Course Syllabus

“The major purpose of the 8th grade science course is to provide all students with science concepts and ideas that build upon the students’ K-7 experience.  The overarching guiding concept for the entire year focuses on the processes that change Earth’s systems at different spatial scales today and also caused changes in the past.”  Emphasis will be placed on Investigation and Experimentation, Next Generation Standards, and ISTE Standards. The 8th grade science class will be an inquiry-based approach and will establish connections between the various disciplines of Earth/Space Science, Physical Science and Life Science.  Interconnections with other curricular areas will also be made.

LETTER GRADES GRADING SCALE

Written and/or oral tests. 100% -  90% OF POINTS = A

Notebooks, Portfolio, Class & Homework 89%   - 80% OF POINTS = B

Projects, Laboratory Activities 79%   - 70% OF POINTS = C

Completing assignments on time. 69%   - 60% OF POINTS = D

Science Fair Project, Science Journal 59%  - 0%   OF POINTS FAIL

WORK HABITS GRADE will reflect:

• Participation during in-class activities; note-taking during class discussions and completion of activities/assignments.

• Student’s ability to be on time; to follow instructions; to use class time wisely; to turn in assignments; to bring adequate and appropriate supplies (Agenda, paper, writing utensils, etc.).

• Missing work – Missing assignments accumulate for the entire semester.

• Three missing assignments in a grading period earns a “U” in Work Habits on a student’s report card.

COOPERATION GRADE will reflect student’s ability to:

• Have a good attitude during in-class activities and respect others’ right to learn.

• Cooperate with fellow classmates, teachers (regular and/or substitute).

• Return tear-off portions of handouts (Class Information Sheet, Course Syllabus, etc.) with a parent/guardian signature.

• Follow classroom procedures, rules, & guidelines which include District Phone Policy. No phones are allowed in class.

• A combination of any three of these policies may result in a “U” in cooperation on a student’s report card.

MARKING PRACTICES

• Late assignments will be accepted up to four days after the due date. After four days, missing assignments become zero.

• Missing assignments within a past grading period cannot be made up unless there are special circumstances and approved.

TUTORING/RETENTION

• Students, who stay for “retention/tutoring”, will be issued a retention/tutoring notice with the time, date & brief explanation for the retention. The time is to be used to make up assignments and to clear zero’s, U’s, etc.

CLASS WEBSITE/Schoology/Creating a Parent Schoology Account

• Classwork, homework and grades will be posted on the Schoology website. Parents should create a Schoology account.

SCIENCE JOURNALS (Online/Hardcopy)

• Students will keep an online/hardcopy journal to document and post assignments. Parents should review the student’s work on a weekly basis. Lost or destroyed journals will need to be replaced.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS:  Need assistance with supplies contact Ms. Burton.

Three Ring Binder with Dividers (1 ½ “) College Ruled Loose Leaf Paper

Science Journal Kleenex (Recommended)

Small Pencil Sharpener (Optional) Colored Pencils (Optional)

Ruler with Metric Measurements Dry Erase Pen (NO EXPOS, NO SHARPIES)

Two Sharpened Pencils Large Eraser (Optional)

Highlighter (Optional) Fun Book to Read (Fiction or Non-Fiction)

SCIENCE AND ENGINEER FAIR PROJECTS due in January!

SCIENCE LABORATORY REGULATIONS AND SAFETY CONTRACT

Los Angeles City Schools have specific regulations and safety rules that must be followed when participating in experimental work in class. The laboratory is to be a safe place to work and learn, therefore the student must be observant and honor lab rules and safety practices. Students must assume responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their classmates. Students who do not observe laboratory and safety rules, will not be allowed to participate in lab activities. Alternate activities will be assigned. Students are to:

• Never perform any experiment without the teacher’s permission and specific directions.

•  Place non required materials under the desk.

• At the completion of labs clean up, return materials to their proper places; keep a clean working space.

• Equipment must be accounted for before dismissal.

• Immediately report any accident, injury, or incorrect procedures to the teacher.

• Food, gum and liquids are not allowed in the science classroom.

CLASS PROCEDURES: DAILY, THE STUDENT WILL:

• Be on time, in their seat, take out needed materials and begin their work.

• Place backpacks/bags and other materials not needed under the table.

• Begin the dispatch activity.

• Take written notes during discussions, videos, lab activities.

• Sit in a chair properly.

• Follow lab safety rules.

• Respect the rights and property of others.

• Raise your hand and get permission before speaking.

• Do not video or take pictures of other students and teachers without permission.

• Class dismissal is by the teacher when:

  • All equipment, supplies, books, etc. are collected and accounted for.

  • Students are quiet and in their seats.

Parents and students read and discuss the contents of the Course Syllabus for 8th grade science class.  We pledge our cooperation, urging the observation and cooperation set forth for the protection, safety and success of all.