Course Syllabus

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

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

Curriculum

Since the earliest civilizations, and perhaps even the earliest humans, people have looked into the night sky and tried to make sense of the world and whatever lies beyond. In this class, we will investigate phenomena in space that affect life on Earth, discuss the colonization of objects in the Solar System, model the life and death of stars, and explain the formation and characteristics of the Universe. 

 

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. Science notebook (paper notebook, binder, google doc, etc)*
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 folder (or Google Drive folder), which will be provided and kept in the classroom. This folder will be used to monitor progress, track goals and grades, study, and reflect on learning. 

 

Academic Grade

All coursework will be weighted as follows:

           60% Assessments: Includes all tests and quizzes, and the quarterly term project

           35% Assignments: Includes in-class handouts and labs. Homework will consist primarily of finishing work not completed in class, and working on the term project as needed. 

           5%   Participation: This will include bell work and active participation in class. Cadets must be awake, engaged, and participating. 

 

Absences and Late work:

All class materials 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. Any assignment more than one week late will accrue a 10% penalty for each week an assignment is late. All assignments must be completed to be eligible for extra credit. Exceptions will only be granted before the due date arrives. 

 

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%

 

Lab Policy

Cadets must return a signed Lab Safety Agreement before participating in any lab. Lab Safety procedures will be followed at all times. Lab safety violations will result in an automatic zero on the lab. In the case of severe violations, cadets may be banned from any/all future labs, and will be assigned research papers instead. Cadets may also be subject to school disciplinary action.

 

Cheating/Plagiarism 

UMA does not accept the practice of cheating. All instances of cheating will be reported to the administration. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Cadets plagiarizing another’s work and turning it into a teacher as their own will receive no credit for the work and face administrative disciplinary action. Cadets allowing others to copy their work are also guilty of plagiarism.  Cadets caught cheating in any way will receive no credit for the work, will be required to complete an alternate assignment for ½ credit, and may face administrative disciplinary action.  

 

Canvas 

The use of Canvas will be an integral part of this course. In addition to work in class, all material will be posted on Canvas for cadets who are absent or need to access coursework from home. Grading will also be done on Canvas, so Canvas will hold the most accurate grade record.  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 put away out of sight during class. If a cadet has a phone out (being used or not) 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.

Extra Credit

Extra credit options are available on Canvas for the cadets to complete at their discretion.. Cadets with missing assignments will not be eligible for extra credit.