The science content in 8th Grade consists of Science content that deals with Physical Studies and Environmental Science and Health. This will include learning concepts that deal with the Structure and Properties of Matter; Force, Motion, and Energy; Sound and Light; and Electricity and Magnetism. In Health, students will learn the effects of drugs on the human body and also how living a healthy lifestyle benefits their growth. They will also discuss the positive and negative effects of peer pressure.
Course Objectives:
- Students will develop a general understanding of various Science concepts involved in their studies as outlined by the State of New York and the Diocese of Buffalo.
- Students will learn the nature of science and how it influences their everyday lives and will demonstrate the use of authentic scientific research strategies.
- Students will learn to improve their reading skills through reading technical reading as outlined in the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards.
- Students will learn to improve their writing skills in a formal technical style as part of the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards..
- Students will develop efficient general study habits. Students should expect to be held more accountable than in previous years. Middle School will prepare students for high school. There is a big change from elementary school to middle school in both content and expectations.
- Students will be able to enhance their team working skills and abilities as they take on several cooperative tasks and take an active part in STREAM activities [experiments, reports, model construction, etc.]
Like all other classes you are taking, you must have assessments to monitor and document your progress as a student. This class will be no different. Your grade will be determined as follows:
- 15% Participation- not as strenuous as it sounds. This includes anything from asking questions and contributing to in-class discussions and paying attention. Unacceptable behavior will affect your participation grade. Being unprepared for class (bringing supplies, books, etc.) will also deduct points from this grade. I DO keep track!
- 15% Homework-- homework is not assigned to give you busy work. It will either reinforce what we learned in class or will prepare you for what we are going to be learning in class. You can expect to have homework each class day.
- 25% Lab and Classwork--work that is completed in class including completion of lab reports as well as research reports and projects
- 30% Tests- Some projects and formal lab reports may be included in this category. Unit Test grades can be improved by completing test corrections according to the instructions. Up to half of the points missed can be earned back. (Usually 1 per chapter.
- 15% Quizzes-Mainly, but not limited to, vocabulary quizzes.( Usually 2-3 per chapter)
You are responsible for making up work that you missed due to absence--I WILL NOT CHASE YOU DOWN TO MAKE THESE UP! If you do not make up this work you will receive a zero.
Test information is posted on the homework board and study materials are posted on my website one week prior to the test.
Late Work Policy ( All assignments are due at the beginning of class.)
Daily Work:
- Maximum reduced starting grade of 75% if turned in by the next class period. After that, no credit can be received for the assignment.
- Assignments graded in class will not be accepted for credit after they have been graded. This includes most Chapter Reviews. You should turn in the assignment to be corrected, however you will still receive a zero. This rule will not apply if you were absent on the day it was due.
Long term Assignment or Project:
- 10 pt deduction for each calendar day it is late.
- ON THE FOURTH DAY THE WORK WILL NO LONGER BE ACCEPTED AND THE STUDENT WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF ZERO FOR THE ASSIGNMENT.
PARENTS; PLEASE READ THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS SHEET
Parents:
Please monitor your child's homework and test information by checking their planners on a daily basis. All assignments(with due dates) and grades are on Google Classroom and grades are generally updated every 2 weeks. I STRONGLY encourage you to access it regularly so that there are no surprises. In order to access Google Classroom, you must use your child’s login information.
Communication:
Communication in this course is essential between parents and teachers. At any time you wish to discuss the progress of your son/daughter, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. You can contact me three possible ways:
1. Telephone the school main office at 674-5206 and leave a message for me to contact you. Please leave a number where I can contact you after school hours.
2. E-mail -- you can contact me via school e-mail at [email protected]
3. Send a note
I will do my best to contact you within 24 hrs during the week or by Monday afternoon if you contacted me after 3 pm on Friday.
EXTRA HELP:
Arrangements can be made with me if your son/daughter need extra help with concepts with which they are having difficulty. Please encourage your son/daughter to seek help if needed. I cannot help if I do not know that something is wrong.
COVID-19 Addendum: The first week of school will include in depth instruction on Google Classroom (GC). We will be using GC whether or not we are face-to-face for most assignments. We will also be using GoFormative for most Tests and Quizzes.
Should we end up remote again this year, the students will be very familiar with all of the tools we will be using.