Grades for Environmental Science Class with Mr. Vaught
To clear up any questions on my grading system, here is an explanation.
Evironmental Journal (10% of total grade)
We begin each class with a journal topic which is posted on the board. You will have up to 5 minutes to write about this topic. Sometimes this topic will be review of material we have already covered in class or in the homework. At other times it will be new material used to introduce a topic or to assess where I need to start the lesson. Please try to answer all questions. You get full credit for attempting to answer these questions. If you do not know the answer, you are probably not the only one and we need to have a discussion about it so please ask questions.
Journals should be turned in on the last day of each week. One weeks worth of journals should fit on a single sheet of paper so please do not waste more paper than necessary. If you are absent you should turn it in the day you return.
Class participation. (10% of total grade)
When we have labs, watch videos, or have other activities in class they there will often be a simple assignment to turn in to show participation or attention. If these are completed and turned in you will get credit.
Beginning this nine weeks we will also have a credit system for contributions to class discussions. If you have a good answer or question to contribute and this is acknowledged by Mr.Vaught you will get credit. These credits will be tallied at the end of each week and entered as a participation grade for the week.
Come to class prepared.
Everyone should have a 3-ring binder dedicated to this class. In this binder you should keep, blank notebook paper, your Environmental Journal, any homework, handouts, notes, as well as past quizzes and tests. At the end of the semester we will have a comprehensive exam and you will want past quizzes, notes and exams as study aids.
In addition to the binder, each student should come to class each day with functioning pens (blue or black ink) and pencils. Bring extras in case one quits working.
If you do not come to class prepared or otherwise disrupt class you may loose participation points.
Homework. (20% of total grade)
We often have homework, at least twice a week. Sometimes this will be as simple as a list of vocabulary words to define or a series of questions to answer. At other times they might be a short paper or research oriented. It is important to keep up with the homework as it gives information necessary to take part in class discussions.
Quizzes (20% of total grade)
Quizzes are usually open note. To encourage good note taking in class and completion of homework assignments you will often be allowed to use these on the quizzes.
Exams (30% of total grade)
Unlike the quizzes, the exams will not be open book. You should study former quizzes and notes. All quizzes will be announced at least 3 days before the quiz. There will often be a review of the material the day before the exam.
Lab Reports: (10% of total grade)
Lab reports are special papers that demonstrate knowledge as well as participation in the experiment. They have a particular format which must which must be followed. A lab report guide line is handed out the week before the lab report is due.
Performance in class (bonus 2% points)
If there is no need for written referrals regarding class disruptions or behavior problems 2% points will be added to the final grade.
Extra Credit: There may be extra credit opportunities throughout the semester requiring work outside the normal school day. These will be announced and posted by the instructor. They may total up to 5% of the final grade.
Assignments Posted:
All assignments will be posted by the door and announced in class. The posting will include instructions as well as the due date. If you need further instruction, please come ask for help.
Unless stated otherwise, all homework is due the day after it is assigned at the beginning of class. All assignments should be turned into the white in-box upon entering class. You should not plan on working on homework during class the day it is due.
Late Work:
One day late = 10 points off.
Two days late = 20 points off.
Three days late = 30 points off.
Four days late = 40 points off.
Five days late= 50 points off.
More than 5 days late will not accepted.
If you have an excused absence you will have one more day to turn in assignment per day missed.
If you are absent for any reason it is your responsibility to:
ask what you missed.
make up any missed assignments
obtain any handouts or notes from Mr. Vaught
schedule a makeup quiz or exam. All missed quizzes and exams should be made up within a week of your return to school. These can be made up during advisory or after school.
For the rest of the school year, I plan on sending out progress reports every two weeks.
If you have any questions about any assignments, are having problems with anything, or just want to talk about the class, I am available during advisory on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I am also available each Wednesday after school (If I am not in my room I will be in the library). I am usually available other afternoons, after school.
Please sign and return after you have read this for you first participation grade of the 9 weeks.
Student __________________________
Parent or guardian ______________________
