Welcome to another school year! I will be your student’s 8th grade science teacher this year. My goal is to prepare your student for high school, so this class may be more rigorous than previous experiences as we take notes, read informational texts, and conduct and present investigations. If you have questions about your student’s performance in my classroom, please feel free to contact me at school; by phone – 967-6200, or by email (link at the top of the page: [email protected]). I am available before school or after school by appointment. I LOOK FORWARD TO AN EXCITING YEAR!
COURSE DESCRIPTION
8th grade Physical Science is a class that is designed to provide hands-on lab experiences that utilize problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in the areas of Physics and Chemistry. The course includes topics such as the Scientific Inquiry, Measurement, Force and Motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Energy, Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, the Behavior of Waves, as well as Radioactivity.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After this course, students will be able to think critically, research global human problems and develop solutions for them, and plan and conduct investigations at a level that will prepare them for high school. This course is not designed to make scientists, but rather to help students become literate in science. The curriculum for this course is aligned with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These have been modified and can be reviewed at http://www.k12.wa.us.
MATERIALS
All students are required to use the following items with them EVERY DAY.
*PLEASE NOTE:*
It is strongly recommended to keep all of your science papers to study for tests, quizzes, and the SEMESTER FINALS.
GRADING SCALE
My grading system utilizes the following scale based on total points offered for a grading period; semester grades are a reflection of total points earned through two quarters and not 50% of the points from both quarters, averaged out.
A = 94-100% A- = 90-93% B+ = 87-89% B = 84-86%
B- = 80-83% C+ = 77-79% C = 74-76% C- = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69% D = 60-66% F = below 60%
*GRADED TASKS*
*MAKE-UP/LATE WORK*
If you are absent (ASB, sports, illness, etc.) it is your responsibility to get the assignment(s) missed from the teacher or arrange a make-up time. I am pretty flexible with late work as long as you communicate with me. Typically, anything over two weeks late will not be accepted.
SAFETY
Safety is a MUST in the science classroom. Each student will receive a list of safety rules to be followed in the lab at all times. Students are encouraged to share this list with their parents.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES/CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN ·
EXTRA CREDIT
Students are given many opportunities throughout the year to earn extra credit. However, if a student is failing, extra credit may not be used to achieve a passing grade.
REMIND.COM
I use a web-based message service to send out assignment/test reminder to students and parents. I would encourage students and parents sign-up for this free service. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO SIGN UP.
CLASSROOM WEBSITE
I have a classroom website where I will be posting links and resources for students to access throughout the year: http://msposton.weebly.com/ and http://postonphysicalscience.weebly.com/ .
COURSE DESCRIPTION
8th grade Physical Science is a class that is designed to provide hands-on lab experiences that utilize problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in the areas of Physics and Chemistry. The course includes topics such as the Scientific Inquiry, Measurement, Force and Motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Energy, Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonding, the Behavior of Waves, as well as Radioactivity.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After this course, students will be able to think critically, research global human problems and develop solutions for them, and plan and conduct investigations at a level that will prepare them for high school. This course is not designed to make scientists, but rather to help students become literate in science. The curriculum for this course is aligned with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements, the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These have been modified and can be reviewed at http://www.k12.wa.us.
MATERIALS
All students are required to use the following items with them EVERY DAY.
- Calculator – We will perform calculations on a daily basis.
- 3-ring binder with Science section clearly marked (for storing science readings)
- Composition notebook for a SCIENCE JOURNAL
- BLUE or BLACK pen or PENCIL – YOU MAY NOT WRITE IN GEL PEN!
- Highlighters
*PLEASE NOTE:*
It is strongly recommended to keep all of your science papers to study for tests, quizzes, and the SEMESTER FINALS.
GRADING SCALE
My grading system utilizes the following scale based on total points offered for a grading period; semester grades are a reflection of total points earned through two quarters and not 50% of the points from both quarters, averaged out.
A = 94-100% A- = 90-93% B+ = 87-89% B = 84-86%
B- = 80-83% C+ = 77-79% C = 74-76% C- = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69% D = 60-66% F = below 60%
*GRADED TASKS*
- Homework/Classwork
- Quizzes/Tests
- Lab and engineering projects
- Team presentations
- Science notebooks
*MAKE-UP/LATE WORK*
If you are absent (ASB, sports, illness, etc.) it is your responsibility to get the assignment(s) missed from the teacher or arrange a make-up time. I am pretty flexible with late work as long as you communicate with me. Typically, anything over two weeks late will not be accepted.
SAFETY
Safety is a MUST in the science classroom. Each student will receive a list of safety rules to be followed in the lab at all times. Students are encouraged to share this list with their parents.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES/CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN ·
- Self-regulation is an expectation in my classroom. If a student acts in a way that is disruptive to the learning of others, or issues of safety are presented; the building discipline matrix will be used. (refer to your student’s STUDENT HANDBOOK).
- Students are expected to be in their seats and ready roll PRIOR to the ringing of the tardy bell.
- Safety is important! Students engaged in risky behavior during lab activities may be removed from class, and will forfeit earning points for the lab.
EXTRA CREDIT
Students are given many opportunities throughout the year to earn extra credit. However, if a student is failing, extra credit may not be used to achieve a passing grade.
REMIND.COM
I use a web-based message service to send out assignment/test reminder to students and parents. I would encourage students and parents sign-up for this free service. CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO SIGN UP.
CLASSROOM WEBSITE
I have a classroom website where I will be posting links and resources for students to access throughout the year: http://msposton.weebly.com/ and http://postonphysicalscience.weebly.com/ .