Syllabus
- 8th Grade Science Mrs. Mitchell (623) 445-8262 room 602 [email protected]
2013-2014 Norterra Canyon
Welcome to 8th grade Science at Norterra Canyon. I am looking forward to an exciting year. In the 1st semester we will develop your understanding of the physical and chemical processes that occur in our natural world by focusing on the Physical Sciences. Second semester we will dive into the Life Sciences where we will study cell division; DNA: genetics and environmental issues. Our studies will help us make informed decisions on issues affecting us and our planet.
The adventure begins with a week of rituals and routines needed for successful participation in science class. The inquiry process will establish the basis for your learning in science. As we progress, we will engage in the personal and social perspectives in science. We will also engage in learning strategies that will help you understand science concepts. You will be able to use these strategies in many of your classes this school year.
We will be using hands-on activities, small & large group activities, and individual and group projects to get excited about science
Attached is a list of classroom expectations and procedures, please read them carefully and go over them with your parent. They need to be signed by both student and parent and returned to participate in labs.
Expectations
We will practice Pirate PRIDE in order to create a productive learning environment, so that I can teach, so that you can learn, so that we can all be successful.
Perseverance leads to success. When you encounter challenges, don’t give up find a way to overcome them. You will fail only if you stop trying, as long as you are working toward a goal, you are improving.
Respect everyone’s right to learn. This includes your classmates, your teachers, and yourself! Participate in class activities with a positive attitude. Listen when others are talking, and share your ideas when it is your turn. When we work together, we all learn more.
Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Be truthful. Accept responsibility for your actions. Practice random acts of kindness. When you see something that needs to be done, step up and help out.
Diversity makes life interesting. Value the unique characteristics of others. We are like pieces of a puzzle, when our individual differences are put together, we are stronger as a group. Always treat others with respect, kindness, and consideration.
Excellence is achieved through hard work and determination. Set your goals high, give your best effort, and strive toward continuous improvement.
Consequences for not following school and classroom rules will depend on the severity of the situation but may include a warning, seat change, behavior report, sent to another classroom, phone call home, lunch detention, student and parent conferences or a referral to the office.
Daily Classroom Procedures
1. Come in quietly and begin filling out your agenda.
2. Begin the Bell work assignment that is on the board.
3. Assignments need to have your name, date, and period on the top.
4. You may get a tissue, throw away trash, or sharpen a pencil any time during class except when I or anyone else is speaking to the class. When I am instructing the class you may not get out of your seat, talk to your neighbor, or anything that would distract for the lesson.
5. If you finish an assignment before the end of class and others are still working, you may read your book. You may not talk to others, as it distracts those who are still working.
6. The teacher dismisses the class not the bell or the clock.
Lab Activities: Lab materials or equipment that is destroyed because of horsing around or malicious intent will result in the student being responsible for the cost to replace material and lose further opportunities to participate in lab activities.
Curriculum: We will be studying a variety of exciting science concepts in class this year. We will use labs, lectures, notes,dvds, demonstrations and readings from the text books. There are seven concepts students will need to understand to pass 8th grade science. This science course will be aligned to the Arizona Academic Content Standards for Middle School Science (visit http://www.ade.state.az.us).
Concepts Quarter
-Physics 1
-Newton’s Laws
Laws of Motion
-States of Matter 2
-Periodic Table
-Cellular Division 3
-Human Heredity
-Life Adaptations 4
Suggested Materials (to be brought to class every day)
· -
School Agenda - ·
Science Text - ·
Pencils and erasers - ·
Blue or black pens - ·
Spiral notebook 1 subject for
science - Ccolored pencils, crayolas, or
markers - Flash drive
Homework: Time is provided in class for you to work on assignments. Anything that is not completed during class time will be homework. Unless otherwise instructed, all answers should be written in complete sentences.
Graded Work: Students need to keep all graded work in their science note book for each quarter. This policy is to protect them in case they have any questions about a grade or missing assignment. This year they will be able to log in to Power Schools to check their own progress. Grades are divided into 3 categories as follows: Tests/Quizzes, Science Note book, Lab activities//projects. Grades will be weighted as follows: Test/Quizzes 70%, Classroom Science Note book, lab activities/projects 20%, homework 10%.
Agenda: Students are provided with an agenda in which to record assignments and other important school information. They are required to have their agenda with them every day. They are to be filled out every time a student leaves the room.
Absences and Make-up work: When absent, it is the student’s responsibility to obtain the missed work. The weeks activities are written on the board and all assignments are listed in the RED Daily Assignment notebook on the front counter. Any missed notes or handouts are in the Black trays by the door and are labeled with the day of the week. Check the notebook first for the complete list of work missed. A copy of the notes if taken that day will be available for the student to copy into their notebook. Students have one day for each day absent to complete the work and turn it in.
Copying: Copying or allowing others to copy your work will result in zero points for the assignment for all students involved.
Please return this form by Friday August 16, 2013