Student Information and Responsibilities for Eighth Grade Physical Science

2008-2009 Policies, Procedures, and Syllabus

 

 

Teacher:	Mrs. Laura Crowe		Web address:	http://www.auburnschools.org/ajhs/lmcrowe
Textbook:	McDougal Littell Physical Science 2006		Email:	lmcrowe@auburnschools.org

 

 

Purpose of Course: The eighth grade course is a hands-on oriented approach to the study of physical science. The topics covered include:

1. The Scientific Method in Problem Solving, Variables, and Observations

2. Chemistry and Lab Skills development with emphasis on measurement, characteristic properties of substances, solubility, and various ways to separate different types of mixtures

3. Physics of everyday processes with applications to machines

4. Energy and its various types, and how it can be changed to other types of energy

 

The students do laboratory activities and collect their own information. Mathematics is an important part of the course. The students collect numerical data and learn to organize and interpret this data. The students generally like this hands-on approach to the study of science, but parents must realize that this approach differs from the way other subjects are taught.

 

CLASSROOM POLICIES

Class Expectations For us to have a successful year together in science class, you should know what I expect of you.

 

 

In the event that you choose to violate one of the classroom expectations, the following will result:

-       Warning (After three warnings an "N" on your report card)

-       Student Behavior Conference (Automatic "N" on your report card)

-       Parent Communication

-       Parent Conference (Unimproved behavior results in a "U" on your report card)

-       Office Referral  (Automatic "U" on report card)

-       Severe Disruptions or Fighting will result in Office Referral.

 

Class Procedures- See Attachment

 

Grades & Grading

You will receive a letter grade in science based out of total points possible.  You will earn points for: homework (10 pts each), classwork/labs (20 pts. each), composition book checks (20 pts. each), quizzes/tests (100 pts each), lab reports and projects (50 pts. each).

1. Quizzes/Tests: Tests are usually given once a week and cover recent material gone over in class during that time as well as the lab work done in class. Tests may also be given at the conclusion of a unit. A test maybe re-taken for full credit within five schools days for taking the original test by losing four TIGER STRIPE points. Even with test retakes available, students must fully prepare for each and every test or quiz.	A	100-90
	B	89-80
2. Laboratory work: Most days, students will be doing lab activities in class. Each individual student's lab work is graded, although students usually work with other students as lab partners. Since lab work is the main focus of the course, it is difficult to send this type of work home when a student is absent. If a student misses a class when a lab activity is scheduled, they are expected to complete make-up work that corresponds with the laboratory objectives to receive credit for missed class time.	C	79-70
	D	69-65
3. Homework: Most of the time the work the students bring home will be finishing a lab or classwork we are working on. Other times though, there will be selected questions from various sources that will be assigned or a worksheet will be given. The questions are gone over in class the following day and many times the students will see similar questions on tests or quizzes. It is imperative that students read the pages assigned for homework. Too often, students are just starting their assignment when they enter class, and then they wonder why they don’t understand it. Being rushed doesn’t help the thinking process. This is why homework is meant to be done at home, and prior to class. Homework that is turned in after the teacher collects it, results in a loss of one TIGER STRIPE point. So even if the assignment is done, you forget to turn it in on time, or forget it at home will still only cost you a TIGER STRIPE point. Homework turned in later than 5 days will not be accepted.	F	64-below

 

How Can I Succeed in Science?

1.       Turn in your assignments. The sole reason students do not do well in this science class is failure to complete and turn in assignments. Turning in homework is *crucial*..

2.       Take notes in class and spend 10 minutes per night looking back over them. Studying the night before a quiz or a test is not a smart practice. If you determine that you do not understand something, it is hard to find the time to get help if you've discovered this last minute. In addition, all research shows that you remember the material better if you study as you go along.

3.       Ask questions when you do not understand something. As an 8th grader, I expect you to take initiative and come ask for help when you need it. I am available to help you both before and after school. I get here at ~7:15 AM and leave at the earliest at 3:30 PM. Plenty of time to answer questions...

4.       Turn in your assignments. Did I mention this already?

5.       Be skeptical of any results you get in an experiment. Sometimes the answer isn't the most obvious one, and sometimes, I will throw you a red herring to get you to think a bit.

6.       Use the website I've provided you. You can find links to help you understand concepts, labs, or study guides for tests.

7.       Send me an e-mail. I'm a techie geek. If you're having trouble with homework or concepts, e-mail me. I'm very responsive to student e-mails.

8.       Have fun! Whether you want to be a scientist or not, you will always do better in science if you have a good attitude and enjoy yourself. 

9.       Ask for help. If you know you will have difficulty completing an assignment, ask for help. Be proactive in keeping your grade high!

 

Required Class Supplies:

Students should bring these items to class with them every day. Failure to do so will result in students missing opportunities for key instruction. Coming to class without your supplies will result in the loss of a TIGER STRIPE point.

1) Bound Composition book. No spirals.

2) Science section (labeled) in binder.

3) Set of colored pencils (8 colors are plenty).

4) Metric ruler

5) Simple Five-Function Calculator

6) 1 Roll of Scotch Tape

7) Pens and Pencils (no purple or red pens).

8.) Highlighter