What to Expect (Science):
All 8th grade students will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment in the spring. In order to prepare for this test, we will be covering the middle school Next Generation Science Standards through the Elevate Science series. All students will be given a workbook to use as their textbook that is meant to be written in. The class will be taught so that students are given the opportunity to explore the various lessons through readings, discussions, interactive labs, hands-on activities, group-work and class projects. This class will focus on basics of the following topics:
Building Blocks of Matter (atoms/periodic table/chemical reactions)
Forces and Motion
Genes and Heredity
Life on Earth (and how it’s changed over time)
Climate
Solar System and Universe
As the school year progresses, I may need to adjust some of these topics to best fit the needs of the students.
What to Expect (Technology):
8th grade students will use a portion of each class period to further enhance their skills in technology. They will continue to work on becoming proficient in typing. They will also be exploring other areas of the Google platform, including but not limited to, Google slides, sheets, calendars, etc.
School Supplies Needed Daily:
Science textbook/workbook
Pencils
Spiral/composition notebook
Charged Chromebook
Three ring binder specific to science class (to keep papers/notes organized)
Student Responsibilities:
Be Respectful! This includes being respectful to your teacher, your classmates, and yourself. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and will be dealt with immediately.
Be Kind! We will be collaborating regularly in science class. Bullying will NOT be tolerated.
Be Responsible! Bring your supplies with you every day. Pick up after yourself (throw away trash, keep your area clean, push in chair, etc).
Stay on Task! Take daily notes and participate in class discussions. Focus. Ask questions. Use your time wisely.
Safety First! Follow all instructions and procedures carefully. This will ensure your success in the classroom and any lab activities.
**Food/Drink/Gum Policy:
Students are allowed to bring water bottles only into the classroom. Food, drinks other than water, and gum are not allowed in the classroom.
**Refer to the BGS handbook for a complete list of school rules.
Mr. McKown’s Responsibilities:
Prepare for class every day.
Challenge my students to learn, both individually and collaboratively.
Hold students accountable for their work.
Be available for my students. Again - please don’t hesitate to ask if you need something.
Contact parents with any student concerns.
Grading Policy:
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 and below
Grades will be calculated using total points as opposed to weighted averages.
Your grade in this class will be based on classwork, homework, unit tests, quizzes, projects, lab assignments, and participation. Grading is on a point system, with assignments/classwork being of low value and tests/projects/labs being of high value.
Please monitor your progress consistently through Skyward.
Absences/Missed Assignments:
When you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to make up any work that is missed. Lecture presentations, assignments, lab make-ups, and rubrics/guidelines can be found in google classroom. If there are handouts you are missing, please see me.
All students are given the same number of days as they are absent to complete and return make-up work.
Late work is accepted within reasonable limits, however work will only be accepted up until the unit test has taken place. After the unit test, any uncompleted work will be recorded as an F, per the BGS handbook.