Welcome to 8^th Grade Science!!!

Science is an amazing part of our lives, and if you take the time to think, listen, and explore you will really enjoy what you learn.  If you choose to expand you understanding of science and the world around you, you will lead a much more interesting and enjoyable life.

We will study the Physical Sciences in 8^th grade, focusing on matter, chemistry, forces, motion and our universe.  Because we are an environmental school, we will do hands on experiments with hydrology (the chemistry of water) and hydroponics (using water and chemistry to grow plants more productively).  You will be required to do a science project; therefore you should consider what you project might look like early. 

You probably want to know about grades.  Your grade will be based on the following percentages and categories:

40%     Tests and Quizzes: you can expect at least 1 quiz a week and a test every two weeks (during the 2^nd trimester, 20% will be science project and 20% will be tests/quizzes)

20%     Labs: you will do a lab once every other week usually and you must fill out your observation/analysis worksheet to earn credit for your lab.

20%     Notes: you will be required to take notes during my PowerPoint lectures as well as outline specific chapters in the text book.  Notes will be turned in the day of the text and graded at that time.  Late notes receive 1 grade off.  After 3 days late they are not accepted.

20%     Homework/seatwork:  you will have seat work and what you do not finish becomes homework in science.  Homework 1 day late loses 1 grade.  Homework may not be turned in late after 3 days.  In order to receive full credit, your homework must have the following:

Name, date, assignment title and/or page number·       

Neat (you may type it if you prefer)·       

Thorough answers with complete sentences

·        Must be complete.

You can not turn it in incomplete, finish it and I will accept it the next day one grade lower.  You must come in at your lunch break to grade your work with me.

Because this is a science class and we will be doing labs, you must have a pair of safety goggles, labeled with your name on them.  Also, we will go over all safety protocols that must be followed!!