Syllabus

**8** **th**  **Grade Science Syllabus**
 * **Instructor** || Matt McEwen || **E-mail** || mmcewen@ais-dhaka.net ||
 * **Room** || MS 307 || **Wiki** || https://mcewenscience.wikispaces.com/8th+Grade+Science ||

The 8th grade science course is an integrated program covering topics in the Life, Earth, and Physical sciences. The course focuses on the nature of science by developing the process skills used in the learning and practice of science. These skills include testing a hypothesis, record keeping, using correct safety procedures, using appropriate tools and instruments, applying math and technology, analyzing data, interpreting results, and communicating scientific information. The nature of science also refers to understanding how science knowledge grows and changes and the processes that drive those changes.

Text: Holt Science & Technology: Level Blue ©2008

Unit Topics: Science in Our World Matter, Sound & Light Electricity & Magnetism Astronomy Anatomy

Class Expectations: Our learning environment depends on students arriving to class on time and prepared to work and participate. Participating in our class will require you to follow directions, read, listen, ask questions, problem solve, to work in teams and to ask for help when you need it.

Class Rules: Be Safe Be Responsible Be Honest Be Respectful Have FUN!

Communication My primary way of communicating what is going on in class is through the class wiki. The wiki can be reached through PowerSchool or through the AISD website under Middle School teachers. Students and parents can find copies of daily agendas, notes, handouts and useful links on the wiki. Students are also encouraged to check PowerSchool on a regular basis.

Required Materials: Students are expected to bring all required materials to class each day:
 * Class Notebook/Binder
 * Pen or pencil
 * Lined paper
 * Planner
 * Textbook

Grading: Quarter grades will be calculated as an percentage of points earned over points possible. Assessments will fall into the following categories.
 * Tests (50-100 points)
 * Labs (25-100 points)
 * Projects (25-100 points)
 * Quizzes (20-40 points
 * Classwork (10-50 points)
 * Homework (5-20 points)
 * Participation (5-10 points)

Tardies: Students are expected to enter the classroom with all their materials and to be seated in their assigned seats at the beginning of the class. Students not meeting this expectation will be marked tardy. Detention will be assigned for the third tardy and each consecutive tardy during a single quarter.

Lab Safety: During labs/activities any behavior believed to be unsafe will result in the loss of points from the assignment. Serious infractions may result in immediate dismissal from the group and no credit for the lab/activity.

Late Work: Work that is not handed in at the beginning of class is considered late. Homework will accepted one day late for a 50% penalty. Larger assignments, such as labs and projects, will receive a 25% reduction after the first day, and an additional 10% reduction for each additional day that the assignment is late.

Make-Up Work: If you know that you are going to be absent, make your best effort to get your assignments before the absence and hand them in upon your return. You have as many days to make up work as you have to Daily assignments will be posted on the class Wiki by the end of each day. In the case of an unexpected absence, you will have one day for each day that you are absent to complete the assignments. Please keep in mind that you will also be responsible for the current work while completing your make-up work.

Extra Credit: Extra credit opportunities may be available throughout the school year, however, will not be assigned on an individual basis.

One Last Thing: I believe everyone can succeed in this class and I will be here to help you. If you find you are having difficulty, please see me for extra help. Seek extra help early. Don’t wait until the end of the quarter or the morning of a test. I am available for help before or after school. Please contact me to set up a time. I am looking forward to this school year and wish you the best!