8^th grade Science Course Syllabus

Teacher: Mrs. Ashley Davis email: ashley.davis@stwendelin.org

Required Supplies: Three ring binder, composition book or spiral bound notebook, loose-leaf notebook paper, pencils, green ink pen, colored pencils.

Course Overview:

This is a basic, comprehensive physical and life science course. We will begin by studying our universe and then narrow our scope to the Earth’s structure. We will switch gears and cover basic genetics and physics during the second semester. Special emphasis will be placed on science and technology as well as science in society. Throughout the year we will utilize the scientific method through various activities including laboratories.

Grading:

Tests/Projects: 40%

Quizzes: 20%

Classwork/Labs: 25%

Homework: 15%

Tests/Projects

Typically, tests will be given at the end of each chapter and will be saved in a folder to serve as study guides for the semester exams. Semester exams will be given and will count as 20% of the semester grade. Students will be assigned two major projects over the course of the school year, one during the first quarter and the second during the third quarter.

Quizzes

Both announced and unannounced quizzes will be given in this class, so it is important that students keep up with the assigned work and reading.

Classwork/Labs

Labs as well as other classwork (i.e. worksheets, journals, boardwork, etc.) will be performed often. Labs and classwork are expected to be completed legibly, neatly, and completely. All classwork and labs are due the next class meeting unless otherwise assigned.

Homework

Homework (i.e. questions from the text, teacher generated materials, worksheets, etc.) will be given as part of this course. This includes classwork not completed in class. Work is due the next class meeting unless otherwise assigned. Late work will NOT be accepted.

Class Participation:

Each student will start with 100 points, or an “A”. Points will be deducted periodically for class infractions such as tardiness, unpreparedness, class disruptions, etc. Each offense will result in a deduction of three points. At the end of the grading period, if a student is very close to getting a letter grade higher, the participation grade will be evaluated. If the participation grade is at least the letter grade a student is close to, the student will be given the next higher grade.

Assessment:

A= 100%-93% B= 92%-85% C=84%-77%

D= 76%-70% F= below 70%

Class Rules:

1. Follow directions the first time given.

2. Be responsible and arrive to class on time with all needed materials.

3. Be respectful of yourself, peers, teachers, faculty and school.

4. Be ready for the day’s activities when the bell rings.

5. Follow all rules outlined in the St. Wendelin handbook.

Classroom Procedures:

Students will have a bellwork assignment EVERY DAY! Students are expected to begin this assignment when the bell rings on their own. This means that immediately upon entering the classroom, he/she begins preparing for the day’s activities. The agenda will be on the board and students are expected to read it upon entering the classroom. Students should gather all necessary materials and complete things like sharpening pencils and throwing things away, so that when the bell rings students are seated and busy working on the assignment. This does not mean that when the bell rings students are fumbling around for paper and pencils and up out of their seats. Students are expected to remain seated from bell to bell unless given permission to be out of their seats by the teacher. This includes borrowing supplies from other students.

Students who come to class unprepared need not ask me for things to borrow. Sharing writing utensils and other items contributes to the spread of germs and I do not wish to spend the school year sniffling.

Students who rock back in their chairs will do so at their own risk. I will not waste my time reminding students to sit in their chairs properly- consider yourself warned!

Students are responsible for knowing due dates and knowing what the homework is. All assignments and due dates will be posted in the classroom and students are expected to read it! Students are also responsible for keeping track of all assignments and handouts. I generally have a few extra copies of any material I pass out in class, however, when that finite supply runs out, students will be required to HAND COPY the material.

Students are expected to keep track of their own progress throughout the school year. Students and parents will be able to access student class averages online, therefore, I will not waste precious class time looking up grades for students. Students may make an appointment with me, or may see me after school to discuss grades.

What to do if you are absent from my class:

Students who have an excused absence from my class are responsible for getting the work missed and turning in overdue materials (including homework and classwork due on the day you missed). You must see me the first day back to school even if we do not have a class meeting on that day. Students are given the amount of time they are absent to make up work. For example, if a student misses two days of school, he/she will have two days to make up and turn in the missed work. If a test or quiz was scheduled on the day the student was absent, he/she must contact me on the first day back to schedule a make-up time.

What to do if you would like help with an assignment or with studying:

I will be available every day after school and by appointment during the last two blocks (per. 6 & 8) on even days for any student with questions regarding the material. Students may also reach me by phone, before 9p.m.

Mrs. Davis: 912.656.7251