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First Two Weeks

8/23/2014

The year is off to a great start. We have been learning to work in small groups and do some simple engineering projects. We are going to be reviewing the Scientific Process and comparing engineering design and experimental design. All my science classes created a list of rules for when they work in groups. They are going to use those rules to assess themselves and their group members after each lab or project.

I'm looking forward to the school year!!

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New School Year 2014-2015 - Science Syllabus

8/11/2014

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It's hard to believe that a new school year is here. Welcome to 8th grade Earth Science. I am going to use this space for the course syllabus right now. That means I am going to tell you what I hope to cover this year and what expectations I have of you.

Students should leave 8th grade Earth Science with a better understanding of the planet on which they live. They should understand the phenomena which shapes our planet and the basic structure of our planet. They should know our location in the solar system and the Milky Way Galaxy. Students should also have an understanding of weather and climate and, of course, our atmosphere. It is hoped that students will develop a desire to not only learn more about our wonderful planet but will also learn how to preserve and protect it. We use the Next Generation Science Standards to drive our curriculum.

Areas of study will include: Geologic Time, Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Oceans, Weathering and Erosion, Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics, Our Solar System, Engineering, Rock and Water Cycles

A tentative yearlong plan can be found here.

Grades are weighted in the following way: Tests - 40%; Projects/Labs - 40%; Journals/Worksheets/etc. - 20%
Grades reflect both effort and knowledge--that's just the way it is right now. I expect you to do your best on each and every assignment, but it is not always possible to achieve a top grade on everything. You should always be working to improve yourself.

Grading will be based on assignment grades and tests. You will have both individual and group assignments this year. All grades will be individual grades, although part of the individual grade may come from the group assignment. You are always welcome to correct and resubmit any assignment to show you have greater understanding. A re-submission MUST show better understanding of the topic and will never be accepted if it is just "changed answers." This is your education and you need to take it seriously.

Assignments are due on time. I try to have grades done within two days of an assignment due date. Late work will be subject to reduced grades per the Missing Assignment policy for 8th grade. Check Skyward regularly as you are responsible for knowing when you are missing work. I will try to post the "zero" grade for missing work immediately, so you can get the late work in and get the grade changed (if possible). REMEMBER: You are responsible for knowing what is assigned and what is due.

Materials needed in class each day: Science Journal, writing instruments, paper, agenda, and headphones.

Labs - There are chair packs on the back of the chairs in the classroom. These are designed to hold books and materials so the lab tables are not cluttered with unnecessary items. I will not have labs if the desks are full of unnecessary items--I will only do demonstrations. DO NOT bring other class' textbooks or unnecessary items to Science class.

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Science Class News

First Two Weeks

New School Year 2014-2015 - Science Syllabus

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Science Class News

First Two Weeks

New School Year 2014-2015 - Science Syllabus

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Archives

Categories

NGSS