8th Grade Syllabus

Welcome to 8th grade Science class! I hope that you all enjoyed your summer vacation and I look forward to a productive and fun year! 

 

There is so much to learn about science and we will cover some very interesting subjects this year that cover all aspects of science. The following units will be discussed in detail. I encourage students to use outside resources to preview the material before, during, and after instruction on these topics. Helpful websites can be found under the Useful Websites tab, and I typically include additional websites in Schoology specific to the content we are learning at the time.

 

8th Grade Science Standards

These topics will be seen on the TN Ready summative assessment at the end of the school year.

• Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions
• Waves and Their Application in Technologies for Information Transfer
• Biological Change: Unity and Diversity
• Earth's Place in the Universe
• Earth's Systems
• Earth and Human Activity

 

Classroom Expectations

I respect each and every student, and I expect the same in return. Students, this year you will grow in several aspects. It is important that you understand that the concepts we will be learning this year are foundations that will prepare you for the entirety of your education as well as the Science TNReady assessment. In addition to science, you will learn concepts that will effectively help you to study, work independently, and be ORGANIZED!

 

Classroom Procedures

Students will be expected to enter the classroom quietly and immediately begin the Do Now! assignment. This assignment is given to focus the student on the lesson of the day and is a quick way for me to assess student knowledge of the material at hand. Students will also show respect for his/her teachers and peers by being polite, taking turns, and having an overall positive attitude in the Science classroom and lab.

*At times throughout the day it will be in my job assignment to monitor the hallways during locker/restroom break and class transitions. It is expected of all students to remain seated during this time unless he/she is utilizing the locker/restroom break. It is of utmost importance that students follow this rule.

 

Classroom Supplies

• Pencils or Pens
• Markers/Color Pencils
• Binder/section of large binder/or folder
• Paper

Donations of any of the following would be greatly appreciated throughout the school year:

Individually wrapped candy, index cards, sharpie markers, sandwich baggies of all sizes, loose-leaf paper, pencils, paper towels, Clorox Wipes (for Science lab)

 

Grading Policy

Quizzes/Tests = 90%

Classwork = 10%

Students are encouraged to make up quizzes/tests resulting in a low grade. Low quiz grades may be replaced after student shows mastery of the skill on a test. Students are expected to ask a teacher what can be done to bring up a low grade. Grades will be updated weekly on Skyward. Your child will have every opportunity to be successful in eighth grade Science as long as he/she is willing to put in the work.

 

Standards Based Grading

All grading will be based on Tennessee state standards. There will be no extra credit given. Please make sure to utilize the retake opportunity outlined above.

 

I look forward to this school year, as well as getting to know the students. Parents, I assure you that I will treat your child as my own. I do not believe in embarrassing students, and will handle every circumstance professionally. My goal is not only to educate your child but prepare and inspire him/her for future endeavors. 

 

Mrs. Heather Baker, [email protected]