SYLLABUS

Benjamin Franklin High School

8th Grade Science Syllabus


Instructor: Mr. Malgradi Classroom: 221

Class Times: Periods 0, 3, 5, 6

Email: jmalgradi@bfcsaz.com Webpage: https://sites.google.com/bfcsaz.com/bfhsmalgradi/home

Tutoring: available during conference, after school from 2:30-3:00, by appointment.

Message from Your Instructor:

It is my desire to share passion & love of Science with each one of my students. We will read, discuss, perform experiments and labs pertaining to the lessons, and hopefully, get totally immersed in it. We will explore, in class, the world around us. I want to help my students to see the beauty in that which is not easily seen, and to appreciate that which often times goes overlooked, yet has a great impact on our daily lives. This exploration will be exhilarating and challenging, which will give rise to great discourse, frustration, as well as laughter! I promise that I will do my part to make it a great experience. However, students must also do their part in the learning process. There will be daily reading assignments. There will be notes to take and homework to do. There will be daily graded bell work. I will expect every student to study for the exams and to be prepared for class each day! Great participation does not mean just answering questions – it also means asking pertinent questions for clarification. I have found in my years of teaching that when one student asks a question, there are usually a handful of other students having the same concern. Please ask questions! You may be helping so many others in the process.

Parents, as a parent myself, I understand the feeling of confusion and of being in the dark regarding what goes on during the school day. Often times our conversations with our children leave us feeling even more confused. If you ever have questions or concerns, please email me. I would also appreciate it if you do it sooner than later! I am one to nip concerns before they become problems or get blown out of proportion. We all know that good communication is key to better relationships, and that holds just as true in academia. I, as well, will let you know as quickly as I can if there are any issues that occur during my class with your child. This will be an exceptional year for all of us!

Course Overview

Benjamin Franklin High School employs a modified block schedule. The class meets four days a week. Three days a week are classes of regular length. Wednesday and Thursday are block days so class is longer. Wednesday 1st, 3rd and 5th hour classes will meet; on Thursday, my 2nd, 4th , and 6th hour classes are scheduled.

Evaluation (Quarterly)

Tests (in-class, take-home and daily quizzes) 40%

Labs (completion of lab activities during lab periods) 30%

Homework (daily readings, written assignments, notes) 20%

Participation (includes such areas as preparedness, behavior, attitude. 10%

Semester grades will be determined as follows:

Semester 1: Quarter 1 = 40%; Quarter 2 = 40%; Final Exam = 20%

Semester 2: Quarter 3 = 40%; Quarter 4 = 40%; Final Exam = 20%

90-100% = A; 80-89%=B; 70-79%=C; 60-69%=D; 0-59%=F

Assessments

  • A baseline test will be given at the beginning and end of the school term in order to measure progress.

  • Daily quizzes will be given to evaluate nightly reading and written assignments.

  • Chapter tests will be administered at the conclusion of each chapter.

  • Midterm tests will be given after 1st and 3rd quarter. The final will be given at the end of the second semester.

Quizzes

Students will be given quizzes the day after a reading assignment to ensure that they are completing it. Quizzes will also evaluate whether the students are completing their Guided Readings themselves.

Participation

I want students to participate so they can learn from each other. We know that active involvement in learning increases what is remembered, how well it is assimilated, and how the learning is used in new situations. In making statements to peers about their own thoughts on a topic, students must articulate those thoughts and also submit them to examination by others. In listening to their peers, students hear many different ways of interpreting and applying class materials, and thus are able to integrate many examples of how to use the information. Especially in a course that stresses application of material, extensive participation in class discussions is an essential element of students’ learning.

Homework

Homework will be assigned every night, including weekends and holidays. Homework is due at the beginning of class on its due date. Work not completed by the assigned time shall be considered late. No late work will be accepted. Daily reading assignments are outlined on the Google page and class whiteboard and are due the next day. Written assignments are given in conjunction with the reading assignments. Homework will be posted on the class website for your convenience.

Absent and Late Work

It is required that all assignments be completed. All students shall be provided two days for each day of absence to make up missed assignments. Work not completed by the assigned time shall be considered late. No late work will be accepted. Homework will be posted on the class website for your convenience - If you are going to be absent, please visit the website for your homework . The student will be responsible for taking notes directly from the assigned reading sections of the book.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity at all times, and to adhere to the Charger way! An Academic Honesty contract must be signed by each student. Per the Student Handbook, Academic Integrity and expectation is clearly outlined.

Required Materials: these should be brought to class every day

  • many pencils (lead if mechanical)

  • erasers

  • correcting pens (Red Only)

  • 1.5” to 2” inch binder specific to Science ONLY

  • Dividing pockets with labels for Notes, Questions and Bell Work, written assignments, Labs, and Tests

  • highlighters

  • Twistable crayons or colored pencils


PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN BY FRIDAY, July 29th, 2022

Mr. Malgradi Science Syllabus

Your signatures below ensures that you have read, understood, and agreed to the contents mentioned therein.



STUDENT NAME _______________________________________________________ Period ______


STUDENT SIGNATURE_________________________________________________ Date ________


PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ____________________________________ Date ________


PARENT EMAIL ___________________________________________

PHONE # (_____)_______________