8th
Grade Physical Science
Classroom
Guidelines 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 Physics
Semester 2– Chemistry 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 without permission.
4. No backpacks on the lab
tables or lab aisles.
5. No electronic devices out in
class unless noted for a lab. No
charger cords across aisles.
6. Treat lab equipment and
materials with respect. Please do
not play with the gas jets. Show
me you are mature enough to do labs with fire.
7. There is NO fighting over
lab stools. Lab stools will be
pushed under the tables during most labs.
Requested Materials
1. Sharpened pencils (please
have more than one) and portable sharpener.
2. Dedicated science composition book. Bring this to class everyday. You may
decorate the cover with a science theme.
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/Pens (optional)
8.
Grades
10%
Homework
50%
Tests, Quizzes, and
Assessments
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% etc…
***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.
NGSS Science Standards
In
September of 2013 the state of California adopted new science standards called
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The state is in the process of adopting new curriculum to address these
standards. The final adoption vote
is expected in early 2017. The AEW
science department has been preparing for years for the new standards. We have new equipment and new labs that
will engage students in thinking deeply about science and problem solving. The current textbooks are not aligned
with NGSS so I will not be sending a textbook home unless requested. We may occasionally use textbooks in
class but most reading assignments will be more applicable to the problem or
phenomena we are studying in class.
Please let me know if you would like more information about the NGSS
standards and what instruction will look like with the new curriculum. A quick Google search for “NGSS” is a
great place to start.
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 if necessary.
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
-
Do not eat lab materials or ASK to eat lab materials
-
Do not do any personal experiments without obtaining permission from
Mrs. Jenner
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 content.
*****Absences – Please
read!! Important!!!
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.
Late Work
I do allow late work for a loss of points but please
remember that tests and assessments
are a large percentage of your grade and completing work on time helps
you understand concepts and prepare for exams.
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 95% 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. Cut and return this part
ONLY to class FRIDAY 8/26.
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Student
Name (please print)
Parent Signature
