North Middle/High School

Eighth Grade Science Syllabus 2013-2014

Teacher: C. Wiredu Room # 206 Telephone #: 803-247-2541 Ext 5118

Welcome to my science class. I believe that all students can succeed if we have the determination and the will to do so. As we work to master the South Carolina Academic Standards we will adopt a variety of research based learning strategies.

Course Description and Pacing Guide:

I will teach the course according to the South Carolina Academic Standards as mandated by the district pacing guide.

First Nine Weeks: 8-3 Student will demonstrate an understanding of materials that determine the structure of Earth and the processes that have altered this structure. 8-2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of Earth’s biological diversity over time

Second Nine Weeks: 8-2 Student will demonstrate an understanding of Earth’s biological diversity over time. 8-4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics, structure, and predictable motions of celestial bodies.

Third Nine Weeks: 8-6 Student will demonstrate an understanding of the properties and behaviors of waves 8-5 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of forces on the motion of an object.

Fourth Nine Weeks: 8-5 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the effects of forces on the motion of an object. Review of all standards in preparation for the PASS testing

Materials:

In addition to writing utensils, students will need the following as the basic materials for class: Science notebook (journal); Notebook for homework; Loose-leaf paper for class assignments

Prescribed textbook: Glencoe Science Grade 8 South Carolina Edition

Classroom Behavioral Expectations:

1. Listen and follow directions the first time.

2. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.

3. Keep hands, feet, objects, and negative comments to yourself

4. Have your supplies and be on time.

5. Complete and submit all assignments on time with excellence.

Classroom Behavioral Consequences: 1 1. Verbal warning.

2. Individual conference with the student.

3. Rule reflection corner.

4. Call to parent.

5. Referral to the administration

Class Procedures:

1. Enter class quietly.

2. Drop homework in the designated basket, take your seat immediately then complete the ‘Do Now’ assignment.

3. To avoid distracting class, show by a sign if you need help or anything or to leave your seat for any reason then wait for my response.

4. Raise your hand if you want to ask or answer a question then wait for my permission before you speak.

5. Stop work and listen to directions when I raise my hand or ring a bell.

6. Students may request to use the restroom only between the first and last 15 minutes of class.

7. Only the teacher may receive visitors at the door.

8. Students may not answer teacher’s calls on the classroom telephone unless permitted to do so.

9. It is the responsibility of students to clean up their work areas before leaving class.

10. Students must wait for the teacher to dismiss class before they leave. The does not dismiss class.

Homework: Homework will normally be assigned every day and it must be completed by the start of the next day’s class. I’ll post the homework assignment on the board for students to copy into their agenda. All homework must be completed clean sheets of paper and turned in on the due date.

Tests, Quizzes, and Exams

Quizzes will be given every week for work completed. Tests will be given at the end of every unit and exams at the end of each quarter. I will normally announce tests and exams ahead of time but some quizzes may not be announced. Students are advised to study consistently to be able to perform well on tests, quizzes, and exams.

Honesty: Students are expected to complete assignments honestly. While I encourage students to work to learn and to solve problems, blatant copying of answers from another student will not be tolerated. Cheating in any form is not acceptable.

Make-Up Work

2 . All make-up work must be completed in accordance with the district’s policy.

. Make-up work is the student’s responsibility

. Students may see me for make-up work during my planning period or after school.

. 10 points will be deducted each school day for five days for non-submission of an assignment.

Re-Do Work Policy

. Re-do only applies to tests, quizzes, and projects and not class-work and homework

. To have a chance to redo an assignment, you must have turned in your work on time

. You must notify me within 24 hours about your intention to redo the assignment

. The highest grade one can make on a re-do assignment is 80%

. Re-do assignment can be undertaken only at school and under my supervision

Grading Standard

Tests, Quizzes, & Projects …………………………..40%

Class-work, Daily participation, Notebook, Labs ….. 60%

Grading Scale

93 – 100 ……………… A

85 – 92 ……………….. B

77 – 84 ……………….. C

70 – 76 ……………….. D

0 – 69 …………………. F

Laboratory Work: All students will be required to follow proper laboratory safety procedures in the classroom at all times. As required by the district, all students will have to sign a laboratory safety contract to qualify to participate in science labs.

Science Fair Project: In accordance with district policy, all students will be required to undertake and present a science project for the annual science fair. Students shall be responsible for their own materials and resources. I will be available to provide support for students who may need it. The 2013-2014 school science fair is tentatively scheduled for December 20, 2013. The top projects will be presented at the District and Regional Science Fairs. All students are however encouraged to participate in the Regional Science Fair to be held in February/March 2014.

Road to Success: As we strive to succeed, our work habits, participation and attitudes will be an important factor to pay attention to. I encourage all students to work conscientiously at all times and demonstrate good work habits. Attitudes and behaviors that may not help students’ progress include cutting class, being tardy, not ready to get to work when the bell rings, missing supplies, out of seat without permission, talking out of turn or using 3 inappropriate language, off task, horse-play, disruption, disrespect of peers or teacher, bringing forbidden items out (e.g. food, cell phones, I-pods, chewing gum, etc.)

I wish all my students a successful year. Good Luck!