Physical Science Overview

Welcome back to school! I hope you had a great summer and are ready to begin an exciting year in the 8th grade Endeavour House!

I will be using my teacher website daily to post assignments and important dates (quizzes, tests, due dates, field trips, etc.). My website can be found by going through the district website, then under schools select “Middle School,” then under Departments select “Academics”, then “8th Grade Contact Information,” then “Endeavour House,” then Science -Mrs. Danny.” Or you can use this URL in your browser:

Also, I strongly encourage you to enter yours and your child’s information in our new eSchool system. This is a quick way for me to be able to contact you if needed and it is where I will be posting your child’s grades.

Below is some information that will help you better prepare for Physical Science. At the end, there are some questions that I ask you and your parent/guardian(s) to please answer and then sign saying that you read and understood the expectations and policies of the class.

Textbook

We will be using the textbook Physical Science with Earth Science by Glencoe, copyright 2012. Students will be responsible for covering and keeping their own book and will need to turn it back in at the end of the year.

Lab Safety

We will be completing many interesting and exciting labs this year so it is important that students read and understand the rules for lab safety so that we can work in a safe environment. Any student who does not follow the lab safety rules may be penalized by not being able to complete the lab and may receive further discipline if necessary.

Assessment

Students will be regularly assessed by written assignments, informal and formal lab reports, oral and written quizzes, exams, and self/ peer assessment. Grades will be posted in a timely manner onto Franklin Regional School District’s online grade book for both students and parents to view at home. If there are any questions about the grading procedure, please contact me either through email or by telephone.

Class Rules

  1. Respect all people in the classroom at all times.
  2. Come to class prepared every day.
  3. Show up ready to learn and have fun!

Since we will be conducting many experiments in the lab/classroom, there are some “Lab Safety Rules” in addition to regular classroom rules. See other side.

  1. Goggles and aprons are to be worn at all times unless otherwise stated by the teacher.
  2. Long hair needs to be pulled back.
  3. Loose clothing needs to be tucked in.
  4. Students are to remain in their assigned lab tables during the entire lab unless otherwise stated by the teacher.
  5. ABSOLUTELY NO eating, drinking, or chewing gum is allowed in the classroom during lab days (this is a possible danger as there may be chemicals present that could be unintentionally ingested).
  6. Chairs are to be pushed back under the desks when class ends.
  7. Lab stations are to be cleaned and put back into the neat fashion they were in previous to the lab.
  8. Students are not to act inappropriately or unsafely while in the lab.

Units of Instruction

  • SUMMER PACKET = The SI system of measurement (The Scientific Standard System)
  • Physical Science and Problem Solving
  • Energy and Heat
  • UnderstandingDensity
  • States of Matter
  • Classification of Matter
  • Atomic structure
  • The Periodic Table
  • Acids, Bases, and Salts
  • Waves: Sound, Light, & Electromagnetic
  • Laws of Motion

Homework

Throughout the year, I will be assigning homework for the students. If a student feels that he or she will need extra help with the assignment, I am always available during 9th period to help get that student started and to help clear up any misconceptions he or she may have had during class. Homework will be checked or graded at the beginning of class and then students will always have an opportunity to ask questions about the assignment if needed. Here is the policy for late homework:

Each day that an assignment is late with an unexcused reason (i.e. “I forgot to do it,” or “I left it at school in my locker”) the student may turn in the assignment late but will automatically lose 10% of the possible points each school day that it is late up until a maximum of five days late. If a student turns in an assignment more than five school days late, he will receive no credit for that assignment. Remember – Not understanding an assignment should never be a reason that a student misses points! I am available every day during 9th period and if a student had trouble with an assignment while attempting it at home, they should see me at the beginning of the next day to schedule meeting with me 9th period to work on the homework and help them better understand the concept. LEARNING AND UNDERSTANDING IS MY MAIN PRIORITY!!!

If at any point there is something I can do to help make 8th grade a more positive and enriching experience, please contact me! I look forward to a fun and educational year with you!

I have read and understand the Physical Science Overview for Mrs. Danny’s class.

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Signature(s)Student Signature

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Date: ______Date: ______