Welcome to Science Class!

8th Grade Student Expectations

 

Welcome to 8th grade Science Class!

Mrs. Burns – Room 30

Required Materials:

      ALWAYS bring the following required materials to class everyday unless you are told otherwise.

    1. Science Textbook  (MUST BE COVERED) – The textbook we are using this year is called Issues and Physical Science (IAPS)
    2. Science Notebooks – (2 one-subject notebooks; 1 for notes and 1 for labs)
    3. Folder (pocket or 3-ring binder)
    4. Writing utensil (pen / pencil) – *in addition: a highlighter or different color pen will be helpful in class as well.
    5. Any assignments needed.
    6. Planner

      Each student has their own textbook and should take it home to complete homework and reading assignments. They are not to be left in the classroom. Textbooks must be brought to class everyday. IF YOU ARE ABSENT, YOU are responsible for getting any missed assignments, notes, or lab data missed from your lab group or the teacher.

**NOTE – Any of these listed required materials missing in class, will result in the student being unprepared for the day. After three times, this will be a write up for disciplinary action. This is school policy.

BEGINNING/ENDING OF CLASS

1.  Be on time for class.  If you are late for ANY reason, you will be marked as late on
     PowerSchool.
2.  Upon entering the room, take out your science text, folder, notebook, and pencil.

     Leave all other materials in your bag or purse and on the floor, not in the aisle.
3.  Go to your locker before or after class.  You will NOT be permitted to go to your

     locker at any time during the class period.
4.  Clean up your desk and the area around you before leaving.
5.  If completing a lab, be sure all equipment is cleaned and put away properly.  The

     lab table should be as neat as you found it.

6.  Write down your homework assignment in your planner.

Evaluation / Grades:

  • All grades will be based on tests, quizzes – announced and unannounced, collected work which may include any projects, lab assignments, daily inquiry logs, homework, and notebooks.  Grades will be based on a point system.

      A zero will be given for all homework assignments that are not turned in on their due date.

      The only exception is when you have an excused absence from school.  Then you will be
     given the opportunity to make-up the work for full credit.

      If you miss class for any reason (excused or unexcused), you are responsible for getting the
     work and having it completed for the due date.

      One letter grade per day will be taken from projects that are turned in late.  No project will be
      accepted more than 5 days after the due date.

      Check PowerSchool regularly to keep track of your grade.

Lab / Activities:

  • Lab activities will be announced 2-3 days in advance. Lab rules will be discussed prior to the first lab experiment. If you are absent the day of a lab activity, you must talk to the teacher the day you return to see about make-up arrangements.

Homework:

  • Homework is assigned on a regular basis and may be collected and / or checked.  Homework may be assigned 3-4 nights a week, this includes reading and review assignments. Late homework WILL NOT be accepted and will result in no credit for the assignment (O).

**Class preparation and class participation are very important to your success. If you contribute in class and are well prepared, your grades will improve.

**A “0” will be used in PowerSchool when a student is absent until the assignment is made up.

Behavior:

  • All school rules / policies will be enforced in class. Students must obey all classroom / school rules, as well as Lab Safety Rules, failure to do so will result in exclusion from lab (resulting in an alternate assignment, as well as loss of credit for the activity) in addition to possible teacher detention or write-up. This includes wearing all safety equipment at all times (i.e. goggles / apron).
  • Students need to attend class on time, every day.
  • Respect, responsibility, and honesty are expected of every student. This includes respect for the teacher, other students, and others’ property.
  • Behavior problems will not be accepted nor tolerated. Bullying and inappropriate actions or conduct in this classroom will not be accepted and immediately addressed.
  • Respect the environment, supplies, and equipment. Clean up after yourself, and place things back in the place where you found them. Disrespect of property, will result in loss of privileges.

**Students may make-up labs, missed assignments, tests, quizzes, or get extra help at any time by making arrangements with me at least one day in advance.

Course Outline:

We will be covering the following topics this year in 8th Grade Science:

                        *GRAPHING (constructing and interpreting graphs)
                        *STUDYING MATERIALS SCIENTIFICALLY (hazardous materials, metric
                              system)
                        *CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS (physical and chemical properties, periodic
                              table, molecules, polymers)
                        *WATER (properties of water, water treatment, acids and bases)
                        *ENERGY (conservation, energy transfer and transformations, solar energy)
                        *FORCE AND MOTION (speed, motion graphs, Newton’s Laws)
                        *ASTRONOMY (seasons, moon phases, tide cycle)

PARENTS: Please feel free to email me at school or call if you have any questions or concerns throughout the school year. I have an open door policy, and am here to help in any way I can. I look forward to having a great year!

cburns@psdnet.org

540-6200 ext 3430

Thank–you,

Mrs. Burns