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8 Orange Science
Class Requirements for 2008-2009
Mrs. Schmirer
Room 405
Welcome to science class! We have a busy year ahead of us—over the next 180 days of school, we will study the following units:
Physics: Forces, Motion, and Energy
Chemistry: Part 1: Particles/ Part 2: Atoms and the Periodic Table
Biology: Cells and Life Processes
Biology: Continuity of Life: Heredity and Genetics
For our first unit, physics, we will use Holt Science and Technology: Forces, Motion, and Energy. For our chemistry and biology units, we will use SciencePlus Technology and Society, Level Blue. You should take home (and cover!) the textbook you receive. You will need it for homework and studying. There will be a class set of books for daily in-class use.
Materials to bring to class EVERYDAY
Science binder (1-inch, 3-ring binder; you may share another subject with science if you get a larger binder) with four dividers labeled
Toolbox
Classwork/Explorations
Homework
Notes
Pencils or pens
Calculator
Plan book
Also, I recommend keeping a supply of lined paper in your binder at all times.
General Policies and Procedures
1. Listen!! When the teacher/sub/aide is speaking to the class, everyone is silent. Information is being given that is crucial to the safety and success of everyone. If I’m talking, you shouldn’t be! If you have something to say or ask, raise your hand and I will call on you when I’m done speaking.
2. Follow directions. Before any activity or lab is started, I will give an overview of the procedure to be followed—LISTEN TO THIS. Every handout for every assignment will have written directions to follow—READ THESE. As eighth graders, you need to take charge of your learning, and one way to do that is by paying attention to directions. If you have any questions or confusion about your task, please ask before you begin.
3. Be prepared for class. Arrive on time for class with the required materials (pen/pencil, binder, plan book, and homework). Do not count on being allowed to go back to your locker to get things you forgot. Try to save bathroom trips for between classes. If you absolutely need to leave, you must ask first, and then sign out. Always sign back in when you return.
4. Follow established class procedure. As you enter the class, you need to
a. Pick up the day’s handouts from the front table
b. Go directly to your assigned seat.
c. Look at the whiteboard for the day’s agenda. This includes: turning in HW or having it out to be checked, the night’s homework, and the activities we’ll be doing in class.
d. Log in handouts to your table of contents; write down the night’s homework.
**If you have been absent, check the big Table of Contents to see what handouts you have missed, then get copies of those handouts from the extra handouts box. You are responsible for completion of all work you missed.
5. Do your homework. The reason I give homework is to reinforce what we are studying in class or to introduce you to an upcoming topic. Doing your homework helps prepare you for tests and quizzes, and it helps to improve your average. Homework is accepted for full credit on the day it is due; late homework is accepted for partial credit.
6. Do not touch lab equipment until you are instructed to do so. If materials are set up on the tables for a lab, you will be able to use them—but please wait until you have received instructions before touching any lab equipment.
7. Make this a great year! I will do my best to guide, listen, and provide extra help when you ask for it. I expect that, as eighth graders, you know proper behavior and that you will take control of your own learning and help the rest of our team to do the same.
I expect you to concentrate on the ABC’s in our classroom:
A = Attitude and Enthusiasm
B = Behavior
C = Cooperation
Grading Policies:
Grades are determined on a points-possible basis. I encourage you to keep track of your grades using the GRADE TRACKER provided each term. I will show you how to do this.
Complete, Quality, and Correct work is expected for all assignments.
Complete: You have answered all questions on an assignment.
Quality: Your answers are detailed and well thought out.
Correct: The information you have given is factually correct and shows
logical application of concepts.
Occasionally, I will give extra credit assignments. These will not be required assignments. The goal of extra credit assignments is to provide opportunities for you to think in-depth about topics we’re studying. Don’t expect extra credit work to make up for failure to complete required work.
The grade you get is up to you! You will get the grade you earn. In general, in my classes, the students who earn D’s and F’s are students who have large amounts of missing or incomplete work. Please DO ALL OF YOUR WORK. Your grade reflects the work you do, so please choose to do well from the start.
As a general rule, here are the point values you can expect for the types of assignments in science class:
Type of assignment |
Total points possible |
Homework, Classwork, or Exploration |
From 1-10 points |
Question of the Week |
10 per term |
Quizzes, Tests, Projects |
20-75 |
Extra Help
Please come see me if you need extra help with assignments, preparing for quizzes, or just keeping things organized!!
I will usually be available for extra help after school on Tuesdays until 2:45, or by appointment before or after school on other days. Just ask or send me an e-mail if you need to stop by on any day other than Tuesday!
E-mail and WEBSITE:
I can be reached by e-mail at: bschmirer@mail.ab.mec.edu.
I maintain a website that is linked to the RJ Grey site. I update my website often. The address is: http://mail.ab.mec.edu/~bschmirer. My website is a reference for students and their families, with team news and information about science class work and due dates. Please bookmark my site!!
THIS SHOULD BE THE FIRST PAGE IN THE TOOLBOX SECTION OF YOUR SCIENCE BINDER
   
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CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE TO DETACH THIS SECTION BEFORE TURNING IT IN
Please read through this Class Requirements handout with a parent or guardian. Then complete the following information, to be turned in to Mrs. Schmirer by __________________________, 2008
I understand the requirements and policies for 8 Orange science class:
Student name (printed):____________________________________________ T-___
My child has shown me the 8 Orange Science Class Requirements.
Parent/Guardian name(s): (please print) _________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian e-mail address: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian phone number : ____________________________________________
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