Welcometo 8th grade science. I am so excited to have the privilege to teach you thisyear.We will be covering a wide rangeof curriculum this year, plus be tested in April for the 8th grade Science STAAR test. In chemistry, students understand how the periodictable is vital to understanding that matter is all around us. They learn about conceptssuch as protons, neutrons, electrons, atomic number, and atomic weight. Studentscreate chemical reactions and balance chemical equations. Students measure andcalculate work, speed, force, and acceleration, and also learn how light movesthrough matter.The space unitinvestigates stars and galaxies, and how scientists study our universe.In earth science, students forecast weather,determine land features based on Earth’s movements, and determine man’s effecton land, water and air.Life scienceincludes how human events can affect subsequent populations of species and howspecies are interdependent on each other.
PRE-AP
Thegoal in Pre-AP 8th grade is to prepare students for the rigor ofhigh school Pre-AP and Advanced Placement science courses in high school.Middle school Pre-AP science classes gobeyond the basic requirements and accomplish this goal by exposing students to hands-oninquiry experiences that encourages higher level thinking. This courseintegrates science reading, writing and math, introduces complex problem solving,and teaches with an open-ended approach, much like real world science.Students will be completing grade appropriatefree response questions just like in high school AP science courses.There will be high expectations for qualityand timely work, classroom behavior and punctuality. At least 2 major projects will be assigned per semester that counts asa major project grade.
(Examsand/or major projects; minimum of 3 per six weeks)
Mandatory tutorials are required for studentswho do not pass a summative assessment
Books!
The science textbooks arenot utilized often in 8th grade science. Students will NOT be issued a book, unlessrequested by parents.I have a class setthat may be checked out. Glencoe offersan internet textbook for free! This also comes in handy when students forgettheir books at school when they have homework. Check my website for onlinetextbook information.
Homework is an important part of the learning process that extends,enriches and/or reinforces academic concepts and skills to enhance achievement.It is expected to be turned in at the beginning of class on the due date.Points will be deducted for late work.More about the district’s homework policy canbe found at http://www.nisdtx.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1545
Absences:
I follow district rules for absences. If the student isabsent, refer to any of the following for missing assignments: the monthly calendar (on my Netschool), orteacher’s NetSchool page. Classnotes, lab investigations and handouts are available on the front classroomtable. It is your responsibility to pickup work!All labs must be made up beforeor after school within 2 days of the absence.
Major Projects and Tests
Majorprojects due dates and test dates prior to absences will remain the same forabsent students unless there are excessive absences. Example, if you missschool the day before a test, youstill take it the day of the test.If you miss a quiz or test, youwill take the test or quiz the day you return. You are responsible for contacting theteacher after class to receive notes/assignments and to make upquizzes/tests.Check NetSchool for work missedandtest reviews.
Lab Safety
Once students read the safety contract and pass theSafety Test, they will be able to participate in labs. The safety Contract isavailable in NetSchool.Violationof Lab Safety Rules (that puts the student or others at risk) results inimmediate removal from that lab. Several violations result in officereferral.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1.Come to class prepared. Bring pencil, compositionbook, and charged netbook.Sharpen yourpencil before or after class.
2.Onceyou enter the room, you are to begin warm-up/bell ringers.
3.Be in your seat and QUIET when the bell rings.
4.Raise your hand when you need to speak.
5.Practice behaviors that are courteous, supportive,and respectful. Respect your teacher andyour classmates.
6.Perform at your maximum level.
7.Be persistent in following all school andclassroom/laboratory rules.
CONSEQUENCES
1. Warning the first time (not a new warningevery day), then sign discipline book.
2.Three warning is amajor. Two majors is an office referral.
3.Office Referral to assistant principal for multipleoffenses (2 majors or more)
**Severe offenses will be referred to the assistant principal immediately!!
**Violationof Lab Safety Rules results in immediate removal from lab **
By submitting thiscontract on Netschool, I agree to the Rules and Regulations of Mrs. Reynolds’science class.I have read and understoodall of the information in this syllabus. I understand that I must follow all lab/safetyrules to be allowed to participate in the lab activities.
