Course Syllabus/Student Expectations
Course Textbook: McDougal Littell Science Grade 8
Textbook Website: http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/navigation/home.cfm
Teacher: Anna Carter
Email: [email protected]
Website: carterscience8.weebly.com
Course Objective
My name is Anna Carter, and I am your child’s Earth Science Teacher. Welcome to the 2014-2015 school year. I am honored to have your child in my class this year. I am a graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. degree in Animal and Veterinary Science and a Master of Arts in Teaching in middle level education. . My ultimate goal as a teacher is to demonstrate a positive learning environment, instill a passion for education, and keep students constantly thinking. The focus of eighth grade science is to provide hands-on experiences that provide students with active engagement and the concrete examples they require in order to understand basic science concepts. The major areas we will focus on this year are: scientific inquiry, force and motion, waves, earth’s biological history, earth’s structure and processes, and astronomy.
Grading Policy
Tests/Projects: 50 points
Quizzes: 15-20 points
Lab Work: 10-50 points
Classwork: 15-30 points
Homework: 10 points
Classroom Procedures
Entering the classroom
· Students are to enter the classroom quietly and sit at their assigned seats.
· Each day there will be directions on the board for a warm-up activity.
· Students are to immediately start working on warm-ups.
Exiting the classroom
· The bell does not dismiss the class; Ms. Carter will dismiss the class.
Late Work
· 5 points deducted for each day work is late. Work not accepted after 5 days.
Absent/Make-up work
· If students are absent, it is their responsibility to go to the “While you were out” station
· Work is expected to be made up in two days. Points will be deducted if it is late.
· If there is no work in the folder, you should then come to me to ask about missed assignments.
Retakes
· Students may retake assignments (test/projects not included) to earn up to an 85.
Expectations and Plan for Achievement
· I have very high expectations for all students in my class.
· I believe that each student can accomplish their goals and have a successful year in science.
· Bring all materials to class every day
· Be an engaged learner
· Ask questions and participate
· Get help when needed
· Have a positive attitude!
Extra help/ Tutoring
· Tutoring will be offered most mornings starting at 7:45am.
· Please let me know when you are coming. Some mornings I will have meetings and duties.
Materials-
· 1- 1 ½ “ Binder
· Divider Tabs (I suggest at least 5 dividers)
· Notebook paper
· Pencils
· Textbook
Notebook Checks
· Students have a notebook check for every unit we complete.
· A table of contents is located on the board so students know the correct order of their notebook
· This is meant to be an easy 100 and to help students stay organized!
Discipline Policy
· The school wide folder system will be followed
· Strike one-Warning Strike two- In-class isolation Strike three- Out of class isolation and behavior journal
Classroom Rules
Respect and Responsibility are the two underlying concepts of my classroom.
1. Respect yourself and others
2. Come prepared to class
3. Follow all school-wide rules
4. Follow all lab rules and safety procedures