Welcome to 8th Grade Science! Mrs. Offchiss – Room 603

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to science class! This semester you will have a great time discovering all the wonders of science in areas such as chemical interactions, water on our planet, microbiology and cells, and Earth’s history and life over time. There is a science EOG in May that all 8 th grade students must pass. The EOG covers the North Carolina 6 th , 7 th , and 8 th grade science objectives. A great way to review is to visit www.classzone.com and review our science textbook objectives 15-20 minutes a day during the week. Also, please do NOT throw your graded work away. These are considered your notes and are to be reviewed for the tests and EOG. Students will be issued a textbook for the school year and will be given access to view the textbook online at www.classzone.com/eservices.

Supplies: One 2 inch 3-ring binder Dividers, at least 6 Ruled loose leaf paper #2 Pencils Package of #2 pencils (for the class to share – optional) Blue or black pens Highlighter Colored pencils Red pen for checking work Graph paper

Wish List: Our classroom can be improved with the following items. Any donations are GREATLY appreciated. Thank you! Tennis balls for the chair legs (keeps floors looking nice/cuts down on noise) Tissues Clorox Wipes Hand Sanitizer Hand Soap Pencils Blue or Black Pens Red Pens Class Set of Colored Pencils Glue Sticks Tape for Tape Dispensers Disposable Gloves (for dissection) Disposable Aprons Electric Pencil Sharpener Staples Gift Card Scissors

If there is anything else you would like to donate, please e-mail me. We can always use items for experiments!

*If you wish to donate your time....We are studying chemistry, the hydrosphere, microbiology and cells, and Earth’s history over time. If you or someone you know is an expert in one of these areas, I would love to have guest speakers! If you would like to volunteer on lab days, please let me know!

Classroom Guidelines: 1. Be prepared. 2. Listen to and follow all directions. 3. Respect others, property, and yourself. 4. Raise your hand to leave your seat, ask a question, or answer a question.

Homework: Homework will be assigned as needed. All homework is expected to be turned in on the day it is due. Homework will be accepted one day late ONLY with a 20-point deduction. After that, the grade will be a zero. Exceptions will be made for absences.

Calendar: All assignments will be posted on the Calendar link on my webpage at http://iss.schoolwires.com/Page/2408. You will be able to click on a day and see what we will do that day. Homework will be posted on the board at school, I will remind you to write it in your planner, AND it will be posted on my calendar on my webpage. If you are absent but feel well enough to work at home, you can check to see if we are doing something you could work on from home. I will also try to post worksheets, study guides, etc. for you to print out if you are absent or lose your copy. Parents, this is a great way for you to keep up with your child’s homework!

Assignment Sheet: All grades earned will be recorded on your Assignment Sheet. This paper will remain in the front of your binder and be signed by a parent EVERY weekend. This allows students and parents to keep up with student progress. I am very excited about the fun we will have learning and “doing” science this semester! Please contact me with any questions or concerns at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Andrea Offchiss