8th Grade Science Information and General Expectations | 24- 25
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mr. Cinti
Email: rcinti@cksvt.org
Office Hours: If you have any questions and would like to meet outside of class time email me and make an appointment.
CLASS Meeting Times
Monday: 10:25 – 11:45 (80 Minutes)
Tuesday: 8:10 – 9:30 (80 Minutes)
Thursday: 10:25 – 11:05 (40 Minutes)
CLASS MATERIALS
Lab Notebook
Bring your lab notebook to class everyday. You will use this notebook to enter all of your investigation information such as title, experimental design, methods, results, reflections, and conclusions. All your lab work will be handwritten in your lab notebook.
Index card box with 3x5 cards.
You will also be given an index card box with 3x5 cards. When you use up your index cards, you are responsible for purchasing new ones. These cards will be where you include definitions for important vocabulary. You are welcome to use these cards during assessments.
If you use up these supplies you will need to purchase a replacement.
• Super Stacker Index Card Box 3X5 Card Box
• Oxford Heavyweight Ruled Index Cards, 3" x 5", White, 100 Per Pack
The e-textbook is free and available through the link. The textbook provides complementary information and is an excellent source on content.
The textbook for the class is online and free. The textbook is online and It's called CK-12 Science for Middle School. All tests in the class will come from content found in instructional videos and laboratory experiments. The e-textbook however is an excellent enrichment and can be a source of important definitions for vocabulary . Included in the syllabus are reading assignments from the e-textbook. Important terms will be provided in a list and you are required to make a 3x5 card for each of these terms.
• The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson
GRADING POLICY: EVALUATION
Your Class grades are found on RenWeb
Though assignments are posted on Google classroom grades are found on RenWeb.
Your class trimester grade will be determined by a point system from scores accumulated in labs, taking notes on YouTube instructional videos and tests. Grades will be determined on the percentage of the total possible points. Grades will be determined on the following percentage of the total possible points.
97-100 A+ 94-96 A 90-93 A- 87-89 B + 84-86 B 80-83 B - 77-79 C + 74-76 C 70-73 C - 67-69 D + 64-66 D 60-63 D - 0-59 F
Your trimester grades will be determined on the following percentage of the total possible points. All assignments are assigned several points. If you calculate the total number of points, you have accumulated and divide by the total number of points possible, multiply by 100 you will have a percentage.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Note: All instructional video assignments are due the next class period. There is no late work policy in this class.
That means if assigned on a Tuesday you have till Thursday to complete the assignment and if assigned on Thursday it would be due Monday. Please try to do a little every night and you are also welcome to work ahead.
If you should ever need additional time to complete the assignment you must email and ask permission for the extended time.
There is a no late work policy in this class and if you simply do not submit any required work it will be marked as zero.
If you email a request I will accept the notes and give them full credit when they have been submitted.
What does it mean to take notes? What is Annotating?
When viewing instructional screencast videos, you need to think of yourself like you were in class.
An annotation is extra information associated with a particular point in the video or other piece of information. It can be a note that includes a comment or explanation or it could simply be a question that you have that would further your understanding . It is highly encouraged that you include questions that you have while watching the video in your notes. At the start of the next day, you can ask those questions to have them clarified.
Annotating is any action that deliberately interacts with the video to enhance your understanding or recall. .
You could use a highlighter or underlining key pieces of text that is included in the google doc. It also includes making notes in the margin box provided. These notes could be additional examples given during the video.
Why Annotate while watching the instructional video?
By annotating while watching the instructional video, you will ensure that you understand what is happening in the video after you've watched it. It will also ensure that if something is said that is confusing you could write down the question that you have so that you can remember to ask it later.
As you annotate, you should note the main points, key areas of focus, and your own thoughts as you watch. What was most interesting and new for example. Even if you regularly understand and remember what you are watching, annotating will help you summarize the video. Highlight important pieces of information, and ultimately prepare yourself for discussion and writing prompts that you might be given on tests.
Annotating means you are doing the hard work while you watch the video, allowing you to reference your previous work and have a clear jumping-off point for future work. What is also welcome is if you were to include not just questions you have of the material presented but also what more would you like to know about the topic. This might be the most important thing you can include in your notes. Not that it would be tested but it’s practicing a way of thinking that is the heart of science.
After watching and taking notes on these instructional videos, you are also welcome to create additional 3x5 cards with essential information that you would like to have during assessments.
You don’t need to write down words or definitions that are already present in the google doc for the video, but you should remember that you are expected to be familiar with those new vocabulary terms. Decide what is important in the slide. Be an active listener and include examples mentioned, why the content is important or why you find it interesting. Simply copying what is already written in the document in the blank text area is forbidden.
Using symbols and abbreviations might be useful..
How to videos on Voice Typing
Using Voice typing for taking Notes on a Google Doc.
Voice Typing Changes Everything!
Just like the handwritten notes in your binder, when you submit notes through Google classroom, your notes should reflect your ideas, questions and understanding. You are not allowed to copy the transcript of the video as your notes. To be clear, you may not copy and paste my notes for yours.
What is helpful is that all your notes will be stored and therefore a fabulous way to stay organized and study for tests.
MAKE-UP WORK
When returning from an absence, the student is responsible for contacting the teacher to make an agreement regarding what has been missed, if and how it can be made up and the due date. You should plan to make up tests within one week, or a reasonably determined amount of time. These tests should be made up during the homeroom period. Remember that this will be in addition to the work we will be doing when you return. It is required that you obtain lab data from friends when appropriate.
After an absence, it may be very impractical to make up an assignment (e.g., laboratory experiments). While the student is always responsible for the content of all assignments, holding one accountable for the points in such cases might be considered unjust. Therefore, each student will be allowed to be excused for a limited number of assignments each semester. This will be decided by the student and teacher after the absence.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance in class is mandatory and tardiness will be recorded.
BEHAVIOR
Class etiquette applies in the lab, such as no talking or sharing unless a hand is raised and you are called to respond.
No eating or drinking in the lab. This means no water bottles are allowed in the lab.
No backpacks are allowed in the lab.
It is assumed that you have used the restroom prior to class so asking permission is for an emergency.
Inappropriate use of your Chromebook is not allowed.
Honesty Policy
Importance of academic honesty and integrity
It is important to maintain academic honesty, because by cheating, you sacrifice your own integrity and reputation. You are representing yourself with every assignment you complete and submit, so please be respectful and proud of your own work and yourself.
Definition of academic dishonesty
Authentic work is that which is written expressing your own thoughts in your own words.
DO NOT COPY the transcript from my video or simply copy the words I have included in the Google Doc. This is unacceptable and will receive a zero. Do not copy other students’ notes. This action will result in a zero and a conversation with the administration.
Your annotated notes should show your own ideas and interpretations of the scientific principles. As an ethical learner, you should appropriately write your own notes.
SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS
Good study habits require time and self-discipline to develop. I hope the ones that you establish in 8th grade will last a lifetime. Remember, learning new content and lab skills are challenging, but it can also be very enjoyable. The challenge is good for you! I want to help you as much as I can, but it is up to you to let me know what I can do for you. Always feel free to stop by or make an appointment for either individual help or group study sessions. I’m thrilled to have you as my student. Don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.
Have a great year!
Mr. Cinti
8th Grade Science Instructor at CKS