8th Grade Physical Science
Classroom
Procedures and Requirements
8th Grade
Physical Science is the study of the properties of matter and energy and how
matter and energy interact. We
will also study the physical and chemical properties of the universe.
Semester 1– The Nature of
Science and Chemistry
Semester 2– Astronomy,
Physics, and Mousetrap Cars
Classroom Rules
1. Be on time to class and
bring materials and homework.
2. Follow lab safety rules. No eating in the lab.
3. Show respect for others and
their property. Do not touch lab
materials or teacher property.
4. No backpacks on the lab
tables or lab aisles.
5. No electronic devices on in
the class unless noted for a lab.
Required Materials
1. Sharpened pencils (please
have more than one)
2. Dedicated science notebook
(either a spiral or a composition book but I prefer a composition book). Bring this to class everyday.
3. Separate Section of Binder
for science notes, handouts, corrected homework and labs. This must be with you in class
everyday. You should have a folder
or pocket divider for science too.
4. Red pen.
5. Notebook paper
6. Organizer or Assignment
Notebook
7. Colored Pencils
Grades
10%
Homework
50%
Tests and Quizzes
40%
Labs, Projects, and In-Class Work
Please note that your
grade in science is weighted.
Grades on tests count for more than grades on homework.
Letter grades will be
assigned on a standard scale
For example: A-
= 90%-92%, A= 93%-99%, A+ = 100%+
B- = 80%-82%, B=
83%-87%, B+ = 88%-89%
***Very Important:
I do NOT round grades. An
89.99% is a B+. Please make sure
that you are consistently doing the work to earn the grade that you would like
at the end of the semester. Check
AERIES frequently. No extra credit. Your grade is based on your knowledge
and application of 8th grade science standards.
Homework - Notes
Homework will be assigned a few times a week. Most homework will require you to take
notes and watch videos online. You
will have many days to complete assigned notes. Please use the note format I show you in class. You may always complete online homework
in the school library.
DO NOT cut and paste notes
into your notebook. You
may print pictures or diagrams and glue them into your notes.
Labs
Labs
and experiments will make up the majority of work in 8th grade
science. Some labs will be student
designed and others will be teacher directed. I expect safe and controlled behavior in the lab at all
times. I will assign lab groups. In labs you should:
-
Be focused on the problem and complete work
-
Be respectful of group members
-
Follow lab safety rules always
-
READ and follow directions
Labs
are usually not assigned as homework.
You will need to complete labs in the time allotted. If you are absent you will be held
accountable for lab material. Students
must complete a special extension activity for every missed lab.
Absences
Students
should avoid absences when possible.
When you are absent I am less concerned about you making up homework and
more concerned with the class time you have missed. You may need to make up labs, lecture notes, warm-ups, and
discussion notes. You are
responsible for following through with this. I will not be checking up to see if you have completed
something or are up-to-date with notes. I am not able to provide early work. If you are going on vacation you will
need to plan time when you get back to complete work unless you are on an
independent study plan.
High School
Recommendations
At
the end of 8th grade, teachers recommend students for placement in
high school classes. Students have
the option of taking Honors Biology in 9th grade. Honors Biology is a challenging class
that uses a college-level textbook.
Students are expected to be able to read and write at a college
level. To be recommended for
Honors Biology, a student must earn a grade of 93% or higher in 8th Grade Science and 90% or
higher in 8th Grade Language Arts (there is no special consideration
for Honors or GATE coursework). I will not write special letters of
recommendation or sign waivers for students who do not meet these criteria.
Technology Policy
Photos
and recordings are not allowed at school.
I will allow you to take pictures of certain labs but please ask before
taking pictures. There are times
when you will be able to use electronic devices for calculations and as
timers. If you want to use the Internet
in class to look up a topic we are discussing, please ask first. No texting,
emails, phone calls, etc…
Final Important
Notes about Grades
Although
I am always here to help you and I will offer ample opportunity for you to
demonstrate knowledge in science, YOU are ultimately responsible for your
learning and your grade. If you
want to be a part of groups like Honor Society, you need to do superior work to
EARN your acceptance into honors groups and classes. It is not my responsibility to round grades and gift you
with scores that you didn’t earn.
Set your goals now and do the work necessary to achieve those goals.
There
is no
extra credit available.
Your grade is based on your knowledge of 8th Grade Science
Standards only.
Please sign that you are read and discussed the requirements
for 8th grade science.
Return this portion to class tomorrow.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Student Name (please print)
Parent Signature
