Ms. Phillips’ 8^th Grade Science Syllabus

Course Objectives:

Welcome to 8^th grade Science! In 8th grade Integrated Science, scholars explore the cross-cutting concepts of energy & matter and cause & effect, while learning about animal interactions within the ecosystems and their reliability on resources. We will be doing many activities that will help us explore and ask questions about the world around us, as well as be active in making good changes. I am very excited to be working with you.

Course Goal:

By the end of this course, you will have gained a basic understanding of how to think and ask questions like scientists working in the real world. There will be many different opportunities to engage and demonstrate your ability and knowledge of earth, life, and physical science through activities that we will explore together as a class.  

Course Materials

• TWIG Student Manuals (no replacements)
• School binder and Lathrop student agenda
• Several pens, pencils, colored pencils, highlighters, and extra line paper.
• Chromebook and charger

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism is using someone else’s work or ideas without their permission, without their knowledge, or without giving them credit. Cheating is getting or giving someone else answers. During many in-class assignments you will work with other students but are responsible for recording your own ideas and work. If you do research for an assignment, you must put what you learn into your own words. All students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive a zero on that assignment.

Homework Policy and Late Assignments

Incomplete classroom assignments become homework. I will accept late work before progress reports and grades are due. When you miss the deadline, all your missing assignments will get a zero in your gradebook.

Attendance:

Please be present every day! Absence and tardiness will have a negative effect on your grade and participation. It is your responsibility to get all your missing assignments and notes if you miss class.

Bathroom Policy:

You are allowed to use the bathroom by following the “10-10 rule” (10 minutes after the bell rings and 10 minutes before the bell rings).

Technology Policy:

Make sure to charge your Chromebook every night before coming to school. You are permitted to borrow a Chromebook or a charger. However, if you frequently borrow these materials, it can lead to a counselor referral because you are coming to school unprepared. It is your responsibility to bring your Chromebook fully charged every day.

Grading: Letter grades are as follows

A = Above 90%        B = 80%-89%         C = 70%-79%        D = 60%-69%        F = Below 60%               

Evaluation Criteria Method of Evaluation Grading

Assessment: quizzes, written/oral presentations, projects, and laboratory reports

Classwork: Twig student manual, class activities, and homework

Participation: Class discussions and respectfulness

Units of Study

Classroom Policies:

1. Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect our school.
2. Come to class prepared with all the required materials and with a positive attitude!
3. Be seated in your assigned sit before the bell rings.
4. Listen carefully, follow directions, and be on task.
5. Electronics are prohibited in class (i.e. cellphones and gaming devices)
6. Personal grooming is an unacceptable behavior. (No spraying of perfume/cologne in class)
7. Maintain room cleanliness

Consequences:

When a student chooses not to abide by my classroom policies, consequences will proceed in the following manner. All interventions and action plans to redirect students to follow classroom expectations will be documented in Axiom.

1^st offense: Verbal warning

2^nd offense: Phone conference with a parent

3^rd offense: Parents / guardians will be invited to sit in class

4^th offense: Referral - In-house suspension from my class, notice to parent/guardian