SYLLABUS FOR MR. MAGEE'S 8TH GRADE SCIENCE

contact: kmagee2@ebrschools.org






Instructor: Mr. Ken Magee Phone: 225.388.0089

Room: 814 Email: kmagee2@ebrschools.org

Conference Times: M-F 1:00pm-2:45pm                   Website:https://sites.google.com/                                                

                                                        ebrschools.org/mrmagee--science/home


8th Grade SCIENCE


Course Description.  This year, 8th Grade science will base its curriculum from Amplify Science. Amplify Science blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and develop arguments like real scientists and engineers.  This science course will focus on the studies of energy and matter, geologic structures and forces, natural disasters, chemical reactions, DNA,genetics, evolutionary history, along with how natural and human impacts shape our world.  By the end of the school year, students should gain an appreciation of how science incorporates all subject matter, as students will learn about science history, and will develop writing and mathematical skills related to science.


Google Classroom Code. Google Classroom course codes will be made available on the first day of school. Write down your Google Classroom code here: ________________.


Required Texts. Textbooks will NOT be issued for this class as everything is computer-based.


Course Overview*

Units of Study

UNIT 1:  Geology on Mars

UNIT 2:  Plate Motion

UNIT 3:  Plate Motion Engineering Internship

UNIT 4:  Rock Transformations

UNIT 5:  Thermal Energy

UNIT 6:  Natural Selection 

UNIT 7:  Natural Selection Engineering Internship

UNIT 8:  Evolutionary History

*The sequence and/or subject of units may change at the discretion of the teacher.


Supplies (Bonus points will be given for the following items. Due date is Friday, August 15:

The following supplies should be brought to class everyday:


Communication. Communication between the teacher, students, and parents is imperative for the success of the student.  Please contact me at the email above or call the phone number above if you would like to discuss the performance of your student.  



Assessments. Assessments are an important tool for measuring student achievement and growth. Assessments for this course will fall under the categories listed.

Quiz. Points will vary. Quizzes will cover each of the unit topics. There will be announced quizzes and unannounced quizzes.

Pretest. Pretests are given to measure the amount of knowledge a student has about a topic before the unit begins and are not graded on accuracy, however bonus points may be given for completion of the pretest.  A district pretest will be given at the beginning of the school year.

Unit Test. 100 points. These tests are a combination of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Study guides are typically given for unit tests. 

Semester Exam. 150 points. This is a district-made test that includes material from the entire first semester. A study guide will be issued for this test.\

Final Exam. 200 points. This is a district-made test that includes material from the entire school year. A study guide will be issued for this test

LEAP 2025. State testing for 8th grade social studies assesses all content knowledge for this course. McKinley Middle typically administers LEAP 2025 during the latter part of April.  I will post the actual date of the LEAP test as soon as I get it.

NOTE: Bonus Points I do like students to depend on bonus points to enhance their grades. Therefore, I will only offer opportunities for bonus points a couple of time during the school year.

  


GRADING:

McKinley Middle Academic Magnet uses the following 10-point grading scale:

A: 90% and above

B: 80-89%

C: 70-79%

D: 60-69%

F: 59% and below


Please access JCampus for all grades and assignments. NOTE: A grade of 0X is entered into JCampus for any assignment that was not completed on time.  A 0X is simply a temporary grade and reminds the student, parents/guardians and myself that an assignment needs to be made up. Once the assignment is submitted and graded, the 0X will be replaced with the grade earned without penalty, provided the work was turned in accordance with the make-up/late work policy as described below.  


Missed Assignments

Missed assignments may be turned in for full credit and are due the amount of days that the student missed class.  For example, if a student was out sick for three days, then the student has three days from the time they return to school to earn full credit.  It is the student’s responsibility to recognize that they have missed an assignment and need to turn in the work.  No matter what the reason, STUDENTS ARE STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLETING missed assignments!  This includes missing class due to SCHOOL FUNCTIONS such as performances or sporting events.  I will not give daily reminders to students that they are missing assignments.  If a missed assignment is not submitted by the deadline for submitting late work, the 0X will be replaced with a permanent score of zero for that assignment in JCampus.


Discipline Procedures. Infraction offenses are based on minor infractions (talking, eating/drinking, not doing class assignment). 

Minor Infractions:

First offense. The student will receive a verbal warning.

Second offense. Infraction and student/teacher conference.

Third offense. The student will receive an infraction and Big Break detention.

Fourth offense. Infraction and parental contact

Fifth offense. Infraction and office referral

Major Infractions:

Major offenses (Fighting, willful disobedience, Horseplay, Using fragrant lotions/creams,etc.), will result in immediate referral to Ms. Daigle. NOTE: A Rules and Expectation form is also being sent home for signature.  Please review the Rules and Expectation form with your student and return the signature page.



Mr. Magee

8th Grade Science

McKinley Middle Academic Magnet

kmagee2@ebrschools.org