Course Syllabus

Instructor: Mrs. McCutchan                     UMA Phone: (801) 689-3013

Email: emccutchan@utahmilitaryacademy.org         Canvas: umahf.instructure.com

 

Curriculum

Integrated Science 8 describes the constant interaction of matter and energy in nature. Cadets will explore how matter is arranged in substances, and how energy is stored and transferred between substances. They will examine physical and chemical interactions, and how matter and energy cycle and change in ecosystems. Additionally, cadets will discuss how different substances and energy can be used by nature as well as by human society, and the impacts that use can have on the environment. Cadets will also develop and improve their skills of observation, inquiry, data collection, critical thinking, and communicating scientific ideas.

Class Rules: STAR                

      Sit smart.

      Track the speaker.

      Ask and answer questions.

      Respect all.

 

Materials Needed

Each cadet must bring the following items to class everyday

1. 3 Ring binder with loose leaf paper and dividers*
2. Pencil and eraser, pen with blue/black ink
3. Highlighter

*Each Cadet will be required to keep all class papers in a dedicated science binder. This binder will be used to monitor progress, track grades, study, and reflect on learning. Binders will be checked for completion and organization twice a month, and will count toward participation.

 

Academic Grade

All coursework will be weighted as follows:

30% Assessments: Includes all tests and quizzes

20% Labs: Includes lab participation, lab sheets, and lab reports

20% Assignments: Includes in-class work and homework

20% Term Project: One project per term, to be discussed separately

10% Participation: Cadets must be awake, engaged, and participating

Absences and Late work: 

All notes and assignments will be available on Canvas. Work missed due to officially excused absences are the cadet’s responsibility and may be made up within one week of the cadet returning to school. Work missed during unexcused absences may/may not be available for make-up. Assignments turned in up to 1 week late will receive full credit. Beyond that, the possible score will drop 10% for each week that it is late. Extensions may be granted provided the cadet gets permission BEFORE the due date. 

 

Grading Scale:

A 93-100%

A- 90-92%

B+ 87-89%

B 83-86%

B- 80-82%

C+ 77-79%

C 73-76%

C- 70-72%

D+ 67-69%

D 63-66%

D- 60-62%

F 00-59%

 

DISHONESTY, INCLUDING CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ANY CADET BEING DISHONEST, OR ASSISTING A CADET TO BE DISHONEST, ON ANY WORK WILL RECEIVE A ZERO ON THAT ASSIGNMENT WITH NO OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE IT UP, AND POSSIBLE CLASS AND/OR SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION. PLAGIARISM IS A CLASS II INFRACTION.

 

Canvas and Google Meet (including recorded classes)

The use of Canvas will be an integral part of this course, whether learning happens on campus or online. In addition, classes will also be recorded and streamed on Google Meet, and posted on Canvas for cadets who are absent or doing online learning. If this is a problem for any reason, the instructor must be informed immediately so that accommodations can be made.

 

Cell Phones

As per UMA policy, all cell phones must be deposited into the classroom cell phone holder as the cadet enters class every day. If a cadet is caught with a phone during class, the phone will be confiscated and the cadet will receive an infraction. Repeated offenses will result in the phone being sent to the office, where parents may be required to pick it up. If parents need to contact a cadet during class, they should call the office.

 

Lab Policy

Cadets must return a signed Lab Safety Agreement before participating in any lab. Lab Safety procedures will be followed at all times, regardless of where the lab is completed. Lab safety violations will result in an automatic zero on the lab. In the case of severe violations, cadets may be banned from any or all future labs, and will have to complete research papers to make up those labs. Cadets may also be subject to school disciplinary action.

 

Extra Credit

Extra credit may be given at the instructor’s discretion, upon request by a cadet. Extra credit will apply ONLY to assignments or labs, depending on the project and effort involved. Cadets with missing assignments will not be eligible for extra credit.