Four branches of science are covered: life (7th), earth and environmental science (8th), as well as technology. Students will develop and masters scientific skills to include: design and conduct scientific investigations, make predictions, define and identify variables and controls, form and defend conclusions from evaluated data, construct, interpret and use data tables and graphs, metric units and various tools of measurement. They will also learn important scientific concepts and their applications.

ASSESSMENTS

At the beginning of each chapter students (hard copy) and parents (via web page) will receive a chapter synopsis/outline detailing the chapter content, assessments and reports. All assessments will be graded as homework, class work or tests; each being EQUALLY weighted. ALL tests must be signed regardless of the grade. COPYING will result in a ZERO for that assessment for ALL parties involved. I encourage parents to keep track of your child’s progress.
Unless otherwise stated, students are required to write ALL answers in the class work/homework section of their notebook. Reports are due one week from the day they are assigned (unless otherwise stated). Depending on the nature of the reports, they may be individual or group work. GROUP WORK IS ALWAYS OPTIONAL. However, no more than three students per group; group members will all receive the same grade. Report protocol given separately.

8th Grade ONLY: students will receive a ZERO for any assignment(s) not submitted by due date.

TEACHER – PARENT COMMUNICATION

At the end of each chapter a grade sheet with all the assessments and grades received will be sent home. This must be signed and returned within two days of receiving this grade sheet. Any in-completed assignments will be highlighted. Additionally, chapter average and current average will also be given. Please check my homework web page, updated daily, for homework assignments and due dates. Homework logs, email, notes, phone calls are welcomed and will be reciprocated when necessary.