Purpose: The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to a wide range of sciences and to serve as a starting point for more in-depth scientific study. The student will gain an appreciation for the sciences through careful study and hands-on experiments performed in the classroom.

Grading: This course will be divided into 4 quarters each containing 4 modules.  The grade for each quarter will be based on 4 parts: class participation (20%), lab reports (20%), quizzes (20%), and homework (40%). ***Points will be deducted for work that is handed in late unless a parent provides a reasonable excuse (illness, vacation) and the student makes up the work in a timely manner.

Class Participation:  This grade is based on student engagement during class.  It is always favorable to volunteer answers even if they may be wrong and to ask questions without fear of sounding “stupid”.  Class notes can be taken in the “summery” section of the Notebook.

Lab Reports: The lab reports are in the purple section of the Notebook.  The conclusion section of each lab should be well thought out and be at least three sentences long.  The grade for lab reports is based on attention to detail and completeness and providing a well thought out conclusion.   

Quizzes:  Each module ends with a “Study Guide.” The Notebook provides a place to complete these study guides and they will serve as open book quizzes for each module.  In addition there will be short in class quizzes. 

Homework: Each week students will have approximately 15 pages of reading from the text book and about 8 pages of work in the Notebook. The list below is the text book pages the student should read each week.  A more detailed assignment sheet will go home with the students each week and break the assignment into four days of work.

Required Books:   Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science 2^nd Edition Textbook

Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science 2^nd Edition Notebook

Required Supplies: safety goggles, pencil