8th Grade Science Course 2016-2017 Syllabus & Guidelines Welcome to 8th Grade Science! We know that science can be challenging for some and we will do all that we can to help you succeed. By communicating and working together, we will meet the challenge! Here is some class information that you will need this year. Please keep this paper in your science journal for reference.

8th Grade Science – Year at a Glance 1st Semester Unit

2nd Semester Days

Safety Cosmos Atomic Structure Electromagnetic Spectrum Sun and Earth Earth and Moon

3 12 12 13

Atmospheric Systems Ecology

10 15

8 8

Unit

Days

Plate Tectonics Topography Changes in Motion Periodic Table & Chemical Reactions Human Sexuality Unit STAAR Preparation and Exam Intro to Biology

13 7 19 21 11 13 11

Science process skills will be taught and integrated throughout all units.

Supplies 2 Composition Books/Journals (1 for each semester) Pen/Pencil Student Planner

You are expected to bring your required supplies to class EVERY day!

Test Days Science Tests will be given on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Tutoring Tutoring is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:25-3:45 PM. Tutoring may last until 4:45 if previously scheduled with your teacher. A signed tutorial slip from your guardian is required to stay. Students must be picked up before 5:00 or ride the late bus at 5:15.

Types of Assignments  Major Grades – Major grades count for 40% of each grading period average and they can include major tests, projects, and labs that take 2 or more days to complete. 

Daily Grades – Daily grades count for 25% of each grading period average and they can include class work, homework, warm-up checks, District Benchmark Assessments, quizzes, and participation/completion.



Assessment Grades – Assessment grades count for 35% of each grading period average, and they can include any inquiry-based hands-on assignments and labs.

How Grades are Taken Students can expect to receive a minimum of 2 major grades, 2-4 assessment grades, and 6-10 daily grades every grading period. Additional grades may be taken in some six weeks depending on the curriculum that is being covered. Grades of “Z” indicate an assignment which has not been turned in. Grades of “0” indicate assignments that will no longer be accepted. (See Late Work Policy)

Late Work 5 points will be deducted each day the assignment is not turned in, for a maximum of 20 points (4 days late). If the assignment is not turned in by the 5th day, the grade is a zero and will no longer be accepted. No late assignments will be accepted during the last week of the grading period.

Make-Up Work You are responsible for getting your make-up work from your teacher. You are allowed 1 day for every day you were absent in order to complete the assignment.

Redo/Retest Policy You may redo/retest one daily and one major grade assignment per grading period. You may retake only if you failed the original grade. The highest redo/retake assignment grade will be a 70. Assignments that were never turned in are not eligible for redo/retests.

Warm-Ups Warm-ups for the week will be given out on Mondays and should always be kept in your journal. They are a great study tool and will be graded randomly.

Homework Homework assignments will be given out on Mondays and are due on Thursdays. They are graded each week.

Expectations for Working Cooperatively Our science classrooms are designed to promote group work. Please make sure you are working only with your assigned group. In order for your group to be successful, every member must do their share. Don’t forget to help one another and make sure everyone understands the objective. Remember that everyone has different strengths so utilize each other and always stay positive!!! 

Scan to go to Mrs. Platteter’s Webpage

Scan to go to Mr. Heefner’s Webpage

Scan to go to Mrs. Stolz’s Webpage