7Th Grade Life Science Syllabus

8th Grade Science Syllabus Palestine Junior High School 2016-2017 School Year

Mr. Johnson 903-731-8008 E-mail: [email protected]

Welcome to 8th Grade Science at Palestine Middle School. This course emphasizes learning topics in science by collecting and analyzing data, asking higher-level questions and making decisions based on evidence. Students will investigate how science issues affect their own everyday life and by the end of the year will have an overview of every major science topic covered in elementary school and middle school so that they can be successful on the Science STAAR test.

Course Objective: 1. Provide knowledge of facts, processes, basic concepts, principles and applications of science. 2. Develop skills of observation, descriptions, rational and creative thinking processes. 3. Develop investigative skills handling materials and equipment useful in science. 4. Develop skills in collecting, organizing and communicating scientific data and information.

Grading Policy: Grading Scale: A=90%-100% B=80%-89% C=70%-79% D=60%-69% F=Below 60% 50% Daily Work and Quizzes: homework, group work, quizzes 50% Major Grades: tests, projects

Absence Policy: If you are absent, it is the student’s responsibility to make up missed assignments. You will then have as many days as you were absent plus one to complete and turn in the missed assignments. If you are absent the day something is due, it is to be turned in the day of your return. If you are absent for school activities check with me BEFORE you are out, as your work is due when the remainder of the class’ work is due. If a test or quiz is missed due to an absence it is the student’s responsibility to schedule a make-up time with the teacher. The teacher holds the right to modify or change an assignment to be made up at a later date. Late Work Policy: Assignments turned in after due date will lose 10 points each day it is late.

Work Re-do: Students will be able to redo an assignment, excluding major tests, with the highest possible grade being a 70.

Daily Procedures: Upon entering the classroom, students should: 1. Turn in any homework and get materials out for class 2. Take a seat in your assigned desk 3. Read the day’s objective and copy any given homework assignment 4. Begin working on your warm-up.

End of Class Procedure: 1. Teacher will alert you when to start getting ready to leave. The bell does not dismiss you. 2. Only a class that is clean, quiet and seated will be dismissed. 3. When you have been dismissed, students should leave class safely and orderly.

Expected Student Behavior: Students are expected to follow the rules laid out in the Westwood Junior High student handbook. Class guidelines will be posted and lab safety rules will be in your science journal. Good behavior will be rewarded, and there will always be consequences for negative actions. Each student is responsible for their own actions. How Can I Succeed in this Class? …it’s easy and anyone can do it!! Here are some useful tips: 1. Always copy down assignments and dates for quizzes and tests. This is the best way to always know what is going on in science. 2. Stay organized (journal and science folder or section in notebook). 3. Pay attention. You will enjoy class a lot more if you work at it. 4. Ask questions, ask questions, and ask questions! 5. Come prepared everyday with the proper materials and a willing attitude.

The Bottom Line: If we cooperate and work hard, we can all be successful in Life Science.