8th Grade Syllabus

2005-2006

Science 8 teaches the students three major topics. These are Astronomy, Human Body Systems, and Waves, Sounds, and Light. Each topic will be taught using a separate Unit Book. Students will receive the books as the topics are to be covered. Students will also receive a New York State Review Book that will be used during the year.

Throughout the year, we will use a variety of methods for learning. Students will learn not solely by note-taking, but by laboratory work, projects, computer work, and even essays. Students will participate in the Spring Science Fair and will create presentations using computer technology.

During the year, students will be taking 2 parts of a New York State Test. The first, given in April, will test their laboratory skills. The second half of the test will be given in May, and it will be a written test that includes all of the science they have learned from 5th –8th grade.

 Materials

    Students should be prepared for class every day by bringing a pen and pencil.  Students should also have a ruler and colored pencils available when needed. Students will need to bring a green 3 ring binder (at least 1½ inches) with tabs that will be used for this class only.  Lastly, they must have a folder. This folder should fit inside the binder or notebook.  Students must be organized in order to succeed.  These materials will help them do just that!

Homework

    Students will have homework three or four nights a week and it is not optional!  In order to make homework assignments effective they should be done in a timely fashion.  If a homework assignment is turned in one day late, it will lose one letter grade. Anything received after one day will be marked as complete, but with a zero grade.  Students whom are legally absent will not receive a deduction and will have one day per day absent to make up their work.

Quizzes and Tests

    Quizzes and tests will be announced in advance. Tests will be given at the completion of every chapter. It is essential that students review the material for these assessments. All quizzes and tests must be made up within one week upon return to school. 

Labs

    Labs are extremely important for the success of all students.  Students will be given ample time in class to complete many labs if they use their time wisely.  Students whom fail to use time to the fullest will find they have extra homework.  Absent students must make up labs after school or during a study hall.  Students should also come in at that time for extra assistance in writing up lab reports.  However, if a lab is turned in late it will receive a 10 percent deduction for each day the lab is late. 

    To ensure the safety of all students, students should treat the people in the lab and the equipment with respect.  Students should also adhere to safety precautions given by the teacher.  If a student does not follow safety instructions or interferes with the progress of other students they may be given detention or may be given more severe penalties by the principal.

After School

    I will be available after school at a student’s request. The majority of days I will be at school until 4pm. 

Detentions

    Detentions may be assigned for a variety of reasons including: tardiness to class, missing assignments, inappropriate behavior, or being unprepared.  Detention is held from 2:55 until 3:55 (after school).  Detention will be avoided as long as you do your part.

Grading

            Students will be graded on a point system. Homework will count as approximately 5 points. Tests will from on average from 30 to 60 points. Laboratory assignments will range from 10 to 40 points.

            At the end of the quarter, the total points earned by a student will be added together and divided by the total possible points. That will be multiplied by 100 to receive a percent score. That score will be converted into a letter grade, which will appear on the report card. For example:

Student A earned 84 out of 150 points.

            1)84/150=0.56      2)0.56x100=56%             3)56%=F

Student B earned 136 out of 150 points.

            1)136/150=0.906   2)0.906x100=91%           3)91%=A-

Please read the above and discuss these policies with your child.  Then sign and detach the second page.  I will collect this page as homework.  If you have any questions I can be reached at the following:

School Voice Mail:  (845) 351-4786 ext. 728

School Mailing Address:

Route 17

                                   Tuxedo, NY 10987 

            E-mail (Best Method): bmcgowan@tuxedo.ouboces.org