Instructor: Polly Baron

Class: 8th grade Physical Science

Email:

Phone: (770)749-8850

CourseDescription: The middle school physical science course is designed to give students the necessary skills for a smooth transition from middle school physical science standards to high school physical science standards. The course allows them to work conceptually on the laws of physical science: Conservation of matter, conservation of energy, motion and forces, and energy transformation. They use what they observe to explain the difference between physical and chemical changes.

GradingPolicy:

Labs/Quizzes60%

Daily grades30%

Final Exam10%

Supplies:

Each student needs pencils, pencil lead, pens, paper, and a three-ring binder with dividers or a separate folder for Science work. Please note that students may be asked to bring various other materials throughout the year for projects and activities.

Earbuds for iPad use, a flash or thumb drive for electronic storage and a smart phone or electronic tablet would be ideal for use in and outside of class to participate in online activities and after-school discussion.

Classroomrules:

  1. Be seated and prepared to work when the bell rings.
  2. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings in the lab.
  3. Adjust your voice level to suit the activity.
  4. Follow all directions the first time they are given.
  5. Observe ALL rules in the student handbook. (For example, dress code, electronic devices, food, drinks, gum, backpacks and purses.)
  6. ALL electronic devices will be taken up *upon the second offense and turned into the office.

If you choose to break a rule the consequences are as follows:

  1. First offense= verbal warning
  2. Second offense= teacher/student conference
  3. Third offense= parent contact
  4. Fourth offense= office referral

*A severe disruption will result in immediate office referral

Rewards:

  1. Praise daily for a job well done.
  2. Positive notes/emails home to congratulate good work (random).
  3. Homework passes (random).
  4. Various other positive perks throughout the school year.
  5. The joy of learning.

Beforeclass:

  1. Have appropriate materials for class. Locker times will be assigned and will be followed. “I left it in my locker” excuses will result in late grades!
  2. Turn in assignments/homework.
  3. Begin working on opening activity immediately.

Duringclass:

  1. Wait to throw away trash.
  2. Do not get out of your seat without permission.
  3. Be attentive and participate!!!

Afterclass:

  1. Check for Homework Activities
  2. Clean around your AREA and take ALL of your belongings with you. Abandoned items will be turned into the Lost and Found.
  3. Ask any final questions.

Attendance:

All Polk School District students shall comply with the Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law O.C.G.A. 29-3-690. Refer to Polk School District’s publication entitled “Polk School District Handbook and Code of Conduct” for specific regulations. Students and parents will be notified of any changes in the attendance policy. *Students will be given extra days for make-up work only in extreme circumstances (such as hospitalization or death in the immediate family) and only at the teachers discretion. Also note that any tests or projects will be assigned several days or weeks ahead of time and will be due the day the student returns from being absent.