Student portfolios(notebooks,folders) are a collection of a student's work.  They contain students' notes, lab reports, hw, and teacher demonstration reports .  Periodically, I will check the portfolio to make sure the students are progressing with the 8th grade curriculum.  In addition, I will conference with the students frequently to update them on their grade and make suggestions for improvements if needed. Portfolios are allowed to go home when necessary to study or complete a lab report, hw, etc.  

The grading system is a point based evaluation of the student.  Students will have the opportunity to earn a determined amount of points for each marking period.  For example, tests will be worth 100 points, while lab reports, demonstrations, and other hands on activities are worth 10 to 30 points depending on the  length and time required to complete the assignment.  Quizzes are worth 20 points and projects range from 30-40 points.  The earned points is then divided by the possible points for the final grade of the marking period. 

Students should keep up with their reading assignments at home.  Most reading tasks will come from the Glencoe Textbook.  However, there will be reading handouts throughout each marking period.  Often, questions for weekly quizzes comes from these readings as well as labs or demonstrations.