and Hö‘ihi (respect) in everything you do.
2. Absolutely no eating, drinking, or chewing gum in class at any time unless specified by the teacher.
3. Students will abide by all laboratory safety rules and precautions. Failure to abide by lab rules will result in failure of the lab and the student may not be able to participate in further lab activities.
4. Students should be on time, seated in their assigned seat, and ready to start with the necessary supplies when the bell rings. (An unexcused tardy may result in automatic detention)
5. Students will maintain proper use of laboratory, class, and school property.
6. Bring all needed supplies to class everyday.
7. Students will maintain the TRIBES agreements of mutual respect, attentive listening, no put downs, right to pass/participate, and showing appreciation.

If any student fails to comply by any of these rules, any or all of the following consequences will be enforced:
Loss of all C.O.P. points, warning, detention, parents notified, referral to administration, loss of lab privileges.

Class Assignments:
1. All assignments must be completed ON TIME. Unexcused late work will be marked down a grade for each day late. After 3 days, late work (including all projects) will be worth a maximum of 50% of the grade earned.
2. All work must be written legibly in blue/black ink or pencil.
3. All students must take notes on a daily basis when required by the teacher.
4. All assignments must include name, date, and period on top right corner of paper.
5. All assignments must be written using proper English and in complete sentences.
6. Only students with excused absences will be able to make up missed work. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what was missed and arrange with the teacher to make up work during 8th period upon the day that the student returns to school.

Trimester Assessment:
At the end of each trimester, each student may be required to complete a student portfolio and/or project. The portfolio may be in the form of an electronic showcase using powerpoint, digital video, web pages, or other applications to display samples of work that they have accomplished throughout the semester. Students will need to be responsible for completing and keeping a record of assignments for their portfolio. This portfolio will be an important part of the trimester grade. In addition, students may be required to complete team projects and assignments, which will be determined by the team teachers. Students will always be given the criteria, expectations, and deadlines for projects ahead of time.

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