Spirit is alive in Science

 Students have returned to school eager to do well and show their spirit for learning!  We have begun this year by reviewing the metric system in Chapter 1.3 of our text. We have already had several opportunities to explore lab equipment and learn how to operate a triple beam balance. Students have been very cooperative and well behaved in class. They have gotten organized with supplies. Every class is large and we are busting at the seams but the kids are meeting the challenge with positive energy. I am very proud to be their teacher.

Welcome Back To School

Team Spirit Science

2012-2013

Science Syllabus:

8^th Grade Science

Welcome students and parents. I am excited to have this opportunity to be your child’s teacher. This will be a fun and enriching year for all of us.  This year your child will be introduced to the physical science topics of Physics, Chemistry, and Astronomy. We will integrate technology with a traditional lecture and note taking as well as a variety of hands on activities all designed to cover the 8^th grade California Science Standards.

                      

Attendance:  It is very important that your child attend every class. I will do my best to make every day meaningful and engaging.  There will be many activities that students may not be able to make up on their own once missed. If your child should need to miss class please assist them by asking your child to follow the make-up work procedures outlined below. 

Make-up work:  If your child should miss class it is their responsibility to obtain and complete missed work. Students are encouraged to discuss the day’s lessons with classmates. A log of all assignments will be kept in the classroom for students to check as well as a file containing extra worksheets. But remember you can come talk to me.  The best time to get make-up work is before school, after school or during brunch. Class time may not always be available for obtaining these assignments. Make-up work needs to be turned in with-in a reasonable period of time. Two days for every day absent is the general rule. If the assignment is more involved or you need additional help please come in and talk to me about extending the due date. All tests must be made up with-in one week.

Missing Assignments: In general, No Late work will be accepted for full credit. Be attentive in class, know when assignments are being turned in. Record all assignments in your Binder Reminder. If you fail to turn in an assignment you will receive a zero for that assignment until that work is turned in.  Please remember that some credit is better then no credit.

Homework:  Science homework will generally be given every night. Expect formal homework to be assigned once per week. Students are also expected to review notes, review textbook material that have been covered in class, and to study for quizzes and tests.

Grades: I will be using the standard grading policy.

100-90%  A

89-80%  B

79-70%  C

69-60%  D

Below 60% Fail

Students will earn points on tests, quizzes, projects, class work, lab activities and homework. The class grade is calculated by adding the total points earned and dividing by the total number of weighted points available.

Assignments are weighted as follows:

Tests 40%

Class/Lab Activities 30%

Quizzes 15%

Homework  15%

This could vary depending on the standards being covered during the grading period.

Student will receive a grade each quarter. School wide progress reports will be sent home approximately half way into the quarter. If you wish to receive an updated grade at some other time during the quarter, and you do not have access to Infinite Campus, please ask your child to request a computer print out from me. I will send home a current grade with your student a soon as possible.

Suggested Supplies: 

An example of notebook set-up will be demonstrated the first week of school.

Students should bring the following supplies to class everyday

• 3" D shaped ring binder. 
• 8-tab insertable dividers
• White lined paper, and graph paper
• Blue, black, red pen
• Highlighter pens
• Science workbook
•  Regular graphite and colored pencils
• personal pencil sharpener

This year students will be using the online workbook for selected assignments.  Textbooks may stay at home.

Communication:  Although I have left this for last it is truly the most important. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

E-mail is a very fast and efficient tool for parent/teacher communications. My e-mail address at school is eswanson@hartdistrict.org

You may also send a note or call the school and leave a message on voice mail. 

You may visit my blog at eswanson@blogger.com

Please encourage your child to come in and talk to me if they have questions or concerns. I want every student to be successful; all of us working together can make that happen.

Thank you for your support.  Please email me that you have read the syllabus. Place your childs full name and class period in the subject line. If you like, include any information that might help me in assisting your child.

Mrs. Swanson

Steps For Using The Triple Beam Balance

Scientific Method