Ms. Johnson * 8th Grade Science Syllabus * 2014-2015

Materials needed?

Pencils, Notebook Paper, Science Binder Science book (when issued)

Expectations & Contact information?

I expect you to be respectful and responsible. I expect you to come to class on time and be prepared both physically and mentally. I expect REAL from you…Respect – Effort – Attention – Learn… Keep it REAL.

Email:

Website: Go to buckeyevalley.k12.oh.us and click on ‘Our Staff’. Here you can type in my name and it will take you to my Online Classroom.

Remind 101: To join this text reminder (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS) send a text to (740)370-6173 with the message @johns… You will receive a text requesting one more action to finalize the joining. I will use this to send updates and reminders. This is NOT my cell phone. This is an app that allows me to text message parents and students – but there are no phone numbers exchanged. Please join!!!!

Twitter: @Johnson8Science

Assignment types & Grades?

1 – Homework (5% of final grade)– Any assignment that is to be completed outside of the classroom.

2 – Classwork(15% of final grade) – This could be individual, group work, or labs.

3 – Quiz(20% of final grade) – This could be a traditional quiz, project or a lab used as a quiz.

4 – Test (60% of final grade)– This could be a traditional test, project or a lab used as a test.

Consider The Following…(graded in the Classwork category)– These are daily questions/problems you respond to first thing when you arrive to class. I provide you with the paper to record daily responses. 1 paper will be used for 2 weeks of CTF’s. You do NOT have to answer these questions correctly, but as long as you try and fill the box with thoughts and ideas for each day…you get full credit!!! If you are absent or late to class, you must make up the CTF. The CTF’s will be on the whiteboard for the entire week and after that, there is a CTF log you can borrow from Ms. J. These are collected at the end of every month. Therefore, organization and using your science binder is CRITICAL to not losing these responses.

What goes inmy Science Binder?

The science binder will be kept all YEAR LONG! (So don’t slam it in your locker!)

We will put it together in class. Each section will have a table of contents that we will update as we add to each section.

Maintaining a good science binder will help you be successful in science class!

Section 1 - Consider the Following…

This section will contain your daily CTF’s. Be sure to properly head your CTF’s so that they are easily identifiable. Remember, these will be collected at the end of each month. This binder will help you stay organized and not lose your CTF responses. When you are absent, you must make up the CTF’sDO NOT wait until the end of the month to make any missed CTF’s up. These may be cleaned out at the end of each 9 weeks and we will add them to your 2014-2015 Science Portfolio. Ms. J will maintain the portfolios in the classroom. 

Section 2 – Reference Material

This section will hold important papers that you will need to refer to throughout the entire school year. Such as this syllabus, your lab safety contract, and so on…. Do not ever throw these papers away! (…unless Ms. J tells you to ;)

Section 3 – Current Work

This section will contain the current unit that we are studying. This section will be cleaned out AFTER the completion of each unit. Ms. Johnson will tell you when it is okay to clean this section out. When this section is removed, we will add it to your 2014-2015 Science Portfolio. Ms. J will maintain the portfolios in the classroom. 

Section 4 – Tests/Quizzes

This section will contain any quiz or test that is taken during the school year. These are to be kept for the entire school year. Do not remove these unless Ms. J tells you to.

Section 5 – Lab Journal

You will be given a Lab Journal that will be kept in this section. This lab journal will be used throughout the entire school year.

What do we study in 8th grade Science?

Life Science: This topic focuses on continuation of the species.

Earth & Space Science: This topic focuses on the physical features of Earth and how they formed. This includes the interior of Earth, the rock record, plate tectonics and landforms.

Physical Science: This topic focuses on forces and motion within, on and around the Earth and within the universe.

More detail on these Content Statements will be addressed in another document.

What about Science Fair?

Science Fair is not required in my class, however it is strongly encouraged. You will receive 50 bonus points during the 3rd 9 weeks posted in the Quiz grade category for a SUCCESSFUL completion of a science fair project.