Mrs. Howard Rm. 5
2015-2016
Earth and Space Science Policies and Procedures
Earth and Space science is the study of the world around us. It is the investigation into the behavior of matter and energy to explain our everyday experiences. Earth and Space Science is one major branch of science. It deals specificallywith the study of the earth, its history, its changes and its place in the universe. The main branches of Earth Science which we will study this year are Astronomy, Geology and Meteorology.
Materials:
1 science journal- black and white composition book
1 pack colored pencils
1 folder
highlighters
pencils and black or blue pens
calculator
earbuds
dry erase markers
Grading:
Students will receive a variety of different types of assessments. Some of these assessments will be used for informational purposes only. These assessments will not be graded. Graded assessments include, but are not limited to the following:
Category / Percent CompositionUnit Tests and Projects / 35%
Tests and Quizzes / 30%
Classwork /Lab Activities / 25%
Homework / 10%
NO EXTRA CREDIT! Students will have many opportunities to be successful in science. For this reason, extra credit will not be assigned.
Homework:
Student learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Students will be expected to complete assignments at home throughout the year. Students are also encouraged to review class notes on a daily basis. Homework will be 10% of student grades with the exception of take home projects.
Grade Scale:
Grade Earned Numeric Range
A+ 97 – 100
A 90 – 96
B+ 87 – 89
B 80 – 86
C+ 77 – 79
C 70 – 76
D 65 – 69
Home Access Center:
Students are encouraged to use the home access center to review grades and assignments on a weekly basis. This will help parents to identify what assignments students are missing and they can also see recent assessment scores. HAC will be updated weekly depending on the administration of tests and other assessments.
Classroom Guiding Principles
· Act with respect towards yourself, others and the school.
· Actively participate in discussion. Science is an intensely social endeavor.
· Come to class prepared with an open mind and all the tools to learn.
· Be responsible for your own actions.
· Clean-up after yourself.
Absences, Make-Up Times, & Extra Help: In the case of a normal one day absence due to illness you are given a one day extension for work assigned the day of your absence. Work assigned prior to your absence or due on the day of your absence are not given an extension. If youhave a prolongedabsence you have to propose a plan with a timeline to make up the missed work. Failure to confirm your plan with me within two days of your return will result in a zero for missed work. If extra help is needed, you may come to room 5 during 8th period. You will need a pass before class is over to receive additional support.
Home Access Center: Students are encouraged to use the home access center to review grades and assignments on a weekly basis. This will help parents to identify what assignments students are missing and they can also see recent assessment scores. HAC will be updated weekly depending on the administration of tests and other assessments.
Plagiarism Policy: Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and students are responsible for educating themselves about it. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that occurs when a person passes off someone else's work as his or her own. Plagiarism may take several forms. All papers and projects are required to have a work cited page and/or a bibliography in APA format. Any of the following, without full acknowledgment of the original source, counts as plagiarism:
· Direct duplication, by copying (or allowing to be copied) another’s work, whether from a book, article, Web site, another student’s assignment, etc.
· paraphrasing of another’s work closely, with minor changes but with the essential meaning, form and/or progression of ideas maintained;
· piecing together sections of the work of others into a new whole;
· submitting one’s own work which has already been submitted for assessment purposes in another subject;
· producing assignments in conjunction with other people (e.g. another student, a tutor) which should be your own independent workAny student suspected of plagiarism will be subject to the process and punishment set forth within Administrative Regulation 6160 on Plagiarism.
It is important for students to communicate issues and concerns in a timely manner. Do not hesitate to contact me. I cannot help you solve problems that I am unaware of! Be Proactive!
Contact information: or 215-368-9600
NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCIENCE LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES
8th GRADE EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE / CATASTROPHIC EVENTS
NAME ______Date ______Period # ______
The school laboratory is a place of learning and investigation. Because of the equipment used, it is important to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone.
1. I will perform ONLY authorized experiments. I will read, follow, and understand all oral and written directions before proceeding. I will wait until I receive my teacher’s permission to begin a lab activity. I will always ask questions when I am uncertain of what to do.
2. I will not misbehave in the laboratory or play with laboratory equipment or materials. I will not engage in behavior that is disruptive or dangerous or that interferes with another student’s right to learn. I understand that horseplay, practical jokes, or damaging another student’s work will not be tolerated.
3. I will work ONLY at my assigned station, maintaining safe conditions and clean work surfaces. I will always make sure to keep the aisles clear of books or other materials that would create a hazardous situation for my classmates.
4. I will never conduct experiments alone in the laboratory.
5. If I have long hair, or wear loose clothing, I will confine them during investigations involving fire or chemicals.
6. No open-toed shoes.
7. I will protect my eyes, face, and hands while engaging in lab activities involving flames, chemicals, or the use of glassware. I will do this by wearing safety goggles and, when needed, latex gloves or other protective gear.
8. When trying to detect the odor of a substance, I will always waft.
9. I will know the location and be familiar with the use of the following safety equipment:
*Fire Extinguisher (Be able to list the 4 steps)
*Fire Blanket (Be able to list the 3 steps)
*Eye Wash (Be able to list the steps)
9. I will not eat, drink, or taste anything in the laboratory. This includes food and
drink as well as chemicals. I will never eat or drink from laboratory equipment.
10. I will inspect glassware for cracks, leaks, and sharp edges before use. I will report
any broken glassware to my teacher immediately. I will thoroughly clean all
glassware after use.
11. I will clean up spills as directed by my teacher. If chemicals get on my skin or
clothes, I will rinse them immediately and then notify my teacher.
12. I will wash my hands thoroughly after using chemicals and lab equipment. When
using chemicals, I will not touch my nose, mouth, lips, or eyes until after I have
washed my hands.
13. I will report any injury or accident to my teacher IMMEDIATELY no matter how
minor.
* I understand that failure to comply with these safety guidelines may result in injury to myself or a classmate and my removal from class. I also understand that I will lose credit for the work that is done in my absence.
SAFETY CONTRACT
Homework Assignment #1
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE LABORATORY SAFETY RULES AS OUTLINED ON THE NORTH PENN LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES HANDOUT. I WILL FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WHENEVER I AM CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENT IN CLASS. As part of my grade, I will be tested on my understanding and my ability to apply the safety rules.
Student Signature ______Date ______
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE LABORATORY SAFETY RULES OUTLINED ON THE NORTH PENN LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES HANDOUT AND WILL SUPPORT A SAFE LABORATORY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT.
Parent Signature ______Date ______
Students and parents are required to read the course outline during the first week of school. After reading please sign and date this page below acknowledging that you understand and are aware of Mrs. Howard’s policies and procedures.
______
(parent) (date)
______
(student) (date)
Pennfield Middle School
2014-2015
Mrs. Howard Rm 5
Life Science Course Outline
Life science focuses on living organisms, their characteristics, habitats, and interactions between both living and nonliving things.
TOPICS:
· Populations and Ecosystems
· Diversity of Life; heredity, evolution, classification
· Cells and Organelles
· Science as a process (microscope and laboratory techniques)
School Supplies:
· 2 science journals- black and white composition books
· 2 packs of Ringed index cards
· 1 pack colored pencils
· glue
· one folder
· highlighters
· pencils and black or blue pens
· 1 pair of ear buds
· 1 calculator
· dry erase markers
Classroom Policies and Procedures:
Grading- Students will receive a variety of different types of assessments. Some of these assessments will be used for informational purposes only. These assessments will not be graded. Graded assessments include, but are not limited to the following:
Category / Percent CompositionProjects and Tests / 40%
Quizzes / 25%
Classwork /Lab Activities / 25%
Homework / 10%
Homework- Student learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom. Students will be expected to complete assignments at home throughout the year. Students are also encouraged to review class notes on a daily basis. Homework will be 10% of student grades with the exception of take home projects.
Absences, Make-Up Times, & Extra Help
In the case of a normal one day absence due to illness you are given a one day extension for work assigned the day of your absence. Work assigned prior to your absence or due on the day of your absence are not given an extension. If youhave a prolongedabsence you have to propose a plan with a timeline to make up the missed work. Failure to confirm your plan with me within two days of your return will result in a zero for missed work. If extra help is needed, you may come to room 5 during 8th period. You will need a pass before class is over to receive additional support.
Grade Scale:
Grade Earned Numeric Range
A+ 97 – 100
A 90 – 96
B+ 87 – 89
B 80 – 86
C+ 77 – 79
C 70 – 76
D 65 – 69
Home Access Center:
Students are encouraged to use the home access center to review grades and assignments on a weekly basis. This will help parents to identify what assignments students are missing and they can also see recent assessment scores. HAC will be updated weekly depending on the administration of tests and other assessments.
HOME ACCESS CENTER STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY- STUDENTS WILL COMPLETE A CHECKLIST AT THE END OF EACH MONTH. STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO LOG-IN TO HAC AND RECORD AND COMPLETE MISSED ASSIGNMENTS. PARENTS WILL HAVE TO SIGN THE CHECKLIST IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE COMPLETE.
It is important for students to communicate issues and concerns in a timely manner. Do not hesitate to contact me. I cannot help you solve problems that I am unaware of! Be Proactive!
Contact information: or 215-368-9600
NORTH PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
SCIENCE LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES
8th GRADE EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE / CATASTROPHIC EVENTS
NAME ______Date ______Period # ______
The school laboratory is a place of learning and investigation. Because of the equipment used, it is important to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone.
1. I will perform ONLY authorized experiments. I will read, follow, and understand all oral and written directions before proceeding. I will wait until I receive my teacher’s permission to begin a lab activity. I will always ask questions when I am uncertain of what to do.
2. I will not misbehave in the laboratory or play with laboratory equipment or materials. I will not engage in behavior that is disruptive or dangerous or that interferes with another student’s right to learn. I understand that horseplay, practical jokes, or damaging another student’s work will not be tolerated.
3. I will work ONLY at my assigned station, maintaining safe conditions and clean work surfaces. I will always make sure to keep the aisles clear of books or other materials that would create a hazardous situation for my classmates.
4. I will never conduct experiments alone in the laboratory.
5. If I have long hair, or wear loose clothing, I will confine them during investigations involving fire or chemicals.
6. No open-toed shoes.
7. I will protect my eyes, face, and hands while engaging in lab activities involving flames, chemicals, or the use of glassware. I will do this by wearing safety goggles and, when needed, latex gloves or other protective gear.
8. When trying to detect the odor of a substance, I will always waft.
9. I will know the location and be familiar with the use of the following safety equipment:
*Fire Extinguisher (Be able to list the 4 steps)
*Fire Blanket (Be able to list the 3 steps)
*Eye Wash (Be able to list the steps)
9. I will not eat, drink, or taste anything in the laboratory. This includes food and
drink as well as chemicals. I will never eat or drink from laboratory equipment.
10. I will inspect glassware for cracks, leaks, and sharp edges before use. I will report
any broken glassware to my teacher immediately. I will thoroughly clean all
glassware after use.
11. I will clean up spills as directed by my teacher. If chemicals get on my skin or
clothes, I will rinse them immediately and then notify my teacher.
12. I will wash my hands thoroughly after using chemicals and lab equipment. When
using chemicals, I will not touch my nose, mouth, lips, or eyes until after I have