Ms. Parker’s 8th Grade Physical Science Class!
Students and Parents:
Welcome to 8th grade physical science class. I am so excited to get to know each student and hopefully help them to develop a passion for science. My goal for this semester is to have a fun and productive learning environment for all of my students. This class is only one semester long, so this means that we have to condense an entire year of science into one semester. So, we will be moving at a fast pace. With parent encouragement, the students will participate and enjoy many exciting and rewarding new experiences. Each student deserves the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth, and I know that together we will make a significant difference in this process.
Classroom Rules:
- Be on Time.
- Come prepared with all materials.
- Follow all directions.
- Show respect for yourself and others.
- Comply with all school rules.
Consequences:
- Loss of preferred activity time.
- Call or meeting with parent/guardian.
- Loss of Break.
- Referral to administration.
Grading System:
Grading is based on a points system with tests, laboratory reports, and projects) comprising 60% of the final grade and daily work (classroom assignments, homework, class participation, laboratory participation) comprising the other 40% of the final grade. At the end of the semester there will be a comprehensive semester test (over Chemistry and Physics).
The two science notebooks are required for maintaining daily classroom and lab activities, one for chemistry and one for physics. Students can also have a folder to keep up with handouts that are too big to paste into their notebook, this is not a requirement though. The student and parent/guardian must sign the Lab Safety Contract and return it to Ms. Parker before the student is allowed to participate in any lab activities.
Project grades- There will be a 9 weeks project in Chemistry and another during the second 9 weeks related to Physics. I will provide a rubric for the students to go by as well as a list of necessary items.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO CHECK WITH MS. PARKER and COMPLETE ANY WORK MISSED BECAUSE OF AN ABSENCE FROM CLASS. Students will have three days from their return to class to complete and turn in any make-up work.
Syllabus:
Nature of Science- Week 1 and 2
Chemistry- Week 3- Week 9 (Using AMSTI modules- The Chemistry of Matter, LTF material, Textbook)
Physics- Week 10- Week 17 (Using the AMSTI modules- EWIT, LTF material, Textbook)
Semester Review- Week 18
Semester test dates will be determined by Discovery administration.
This is a TENATIVE SCHEDULE and is subject to CHANGE.
Communication:
I will be sending out weekly emails and I will update the calendar on my web page on the Discovery Middle School website weekly. I will also upload any worksheets/project rubrics/notes that are given in class on to the web page under the file manager section. Please feel free to email me at if you have any questions. My planning this semester is 2nd block.
Please sign and return this page to Ms. Parker.
I have read and agree to follow all classroom rules set forth in this contract. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my teacher and fellow students.
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Student SignatureDate
I have read and agree to support all classroom rules set forth in this contract. I will cooperate to the fullest in order for my student to have a successful year in his/her science class at Discovery Middle School.
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Parent/Guardian SignatureDate