1. Scientific Investigation Skills and
Career Exploration
2. Biology:
Sustainable Ecosystem
3. Chemistry:
Atoms, Elements and Compounds
4. Earth and Space Science:
The Study of the Universe
5. Physics:
The Characteristics of Electricity
Resources:
This course will use a variety of resources including video, CD-ROM, Internet Applications and a variety of print sources. The textbook
___________will be distributed to students during the first week of the course. The text and other resources assigned to students are the responsibility of the student. Any damage incurred will result in payment for replacement.
Replacement cost for the text is _______.
Evaluation Structure:
Knowledge/Understanding 25 %
Thinking/Investigation 35 %
Communication 15%
Application 25 %
The above is reflected both in the term work
(worth 70 % of the final mark) and the summative work (work 30 % of the final mark). Summative work consists of the Final Exam (20 %) and a
Culminating Activity (Lab Practical) (10 %)
Evaluation Policy:
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed.
Methods of providing feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning activities, simulations and presentations. Peer & self evaluations will also be utilized.
Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see chart on the next page for specific skill and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.

Category
Knowledge/Understanding

Knowledge of facts & terms

Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Investigation

Critical thinking skills

Creative thinking skills

Inquiry skills
Level 1:
50-59 %
Limited display of knowledge, skills and ability to apply concepts
Level 2:
60-69 %
Some success in displaying knowledge, skills and application of concepts
Level 3:
70-79 %
Considerable display of knowledge skills and ability to apply concepts
Level 4:
80-100 %
Thorough understanding of concepts and ability to communicate, think creatively and apply concepts
Communication

Communication of ideas and information

Use of symbols & visuals

Oral & written communication
Application

Application in familiar contexts

Transfer of concepts to new contexts

Making logical conclusions & predictions

Making connections
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization, work habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently student achievement and will be conduced through the use of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E —Excellent G—Good S—Satisfactory N—Needs Improvement
Other Evaluation Issues:
 LATE ASSIGNMENTS : All assignments are to be submitted on or before the due date and time as specified by the course teacher. A major assignment (one which may give evidence of a significant number of ministry course expectations) not handed in on the due

 date will receive a maximum penalty of 10%. A mark of zero will be given if the assignment is handed in after the closure date , unless extenuating circumstances prevail, as determined in consultation with the school administration.
Work will be assessed and returned with comments. Any presentations or performance tasks that are missed because of an unexcused absence may be assigned a zero for that portion of the assignment .
INCOMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria established in the rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS: Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written within a few days of


 the student returning from the absence. Student eligibility to write the test and the date will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with the department head.
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES: These activities are an integral part of the summative assessment of material covered. Under normal circumstances permission will not given for a student to write exams or complete any culminating activity other than on the designated dates and schedules.
EXTENDED ABSENCES: Regular attendance on the part of students is vital to the process of learning. A student who is absent for any prolonged period may suffer in the evaluation process because his/her participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed and may not be granted the credit.
PLAGIARISM: In any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________