HOWELL

8TH GRADE SCIENCE SYLLABUS

2013-2014
Over the course of this year, students will learn to look at their world from a scientific perspective. We will inquire into the topics of biology, physics, and earth science through discussions, labs, activities, and multimedia. MATERIALS NEEDED Science folder Writing utensils (pens, pencils) Lined and graphing paper CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Be Responsible You are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is safe for you, your teacher, and your classmates. Safety procedures will be reviewed before every lab activity, and must be followed closely. Come to class prepared, seated in your assigned seat, and ready to learn! I will provide you with all the tools you need to learn, but it is ultimately up to you to use them. For example... - I will only assign things that help you understand the class material. So it is in your best interest to complete all assignments, even if they wont be collected or graded. - Ask questions. I am here to help YOU, so take advantage! - Review notes and class material daily. You are expected to do your BEST on all assignments. Cheating or plagiarism will NOT be tolerated. You are expected to turn in work that reflects your original thought. Students will receive a zero (0) if they are caught cheating. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the notes from someone, and any assignments you might have missed. - If you miss a quiz, you can make it up at any point before the unit exam. - If you miss an exam/ERQ, you are to make it up the day you return to school. - If you miss a lab, you are to coordinate with Mrs. Howell about completing it another time. Be Respectful Respect your teacher You are to listen and follow Mrs. Howells instruction at ALL times. When I am talking, you are to be quiet and refrain from any disruptive behavior. Respect your classmates You are expected to treat your classmates with respect and decency at ALL times. You must show consideration for their space, their work, and their viewpoints, even if they are different than your own.

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Respect the room - You are expected to help keep the room as clean and organized as possible. Do not leave trash around the room, write on tables, or purposefully damage class materials. - You are not to access the supply closet, cabinets, or drawers without Mrs. Howells permission. Be Engaged Learning is not a spectator sportyou are expected to be active participants in the classroom! That means... - No sleeping, no electronic devices (unless otherwise specified), no personal conversations during instruction Discussions, questions, and commentary are welcomed and encouraged as long as they are appropriate and non-disruptive. Please raise your hand if you wish to contribute. In addition, students are expected to obey all schools rules outlined in the student handbook. GRADING This year we will be following Standards Based Grading. This means that your grade is based on mastery of the contentnot participation, organization, or completion (although, these behaviors are expected, and necessary for your success). Grading breakdown is as follows: Quizzes 35% Short quizzes will be given throughout the unit to determine if you have mastered the standard. If you do not grasp the standard right away, you will have the opportunity to make up that quiz grade before the end of the unit. Labs 30% There will be at least one hands-on lab per unit, with an accompanying lab sheet/report. Labs are where the science happens, so you are expected to actively participate! Tests & ERQs 35% Tests and Extended Response Questions (ERQs) happen at the end of every unit. They will consist of multiple choice, and short answer questions. In addition, there will be a midterm exam worth 10%, and a final exam worth 20% of the final grade. Please contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns that may arise Kristin Howell kristin.howell@shelby.kyschools.us (502) 647-1160 ext. 1519 www.mrshowellsscience.weebly.com

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-----Please turn in the following to Mrs. Howell----Students I, ______________________, have read and understood the syllabus for Mrs. Howells 8th grade Science Class. I will cooperate with Mrs. Howell, and the policies and procedures explained in this syllabus so that I might learn to my fullest potential in this class. Student Signature: ____________________________________

Parents I, _____________________, parent/guardian of ______________________ have read and understand the syllabus for Mrs. Howells 8th grade Science Class. I will cooperate with Mrs. Howell, and the policies and procedures explained in this syllabus so that my child might learn to their fullest potential in this class. Parent/Guardian Signature: ______________________________ What is the best way to contact you about your students progress?