Whitman-Hanson Regional High School s1

Whitman-Hanson Regional High School Course Expectations Course: The Science of Science Fiction Teacher: Mrs. Patterson Whitman-Hanson Mission Statement: Whitman-Hanson Regional High School provides all students with a high- quality education in order to develop reflective, concerned citizens and contributing members of the global community.

Core Values and Beliefs:

Students learn best when…  all decisions are made in their best interest.  provided with a safe, secure, and healthy environment.  high academic standards provide an opportunity for each student to reach his/her full potential.  technology is utilized as an essential part of teaching and learning.  provided with student-centered learning environments where successes and mistakes are valued as part of the learning process.  personal responsibility and an understanding and respect for others are embraced.  staff initiative, innovation and professional development are supported.  the responsibility for education is shared with students, parents, and community.  broad-based communication and school-family-community partnerships are promoted. Student Learning Expectations: 1. Read, write and communicate effectively. 2. Utilize technologies appropriately and effectively. 3. Apply critical thinking skills. 4. Explore and express ideas creatively. 5. Participate in learning both individually and collaboratively. 6. Demonstrate personal, social, and civic responsibility.

Course Description: This course will explore the scientific principles often encountered in science fiction movies, television, and literature. These topics will include the solar system, special and general relativity, time travel, climate change, artificial intelligence, and evolution. This course will require a strong background in science and a minimum of two years of high school science (one of which must be chemistry) is required. An independent project will be required. A calculator is required. Major Objectives: The student will understand basic scientific concepts and their use in science fiction works. Students will be able to critique the science in science fiction works as to whether it is scientifically reasonable or will ever be a possible technology. Class Work: Students are expected to be present in class, prepared for discussion of the work at hand, attentive, and to participate in class activities. Students are expected to work for the full class period. You are to bring the following things EVERY DAY: o A pen or pencil o A calculator o A notebook o A folder dedicated to this class We will have occasional quizzes to make sure you have these things with you. There is no partial credit on theses quizzes. You get 100% if you have everything; you get 0% if you are missing anything. I will not lend you a calculator. Homework: Assignments are to be neat and complete. You will receive a reading assignment with questions each week. There may be other occasional homework assignments. The homework policy as stated in the student handbook will apply. Homework and announcements are posted on my website at www.whrsd.org. Retakes: Students who have completed all of the homework and classwork for a given unit on time will be allowed to retake the test or quiz for that unit. Retakes are not allowed on make-up tests for students who are absent on the day of the test or quiz. Retakes must be completed before the next scheduled test or quiz. Only one retake is permitted per unit. Grading: Term grading will be calculated as a ratio of total points scored out of total possible points. Quizzes will generally be worth 30 - 50 points, projects worth 25-100 points, labs 10 to 25 points, and homework 5 - 20 points. The final grade will be based on the weighted average of the term grade and the final exam grade. THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT! There will occasionally be opportunities in class to earn an extra point here or there. Take advantage of these opportunities as they arise. Make-up and Extra Help: This will be available on Monday and Tuesday in room 212. Make- up is to be completed according to the policy stated in the student handbook which means that students need to complete make-up right away after returning to school. It is the student’s responsibility to determine and obtain all assignments missed during an absence My Advice to you: Be responsible and conscientious. It is your future you are building. I am teaching you to be a successful adult and this course is my particular means to that end. It is not only about the science – it is about your overall education. Parents: Please check Infinite Campus frequently; grades are updated daily. Please e-mail or call if you have questions: [email protected] 1-781-618-7020 ext 8109 Please sign below and return this page. The rest of the Course Expectations should be retained for reference purposes.

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