Science+Grading+Policies

=Mrs. Burkett's Grading Policies: =



Homework: 25%

 * ====**Homework will be assigned 1-3 times per week, depending on the unit/topics covered. However, students have homework every night, as even on days when there is nothing to pass in to me, they are expected to keep up with the assigned reading/work on projects.**====
 * ====**Students are expected to hand in homework on time.**====
 * ====**Students will receive no credit for homework that is not submitted on time and will not be given the opportunity to make up missed homework except in the case of extenuating circumstances (personal illness, family emergency, etc).**====

Unit Exams: 20%

 * ====**There will be an exam at the culmination of each unit.**====
 * ====**The exam will consist of a combination of multiple choice, short answer and fill-in-the-blank questions.**====
 * ====**Material from lab activities will be included on the unit exams.**====

Quizzes: 5%

 * ====**There will be occasional quizzes. Quizzes will always be announced; there will be no "pop" quizzes.**====

Projects: 20%

 * ====** There will be various individual and group projects throughout this course. **====
 * ====**Projects will require students to synthesize and analyze the learning objectives of the topic in creative ways.**====
 * ====**Students will be given choices in projects, so as to cater to the variety of learning styles in the class.**====

Lab Reports: 10%

 * ====**A lab report must be submitted for every laboratory activity performed.**====
 * ====**Each student must submit their own lab report to demonstrate their individual learning and achievement, even though labs will be performed in groups.**====

Attendance/Participation: 10%

 * ====**Students are expected to attend class every day, arrive on time, and actively participate in discussions and learning activities.**====
 * ====**The accumulation of four or more unexcused absences per semester will result in the lowering of the student's grade by one half of a letter grade.**====
 * ====**Excessive absences and/or consistent tardiness will result in a teacher-parent meeting.**====

Article Analysis: 10%

 * ====**For every unit, students will be required to find and read one article from a popular scientific magazine or journal. This article must relate to the topic we are currently covering in class.**====
 * ====**Students will be expected to read the article and submit a 2 page report that summarizes the article and demonstrates connections to concepts learned in class. Students will also be required to critically analyze the article and look for points of scientific strengths and weakness.**====
 * ====**This practice will provide a real-life link between material learned in class and the real world.**====

**__ EXTRA CREDIT: __**
====**Extra credit opportunities are available for students who wish to increase their grade. Students should think of a biology topic that interests them and propose a project that the would enjoy completing. The project should appeal to the student's individual interests and strengths. For instance, a student interested in art may want to design a poster depicting a biological concept. A student who enjoys writing may wish to submit a research report on a biological topic. The student should propose their project to me for approval prior to beginning the work. If necessary, the student and myself can work together to further define the proposal.**====