Earth Science: 8th Grade Syllabus
Mrs. deVille’s Class
Welcome back from summer vacation! My name is Mrs. deVille and I will be your science teacher for the 2012-2013 school year. I have planned many exciting lessons and activities but your success in the class also relies heavily on your hard work and dedication.
This year in science we will be learning about waves, the solar system, weather, gravity, the rock cycle and much much more. You will be expected to take notes daily. Quizzes will be weekly or biweekly (1-2-day notice with the occasional pop quiz) and tests will be at the end of each chapter (minimum 2-day notice).
You can visit our course website at http://deVilleScience.educatorpages.com for a copy of this information as well as other course related information.
Grading:
Grades will be based on daily work, notebook, homework, quizzes, tests, projects and labs.
Assignments:
Junior High is a time for students to accept more responsibility for their own learning as well as develop habits and attitudes that will enable you to be successful in high school, college, and your future careers. For this reason we will be working through the school year to develop good work habits. The following guidelines will help you to be successful in science class.
- Assignment Board – Student assignments are written with due date following each assignment. Students are expected to record their assignments in their student planner daily. Turn in all assignments on time, neatly and thoughtfully completed, with the proper heading.
- Deadlines – It is the student’s responsibility to budge their time in order to complete assignments and turn them in on time. Incomplete or late work will be accepted for half credit but will not be accepted more than 1 day after it is due.
- Absences – Students are expected to make up all assignments given while they are absent. It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher to find out what needs to be made up, negotiate deadlines, and ask for additional help when needed. As a general rule students will be given the same number of days that they were absent to make up work that was missed.
Classroom Behavior:
As your teacher I have the responsibility to teach you. As a student, you have a responsibility to learn and allow others to do so as well. In order to make this possible, certain behavior is expected of you during your time in science class. In addition to following the school rules you are expected to:
- Arrive to class on time, prepared and ready to learn.
- Allow everyone the opportunity to learn by being polite, cooperative and respectful.
- Follow all safety procedures during labs and activities.
- Respect all personal and school property.
Students having difficulty following expectations will be issued one verbal warning before being removed from class to reflect on their actions. Students will fill out a self-evaluation form and conference with the teacher before they are readmitted to class. If inappropriate behavior is reoccurring a parent conference, principal/counselor intervention or behavior contract may be necessary.
Extra Help:
If you pay attention in class, review your notes regularly, complete homework and reading assignments, and participate in class, you will be very successful in this class. Remember, hard work = success. Should you come across a topic or calculation you are having trouble with, even after our in class practice, come see me immediately. I am available before and after school, and during lunch by appointment.
I am looking forward to a great year, I hope you are too!
Sincerely,
Mrs. deVille