Science Department
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Ms. Cooper's Biology Assignments Available On-Line
You can now access Ms. Cooper's Biology curriculum on-line. Click here to view the content.
Olympic offers laboratory sciences in both Earth Science 1 and Biology 1.
Both science classes at Olympic are designed to engage students in scientific processes and skills. Critical thinking and application of science principles and technology to personal decision making is emphasized. Diverse instructional methods are utilized in order to differentiate instruction according to student needs. All skills and concepts, methodology, materials, and projects are directly aligned with state and district science standards.
Earth Science 1 fulfills the 10 credit Physical Science high school graduation requirement and covers astronomy, geology, plate tectonics, meteorology, and physical oceanography. Earth Science 1 meets the University of California “f” requirement for elective courses.
Biology 1 fulfills the 10 credit Life Science high school graduation requirement and covers genetics, evolution, classification of living things, the structure and function of molecules, cells, tissues, organs and systems that make up living organisms. Biology 1 qualifies as a laboratory science course and meets the University of California “d” or “f” admission requirement.
Career Integrated Academics
Science Department Information Literacy Competencies w/Activities |
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What do students need to know? |
Competencies |
Skills |
Benchmarks |
CIA Activity |
Spreadsheet |
Know the industry standard software programs for spreadsheets. |
Know the features and functions of a spreadsheet program. |
Identify a spreadsheet program with features and functions. |
Use EXCEL to record and display data associated with laboratory experiments. |
Internet Use |
Know effective Internet search strategies, communication tools, ethics and copyright issues. |
Know how to use the Internet effectively and efficiently to search and communicate information via the World Wide Web. |
Identify and utilize an Internet browser to perform search and communication functions. |
As a Fast Track (extra credit) option students will research and report on a current scientific issue tied to the term topic, complete a 2 page report, and correctly cite valid internet sources. |
Ms. K's Earth Science 1
Credit & Grades
• No grades or credit for less than C level work – BUT you can re-do
assignments.
• Assignments must be at least 70% correct to earn credit.
• Each class assignment is worth 10 points. 160 points = 1 credit.
* Must participate in lecture
* Must complete the assignment or activity.
• Bonus points can be earned for:
- Extra assignment work
- Fast track credit assignments (up to a credit each!)
Tips on Credits…
• You do NOT get production points by just showing up. You have to participate
in the lecture discussions OR do the activity and turn it in. Activities must be
at least 70% correct or you will not receive credit. However, you can re-do most
assignments if you did not receive a passing grade.
• Credit is given in ½ credit increments. If you end a term with
70 points you will not have any credit reported
on your transcript. However, I carry over points into the next term.
• If you are here every day and working every day you will earn 2 credits in
each 6 week term.
• If you work quickly during class you may sometimes be able to complete 2
assignments per period. Try a current event! 8 current event write-ups is 0.5
credit! You can earn up to 1 credit/year just by doing current events.
Grades: You Choose!
• Complete the “Required” activities (these are state standards)
• On some days you will be given a choice of “CBA” assignments
• IF you complete the “Required” assignment AND the “CBA” assignment
SATISFACTORILLY, you will be given the grade of the HIGHEST level of the “CBA”
GENERAL CLASS FORMAT
Warm-up (be on time!)ü
Lectureü
Class activity OR your lab choice.ü
If you are here and working every day you will earn 2 credits / 6 week term!
With Fast Track work, you can earn 4
credits/term!
FAST TRACK
• Limited to 2 credits per term! (so don’t try to do it all last term!)
• See Fast Track handout
CLASS RULES
1. Respect each other.
* Always respect others properly, including yourself.
* Follow ALL lab safety rules
2. Respect class time.
* Be seated and start the warm up before the bell rings.
* Listen to lecture & teacher directions.
* Do not distract others from learning.
3. Respect our property.
* Leave the classroom, the lab areas & equipment as you found them.
* No food! Water is OK!
REWARDS
* Credits for work completed
8 productive periods = 0.5 credit
16 productive periods = 1.0 credit
24 productive periods = 1.5 credits
32 productive periods = 2.0 credits
*Positive notes or phone calls home
*EXTRA productive credit (teacher discretion)
CLASS PROCEDURES
Class Start (5 minutes!):
• Complete your warm-up question in your binder (it’s worth extra grade
points!)
Lectures – let’s get through it as quickly as possible!
• HUSH mode during lectures.
• Raise your hand before asking a question.
• Headphones and hats are off.
• Take notes! (I’ll help!)
Activities:
• Transition quickly! Get your materials and get started!
• You have to finish the activity to get the production points.
Class End:
* Complete your Learning Log
(it’s worth bonus points!)
• File your binder. Put any other
materials back where you found them.
• Return to your seat until the bell rings!
Restroom passes….
• Limited to one per term/science class!
• Passes will not be issued within the first 20 minutes of class OR during any
lecture!
• Return the pass unused for a bonus productive period!
District policy – no cell phones!
• Cell phones cannot be visible during class time.
• If your cell phones is out, it may be confiscated for the day or for parental
pickup
New Olympic Procedures…..
* No hats or hoodies in the
classroom
* Cell phones may be used during brunch
