Science+and+Society

Welcome to Science and Society



In this class we will be looking at new technologies and their impact on society. We will be adressing four major questions: 1. What is science? What is society? 2. What is the impact of science on society? 3. How does film reflect societal attitudes toward science? Welcome to Science and Society

Ms. Marshall’s free periods ________________ Wiki page: Msmarshall.wikispaces.com E-mail: joanna.marshall@d214.org

In Science and Society will have the opportunity to discuss, analyze and think critically about the connections between science and its impact on society. The focus will be on research and source validity. In this class we will be answering the following questions: 1. What is science? What is not science? 2. What is society? What is technology? 3. What is the impact of science and technology on society? 4. How are films a reflection of societal attitudes toward science and technology?

General Information

Grading Semester grades will come from point based homework, participation, tests and a final project worth 20% of the total grade. There is no curve. The grading scale is as follows: A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69 % F 59 % and below I will be using mygradebook.com to communicate with students and parents about grades. If you do not have an email address you can get a free one from yahoo.com or hotmail.com that you can check at school. You can access your grade at anytime by loging in to mygradebook.com. You will need a classword and a password to log in.

Homework Assignments Homework will consist mostly of reading articles and answering questions. It is expected that on discussion days you come to class having read the assignment and prepared for class discussion.

Materials It is expected that students come to class ready to be involved in the days of activities. Students should have a folder, spiral notebook and a pen or pencil everyday.

Tests Tests reveal the level of understanding that students have. They also evaluate a student’s organization, study skill, and note taking ability. A portion of assessments will be testing knowledge of the material. In addition, test and quizzes will give students an opportunity to demonstrate scientific reasoning skills and apply the material in new situations. There will not be more than four tests in this class. That means that homework assignments are a large part of the grade.

Cheating Students are expected to submit their own work. On homework students may work together only when specified otherwise they will receive a zero. During any quizzes and tests, ANY use of outside aides unless specifically permitted will be considered cheating. Plagiarism calling someone else's work your own is not allowed. Students who misrepresent themselves will not be given credit and may be referred to the dean for further consequences.

Classroom Policies and Responsibilities 1. Once you are in class you are here for 50 minutes. Use the washroom, get a drink, and get your materials BEFORE class begins. 2. Be on time. This means being in the classroom when the bell rings. 3. Do all your homework. Homework is due the day after it is assigned (unless otherwise stated) and will be checked at the beginning of the period. Late work will receive NO CREDIT. 4. Come to class everyday. If you miss class for any reason it is your responsibility to find out what you missed the day of your return and make up all missed work. If you are absent due to a field trip or an event where you have advanced notice you are expected to get your work in advance and you get NO extension.

Tests must be completed upon your return to school. Arrangements can be make to get missing work in. A deadline will be agreed upon. If no make up work is turned in at the deadline you will receive NO CREDIT. Test and quizzes are announced in advance. Being absent the day before a quiz or a test DOES NOT excuse you from taking it.

5. Do not cut class. Do not get suspended. If you are unexcused because you cut class you will not get credit for anything done that day including tests. If you are suspended any work that was missed may be turned in the day you return for credit.

The first cut will result in a call home and an hour detention. The second cut you will meet with the Dean for consequences.

6. NO FOOD OR DRINK IN THE CLASSROOM. This included water bottles, and candy. This is a science classroom and food is a hazard. DO NOT bring it to class. 7. Cell phones should be turned off and in your locker. If you are caught using a cell phone in class it will be confiscated and returned to you after eighth period. If a cell phone goes off/rings/ vibrates etc. in class you will serve a 30 min detention and the cell phone will not be returned until the detention is served.

8. Be a first class student. While in class you must respect and act responsibly towards the teacher and your classmates. Swearing, making demeaning comments, fighting etc. will result in a 5-10 pt grade reduction. (not to exceed 10 % of one letter grade total). Anyone exhibiting extreme unacceptable behavior will be asked to leave and referred to the dean for further consequences. Be conscientious of your behavior towards others.