Pudong+Lab+9+Chemistry+-+Ms.+Nakai

Shanghai American School Grade 9 Chemistry Ms. Stacie Nakai Stacie.nakai@saschina.org

A course taken by all grade 9 students, used to help the student learn and develop critical thinking skills and techniques that will be used in future science courses. The course will supply a high level of rigor in many areas; such as lab skills, observations, writing and research skills. The course will centre around two major principles; encouraging inquiry in science and developing critical thinking skills and thought processes. It is expected that the student will have adequate math skills and background. But more importantly is that the student be willing to develop into an independent thinker.

Course Evaluation Quarterly Semester Tests & Quizzes………..…….. 50% Quarter 1 & Quarter 2 ….. 80% Labs & assignments…………...50% Exam …………………….20% • the breakdown inside each category will vary depending on the length of the unit and the type of unit. (some units have more labs than others) Generally, the majority of the marks in each category will be on tests and labs.

Class Rules Tests come at the end of each unit and at least one week’s prior notice will be given. See school policy for missed tests. Quizzes will be given about once a week, either with or without notice and will be based on material covered in the previous lesson. Labs and assignments are due at the beginning of class. This is to curb the tendency for students to try and do their homework during class or to copy other student’s homework. Late work will receive less points and will only be accepted in the following class for the grade. This does not apply if prior arrangements have been made with me. Please inform me if you will be away for any school trips prior to receive instructions on what to do while away.

It is acknowledged that occasionally a student will forget to do homework, so two passes are allowed. The rules for a pass are; the assignment must be handed in the very next class and that it must be completely done. If these requirements are met, the assignment will be marked as if it was handed in on time. Passes will not be allowed for some assignments. (Usually large assignments with long completion times) It is the responsible of the student to hear and note this when told.

Students who do not bother to hand in assignments and labs will NOT be allowed to ‘make up’ or do any extra work to boost their mark. This would not be fair to students who do hand in their work.


 * Missed assignments can quickly affect your child’s mark if it becomes a trend. If you would like me to immediately inform you when your child has not handed in a graded assignment, please include your email address when you sign this sheet.

Student Responsibilities - stress will be placed on higher level thinking skills; including thought processes and student responsibilities. Students will be expected to THINK and not just memorize. It is NOT ENOUGH that the student just sit in the classroom. Teacher-lead discussions will help the student attain higher level thinking skills. This demands that the student is present in class and ACTIVELY listening to the discussions. The textbook is only a guide. Class discussions are vital for understanding of the course. Missed classed seriously jeopardize the student’s ability to learn and pass the course. If the student does miss a class, the onus is on him/her to find out what they have missed and catch up. It is assumed that the student will arrive to class on time with all materials needed, that they will be polite and respectful to teachers and their peers and that they are in school to learn.

I am always available for extra help on assignments or preparing for tests during flex or after school. The student simply has to get in contact with me prior and arrange a time.

This is the student’s assignment and must be signed by the parent by the date discussed in class. If not, a mark of zero will be recorded for the first assignment.

Student name. Please print

Parent signature

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