8th GRADE SCIENCE COURSE SYLLABUS 2015-2016 – Challenger Middle School

Mr. Talsky – Room 802 858-586-7001 ext. 4802

Course Description: 8th grade science is a year-long course that will cover various topics in earth, life and physical science. This class will be hands-on, inquiry-based and NGSS-based (Next Generation Science Standards). We will use the Interactions in Physical Science textbook, supplemented by various other materials. Technology and project-based learning will be an integral part of the course and each student will have access to a Netbook in class.

Classroom Rules: BE PROMPT BE PREPARED BE PRESENT BE RESPECTFUL BE RESPONSIBLE

Daily Expected Materials:

  • Planner
  • Spiral notebook (specifically for science class)
  • Loose leaf paper
  • Pens and pencils (at least 2 of each, NO PERMANENT MARKERS, blue or black pen preferred)
/
  • Ruler
  • Eraser
  • Colored Pencils, crayons or pens (NO PERMANENT MARKERS)
  • Glue stick or invisible tape
  • Flash drive, if possible

Grading Policy: Grades will be calculated based on the total points earned in class. Categories include assignments, projects, quizzes and tests. It is expected that parents and students check grades online on a regular basis. If you do not have access to the internet, please let Mr. Talsky know right away.

Grading System:

Academic Grades: / Citizenship Grades:
GradingCategories / Weight / Letter Grade / Grade Range
Assignments / 25% / A: / 90-100% / E / Excellent
Projects / 25% / B: / 80-89% / G / Good
Quizzes / 25% / C: / 70-79% / S / Satisfactory
Tests / 25% / D: / 60-69% / N / Needs Improvement
Total / 100% / F: / ≤59% / U / Unsatisfactory

Discipline Policy/Citizenship: Citizenship grades are based on participation and behavior. Practicing good citizenship is expected on a daily basis. A positive attitude, proper behavior, and respect for others and their property are important components of the citizenship grade. It is also important for students to maintain good citizenship grades since citizenship can be used to determine a student’s ability to participate in certain 8th grade activities. See Student Planner for Challenger’s Site Discipline Policy.

Tardy Policy: See Student Planner

Absences/Late Work: Students will be allowed as many days as they were absent to make up work. Assignments are posted on the school website. It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they missed and turn it in in the allotted time.

Assignments/Homework/Late Work: Assignments and homework is expected to be done on time. Late work will be marked at 60% of its value. It must

Schoology and Google: This year we are trying our best to “go green”. In doing so, we will be using Schoology.com and Google as primary modes of creating and turning in assignments and assessments. If your child is under 13, you will need to sign a consent form for the use of Schoology and if your child doesn’t already have a Gmail account, it would be very helpful if you could set one up for them. More information is forthcoming about these two items in the near future.

Communication: Please check the Challenger Middle website daily. Feel free to contact Mr. Talsky if you have any questions or concerns. The best mode of communication is email, however you may also reach him by calling the school office at 858-586-7001 and leaving a message.

MR. Talsky– 8TH GRADE SCIENCE SYLLABUS SIGNATURE PAGE

Please read the syllabus online, fill out this page and return to Mr.Talsky by Friday, 9/11:

By signing below, I have read and understand the policies outlined in Mr. Talsky’s syllabus. I agree to support and/or abide by them.

Student Name(please print): ______Per:______

Student Signature: ______Date:______

Parent/Guardian Name (please print):______

Parent/Guardian Signature:______Date:______

MR. Talsky– 8TH GRADE SCIENCE SYLLABUS SIGNATURE PAGE

Please read the syllabus online, fill out this page and return to Mr. Talsky by Friday, 9/11:

By signing below, I have read and understand the policies outlined in Mr. Talsky’s syllabus. I agree to support and/or abide by them.

Student Name(please print): ______Per:______

Student Signature: ______Date:______

Parent/Guardian Name (please print):______

Parent/Guardian Signature:______Date:______

MR. Talsky– 8TH GRADE SCIENCE SYLLABUS SIGNATURE PAGE

Please read the syllabus online, fill out this page and return to Mr. Talsky by Friday, 9/11:

By signing below, I have read and understand the policies outlined in Mr. Talsky’s syllabus. I agree to support and/or abide by them.

Student Name(please print): ______Per:______

Student Signature: ______Date:______

Parent/Guardian Name (please print):______

Parent/Guardian Signature:______Date:______