AFNORTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Course Overview  (2004-2005)

 

Grade 10 Applied Science (SNC 2P)                                                                                             Mrs. K. Benke

 

Course Description

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop further their practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their knowledge of science to real-world situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to ecological sustainability, chemical reactions, weather systems, and motion.

This is the 2nd and final science course required for high school graduation in Ontario, Canada.

 

This Applied level course is designed for students who have no plans to study science at university.  It is intended to prepare students for technology programs at community college or apprenticeship training.  (The Academic level course is also offered this year at AFNorth.)

 

Expectations

The curriculum and expected student achievements are comprised of four units (that will be studied in the order that best suits the available resources):

Detailed course expectations are available at   http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/curricul/secondary/science/scieful.html

 

1)  Biology:  Ecosystems and Human Activity     (20 periods)

 

2)  Chemistry:  Chemical Reactions and their Practical Applications    (20 periods)

 

3)  Earth and Space Science:  Weather Systems (20 periods)

 

4)  Physics:  Motion and its Applications      (20 periods)

 

Students at AFNorth are in the unique (compared to home) situation of living in a foreign country and working with students from several countries.  This will allow the pursuit of course expectations from several viewpoints.  Course expectations focus on Canada, but students should also be gathering information from the local environment as well as their home country.  Students will be encouraged to work in their own language and develop the science vocabulary of their home country.  (But of course, assignments will have to be prepared in English or French.)

 

Parents please assist students as much as possible with data collection, and discuss science concepts with them.  Make them aware of the issues at “home” regarding environment, weather, technology, etc; so they may share with their classmates.

 

Use of Technology

It is expected that students will provide and become proficient in the use of a scientific calculator.  

Information will be gathered from various print sources including the internet.  Access to the internet at home would be an asset.

 

Text: Sciencepower 10, ©2001 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd, Toronto, Canada

Each student will be issued at book valued at $75.17, that should be brought to class each day.

 

Assessment/Evaluation

Students will be assessed/evaluated according to the attached Achievement Chart under four categories:  Knowledge (Understanding), Inquiry , Communication (Oral & Written), and Applications (Making Connections).  Assessment/evaluation in this course may include some or all of the following:  tests, assignments, lab reports, projects, quizzes, journals, portfolios, presentations.

 

The Ontario provincial standard for student performance is Level 3 (70-79%).  This means a credit is granted with high knowledge and skills.  It indicates the student is well prepared for work in the next grade.  Level 4 (80-100%) indicates very high to outstanding knowledge and skills.

 

Level 1 (50-59%) indicates limited knowledge and skills, but a passing mark nonetheless.  Students will be given guidelines for the minimum requirements for an assignment.  Submission of less than the minimum will result in a failing mark.  Not submitting an assignment will result in a mark of zero.  Students must demonstrate achievement of the expectations to earn credit in the course.

 

Students who fail a major test will be given the opportunity to improve their mark, by first correcting the test, and then making an appointment for an oral test to prove their achievement of the expectations.

 

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is intended to provide students with descriptive feedback to guide their efforts toward improvement. These tasks may not “count” toward the final mark for the unit, but they will be directly related to the final summative assignment or test for the unit (which does count!). 

 

Summative Evaluation

Summative evaluation occurs toward the end of a unit and provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned. 

70% of the grade for this course will be based on assessment and evaluation activities conducted throughout the course, in the four areas of achievement (Knowledge, Inquiry, Communication, and Application). 

 

 

The breakdown of marks will be as follows:

       Tests                                                         30%      

       Assignments / Lab Reports                        30%

       Journal / Presentations                               10%      

       Final exam & task                                      30%

 

Literacy / School Improvement Plan

The goal of AFNORTH International High School’s School Improvement Plan (SIP) is,

“All students will improve their written communication skills across the curriculum.”

The 6 + 1 TraitsTM is the model selected to improve school-wide writing in all subject areas. The 6 + 1 TraitTM writing framework is a powerful way to learn and use a common language to refer to characteristics of writing as well as establish a common vision of what strong writing looks like. Teachers and students will use the 6 + 1 TraitTM model to identify areas of strength and weakness as they continue to strive towards continued writing improvement. Success of all students requires that the 6 + 1 TraitTM become a consistent and integral component of each course taught at AFNORTH  International High School.  This is very consistent with the Ontario goal of improving literacy across the curriculum.

 

The 6+1 TraitsTM   will be used in the Science course, as appropriate, to convey understanding of the concepts.  Tests will contain paragraph-answer questions.  Lab reports will be written in accordance with standard formats.  Students may also be asked to write short essays or make oral presentations.  The traits will be adapted to the technical writing style required for communication of science with emphasis on conventions (symbols), organization and voice (as applicable).  Students will receive instruction and they will practise writing paragraphs.

 

Report Cards

The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.  US and international students receive 2 half-credits with grades calculated for each semester.  Canadian students receive 1 full credit with marks cumulated throughout the year.  The US office will send progress reports by email 3 times per semester and produce a transcript with final grades at the end of each semester.  The Canadian office will send complete transcripts of grades and learning skills 3 times per year.

 

Learning Skills : 

Five areas have been identified as learning skills and are being evaluated separately from academic achievement:  work habits/homework, organization, initiative, teamwork, and working independently.   These are very important skills to learn at school and at home, as they are crucial in determining future success in employment or post-secondary schooling.  Both parents and students need to pay close attention to this section of the report card, and to understand the impact that these skills have on learning, despite the fact that they are not directly factored into the academic mark.  (Similar feedback is available to US and international students upon request.)

 

Late Work

Due dates for all assignments will be agreed upon by students and teacher in advance, and so,

late submissions reflect poorly on the student’s organization and time management skills.  

Late assignments will not be accepted after correct solutions have been posted.  The student will have to negotiate an alternate way to demonstrate achievement of the expectation(s).

 

It is highly recommended that students use the Planner/Agenda provided by the school.   Parents are urged to review upcoming test and assignment dates with the student, in an effort to build planning and time management skills.

Absence

In accordance with school policy, parents will validate all student absences for illness, etc by providing a note for the teacher, or otherwise notifying the appropriate high school office so that the computerized attendance record is accurate.  If the attendance record says “Absent no reason” it will be interpreted as “Truant” and test or assignment marks may be forfeited.  Absence due to sleeping in and working on assignments is not acceptable. 

Students should make arrangements immediately upon their return from any absence (before 9am) to make up missed tests and/or hand in assignments.

 

Athletic Eligibility

In accordance with school policy, athletic eligibility is reported weekly, but determined on a quarterly basis.  Each quarter the slate is wiped clean, so to speak.  Note that a student who is passing the course, may be failing the quarter and so be ineligible; while a student who is failing the course, may be passing the quarter, and so be eligible to play. 

 

Classroom Expectations:

It is expected that students will come to class with a willingness to learn. Behavior should never interfere with the learning of others and should be in accordance with the AFNorth Parent/Student Handbook. Gum chewing must be discrete (no cracking or bubbles).  No personal music devices, cell phones, computer games, laser pointers or other items not directly supporting the educational environment are allowed.  No food or drink (except water) is allowed.  Hats should be removed while in class. Students may use the restroom during the very generous 10-minute passing period.   

 

Extra help:

There should always be ample time during class to ask questions.  But students may also make arrangements for extra help almost any day before or after school, or of course during Seminar . 

 

Email:   Parent or student may contact Mrs Benke at school:  kim_benke@eu.odedodea.edu

Parents are requested to keep updated contact information on file at the school.        

 

Canadian Curriculum Science Courses – Grades 9 to 12

    Grade 9                  Grade 10                Grade 11                   Grade 12                  University

Prerequisite Chart for Science, Grades 9-12      

_______________________________________________________________________________

 

We have read and understood the course outline for SNC 2P distributed Aug 2004.

We will see/contact you immediately if we have any concerns.

 

Student name: _____________________        Signature: ______________________

 

Parent name: ______________________        Signature: ______________________

 

Parent email address: _________________________________________

 

Parent phone number  / hours / etc. __________________________________________

 

                                                      __________________________________________

 

Any information that the teacher should know to facilitate the student’s success in this course?

(Strengths/weaknesses/distractions/medical concerns/seating preference/etc)