8th Grade Science
8th Grade Science 24-25’
Mr. Jones
sjones@usr2.com
816-593-2294 Ext. 244
Introduction:
Eighth grade students will learn about Earth, physical, and life sciences to prepare for high school level thinking and prepares them to think outside the box by asking questions, working with others, and finding solutions to the many questions around chemistry, physics, space, and biology. Students will participate in weekly labs and daily discussions to prepare for the rest of their science courses involving interpreting the natural world around them.
Student Expectations:
1. Students will arrive to class before the final bell rings with all materials needed for the day (NO EXCEPTIONS)
2. Students will respect Mr. Jones classroom by following directions and being respectful of lab equipment and classroom materials.
3. Students will respect each other when working in group, individual, and whole class lessons by listening, thinking, and collaborating with others.
4. You are expected to complete all work on time by the due date unless accommodations are made prior with Mr. Jones.
5. Students are responsible for their own work/learning by asking questions, participating in class daily, or making arrangements for tutoring if they need help. Mr. Jones will not hold your hand and answer all you questions, you must take the opportunities given by Mr. Jones to succeed.
Absences:
1. It is the student’s responsibility to receive missed work and make up assignments and notes.
2. Assignments shall be obtained in advance if the absence is planned ahead. It is the student’s responsibility to inform teachers of their absence at least one day in advance to get homework. All assigned work shall be submitted upon returning to school, unless prior arrangements are made with the Mr. Jones.
3. All classroom work (to include tests) shall be completed as indicated by Mr. Jones. Not to exceed 1 day for each day of absence.
Tardiness:
Students will be considered tardy to class if they are not in the classroom ready for class when the tardy bell rings. This means having ALL materials needed for class, if students need to get materials, they will be forced to use a hall pass or receive a tardy when all hall passes are used. Upon receiving 4 tardies in science they will be assessed a 1-hour detention. Anything over will result in further discipline.
Classroom Rules:
1. Follow directions and student expectations set by Mr. Jones.
2. No outside food or drink other than water are allowed in the science classroom
3. No outside technology is allowed in the classroom (see Technology)
4. Be respectful to the teacher, other students, or science materials that are not your own
Lab Safety:
Students will be given a safety contract and complete a safety test in the first week of school to be completed. Students must have the contract signed and returned and pass the test before conducting any lab experiments.
Grades:
Students will be graded under the following four categories and assessed grades by the following weights:
1. 50% Tests and quizzes
2. 25% homework
3. 25% Daily Assignments
Homework:
Students will be given homework weekly with BET due every Friday unless otherwise specified by Mr. Jones. Students will be given homework in advance of the due date. Example: Homework is due Friday they will be given it on Wednesday.
Late Work/Assignments:
Late work will be accepted with a 25% deduction every day past the due date.
Course Outlook:
Quarter 1: Quarter 2:
The Sun-Earth-Moon System Minerals
The Solar System Rocks
Stars and Galaxies Weathering and Soil
Earth’s Structure Erosion and Deposition
Quarter 3: Quarter 4:
Plate Tectonics Earth’s Water
Earth Dynamics Natural Resources
Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Earth’s Atmosphere
Weather and Climate
Textbooks and Equipment:
Students will receive a textbook at the beginning of the year. They are responsible for taking good care of it and its binding and pages. It shall be the responsibility of students to pay for any lost or damaged school property that has been placed in their possession. The cost will be for replacing the lost or damaged items. This includes any lab equipment that was used improperly resulting in damage.
Technology:
Students will be using google classroom to complete BET and other assignments. Any use of the chromebook in my class other than google classroom will result in possible loss chromebook.
Cell Phones:
Students will be required to place their cell phones face down on the designated phone spot at the beginning of class. They will not be permitted. They will be able to gather their cell phone at the end of class when the bell rings.
Students are not allowed to use personal technology devices such as cell phones, headphones, or mp3 players within the classroom. If such devices are used during class period the student will receive a warning and the device will be turned into principal for remainder of day. School handbook outlies further discipline.
Discipline
Students will be held after class for the following:
1. Any negative remark to oneself or others
2. Not following lab safety rules as outline by safety contract.
3. Disrespecting others’ property
4. Not completing required number of exit ticket questions set by Mr. Jones (depends on student’s use of time and understanding)
5. Packing up before being dismissed by Mr. Jones.
Students will be held for a total of one minute for every offense up to three minutes to which they will be assessed a detention to be served with Mr. Jones or other staff member at a disclosed date.
Tutoring/Extra Help:
Tutoring will always be available for students by appointment with Mr. Jones or during seminar second and third quarters.
For Parents:
I love teaching students and seeing them reach heights they may not see themselves. I love when students succeed and see their hard work pay off by developing life skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and inquiry. That is why I set a challenging curriculum and hold students accountable for their learning and actions. If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact me as I would love to help address your concerns and help your student succeed.