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Essential Question(s)	What is the nature of science, who uses science and why should science be important to everyone?

Hi and welcome to your first unit sheet. You’ll like to use these because it lets you see your work and you can usually work ahead. The first section is work that students can accomplish to get at least a C grade on the unit. Please check the classroom for due dates as late work is 1/2 credit. I will collect some individual assignments to put in the gradebook. Save all work and turn everything in when the unit is due. You have a folder and a bag in class to use! This unit is also posted on my website. Anything with a (w) has more information on-line.

Sections I - Basics Write down your points as assignments get completed and corrected. You must complete the assignments to get the points.

Pts	#	Assignment Title	type	Date
/30	1	Vocabulary cards (5 big)(10pts) AND quiz (20 pts)	VOC
/20	2	What makes a good scientist?	HMK
/20	3	Spontaneous Human Combustion (internet) (w)	VID
/20	4	Earth System words	CLS
/20	5	Quotes	ACT
/20	6	Bill Nye – notes	VID
/10	7	Core discussion (w)	ACT
/10	8	What is Earth Systems? Notes	CLS
/ 150.		Your total / Maximum Possible (add up your points)

Pre-Test score (w)________ Post-Test Score (w)
Please be sure to write your scores down. You will get extra credit for the difference.

Section II - Labs or other work These assignments are a little bit harder or longer. Or as in the case of the pre-test just for doing it I give you points! Assignments vary.

Pts	#	Assignment title	Date
/50	1	Metric Measurement Lab (Metric Mania)
/30	2	Vocabulary Story
/ 50.		Your total / Total Possible

All due dates are given in class on the board be sure to write them down.

Your Totals	Points Possible	Grading scale for unit A 180 – 200 / B 160 – 179 / C 140 – 159 / D 120 - 139	Unit due date
	200	Unit score (student must add up points from above)
	100	Assessment* (Ess. Quest!)

*The assessment will either be a test, essay, project or other assessment tool that either the student or teacher chooses. The assessment must show competency in answering the essential question(s) in detail. Much of the information from assignments and vocabulary words must be included in the product used for assessment to demonstrate understanding.

In order to keep your parents informed of your work and what we are doing in class let them see this list of assignments. We will have about 8 of these units during the year. When they ask what work needs to be completed or is coming up all we have to do is show them this sheet! It must be signed anytime before it is due.

Parent signature. __________________________________________ date __________________

Vocabulary words. * These words will be on your quiz and so will 5 other words! You must make vocabulary flashcards using the index cards from class (or your own). At the end of the year you will have a large stash of flashcards. I promise you that this is the unit with the most vocabulary words. You must make *words* into big cards as described in class or on-line.

Science language students should use: (Click here for the definitions)
Analyze Assumption Calculate Classify Compare Conclude* Describe Data Ethical Evidence*	Experiment* Generalize Hypothesis* Inference Infer Interpret Investigation Measure Observe	Predict Precision Methods of science Relate Replicability Skeptical* Technology Tentative Theory* (oops) Variable

1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills

1. Observe objects, events and patterns and record both qualitative and quantitative information.
2. Use comparisons to help understand observations and phenomena.
3. Evaluate, sort, and sequence data according to given criteria.

2. Manifest Scientific Attitudes and Interests

4. Voluntarily read and study books and other materials about science.
5. Raise questions about objects, events and processes that can be answered through scientific investigation.
6. Maintain an open and questioning mind toward ideas and alternative points of view.

3. Demonstrate Understanding of Science Concepts, Principles and Systems

1. Know and explain science information specified for the subject being studied.
2. Distinguish between examples and non‑examples of concepts that have been taught.
3. Apply principles and concepts of science to explain various phenomena.

4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning

1. Provide relevant data to support their inferences and conclusions.
2. Use precise scientific language in oral and written communication.
3. Use proper English in oral and written reports.

5. Demonstrate Awareness of Social and Historical Aspects of Science

1. Cite examples of how science affects human life.
2. Give instances of how technological advances have influenced the progress of science and how science has influenced advances in technology.
3. Understand the cumulative nature of scientific knowledge.

6. Demonstrate Understanding of the Nature of Science

1. Science is a way of knowing that is used by many people, not just scientists.
2. Understand that science investigations use a variety of methods and do not always use the same set of procedures; understand that there is not just one "scientific method."
3. Science findings are based upon evidence.

I have shortened this basic introduction of the state core. The whole thing can be found at - http://www.uen.org/core/core.do?courseNum=3600