In this course, students will be introduced to, learn, and demonstrate understanding of the following objectives:

• the proper handling and use of laboratory materials, equipment, chemicals, and safety equipment

• the structure & properties of atoms

• the organization of the Periodic Table of the Elements

• the properties of chemical reactions

• the method for writing and balancing chemical equations

• ​the properties of matter in regards to motion, energy, and forces

• Sir Issac Newton's three laws of motion and their applications

• The natural internal and external forces that shape and change the Earth 's surface

• Earth and space systems, astronomy, and cosmology

• living systems, ecology, and the impact on natural environments

• experimental design, investigation, and recording observations

These objectives are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), adopted and approved by the State Board of Education and correspond to the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Science Test (administered in April 2019) and incorporate all of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for eighth grade science. For a complete listing of the TEKS please visit the Texas Education Agency.

In addition to personal materials such as a backpack, binder/organization system, students will need the following physical materials for this course:

• Chromebook

• Earbuds

• Mask

• Hand Sanitzer for personal use (optional)

Students will need the following digital/electronic materials and access for virtual/at-home learning:

• Computer/Laptop/mobile device with webcam

• High-Speed internet access

• Audio Headphones or ear buds

• Access to Google Meets teleconference platform

• Access to Google Suite applications

Students will be permitted to use their own Smartphones or Smart Devices in the classroom at appropriate times and only at the discretion of the teacher. Additional required materials will be needed for student projects throughout the year. Students will be informed about all materials required in advance. It is the responsibility of each student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to make arrangements to obtain the necessary supplies for their project. For extenuating circumstances, please contact me via email at matthewsl@greenvilleisd.com or school telephone.

All students are expected to maintain the highest standard of behavior in class. Classroom Rules and Social Contracts are posted in the classroom and must be followed at all times. Deviating from this expectation will result in disciplinary actions. Please refer to the Greenville Middle School Student Handbook & Code of Conduct for more information.

It is essential for success that all students attend all classes and are consistent in completing and submitting their classwork on-time. Eighth grade science is an experience-based class. Students not present for demonstrations, labs, activities, projects, and discussions are at a disadvantage. Students will not be able to make up lab activities. In the event of an emergency, students absent for a lab or activity may be given an alternative assignment. A student will have as many school days to complete their make-up work as he or she was absent. For example, if a student is absent two days, when the student returns, they will have two school days to complete missed instruction and work. Students are responsible for checking the class website (or their agenda) to see what they missed, what assignments they must complete, and obtain any handouts required from the website or classroom file.

Students are expected to turn in all work completed and on-time. Work turned in late or that is incomplete will be penalized in accordance with the district’s grading policy, (unless otherwise approved by administration and/or the teacher):

• Assignment turned in complete and on-time: up to Full Credit

• One day late, maximum - up to 90% Credit

• ​Two days late, maximum - up to 80% Credit

• Three days late, maximum - up to 70% Credit

• Four or more days, maximum - up to 50% Credit

This policy is in place for the students’ benefit. Work is assigned to increase understanding of the material, guide the student towards mastery of the content, and to assess the student's growth and knowledge. Work not completed in a timely manner will lose its effectiveness.

There are two types of grade classifications:

1. Daily grades (30% of total grade average)

2. Major grades (70% of total grade average)

​Daily grades and homework grades are weighted as one, which means that grade counts one time for the calculation of the student’s average. .

Monitoring skyward on a regular basis, will help students keep track if an assignment is missing or graded correctly.

This is another way for parents to keep track of student classroom performance. If a student has a question about a grade, he/she must be able to produce the document in question, with the time stamp in which it was turned in to google classroom. Parents/Guardians may also register for Family Access which will allow you to check your student’s average and see individual assignment grades. See the office staff for additional information on Skyward Family Access or CLICK HERE to request access.

The class website is frequently updated with current information in order to help students and parents access agendas, assignments, notes, test reviews, and other information. Please check the website at least weekly for updates.

Please refer to the Flinn Scientific Student Safety Contract. Students and parents/guardians must sign the lab safety contract, indicating understanding and compliance. Students will not be allowed to participate in lab activities until the lab safety contract is signed and returned. Students that choose to be disruptive or demonstrate unsafe behaviors during a lab will be assigned a zero (0) for the laboratory experiment and will be immediately removed from the lab. In addition, they will be referred to the Assistant Principal.

The lab can be a hazardous place and it is vital that students act responsibly in order to ensure all students’ safety. Students may lose lab privileges based on behavior issues. Students may be given a pre-lab assignment. This assignment must be completed before coming to class the day of the lab. If a student does not complete the pre-lab assignment, he/she will work on the pre-lab during the lab and will receive an alternate assignment. They will not participate in the lab activity.

Students are responsible for all aspects of their learning. They must bring their materials to class, take notes, complete all assignments, and study for exams. It is also the student’s responsibility to make sure he/she comes to tutorials if needed, asks or emails me for help, and gets make-up work completed and returned in a timely manner. I want each student to be successful and will do all I that I can to help.