Syllabus 2006 - 2007

Click HERE to Download the Syllabus

Tentative Physical Science Curriculum Schedule

(Aligned with the California State Science Standards):

Class Materials Needed:

Storage Media – Our class will have heavy technology integration and students must have a safe and reliable means for storing and transporting files. All students are responsible for saving and maintaining their own files. Students will need a minimum of a 256mb USB Flash Drive for file storage. You can purchase a flash drive for $10-$20 at most stores that sell computer accessories. Students that do not have a flash drive will use a web based storage medium at no cost.

Textbook – While students are not allowed to take home the CIPS textbook or their workbook, these are completely accessible online. Go to CIPS Kids Online to access the text and workbook pages. Email Mr. G if you forgot the user name and password. We will also be using the Holt Physical Science textbook. You may check out this book if needed from the library.

Workbook – Each student is issued a workbook. These stay at school in my classroom. At the beginning of every unit, students tear out specified pages and put these in their science binder. You will work out of your science binder, not the workbook. If a student happens to take home their workbook and loose it (or lost pages), the student and parent must go to the CIPS Kids website to download and print the pages they need. This will not be necessary if the workbook stays in the classroom.

Science Binder – All students must have the capacity to hold at least 100 pages in their binder. Students can choose to have a separate science binder or a science section in a multi-subject binder.

Science Journal – This should be a composition or spiral writing book used only in science (not shared with other classes). Bring your science journal to class every day.

Extra Paper and Pencil – You will often need lined paper for writing or as scratch paper. Though you may use pen in your workbook pages and notes, most students prefer to use pencil in science because of math problems, graphing, and drawing. Most quizzes and tests require a #2 pencil.

Science Project – Students must purchase their own materials for their science project including the display board. Discounted display boards will be sold at school in December thru January.

Grading Scale:

Grading Weights:

*No more than 10% of this category is homework.

Grading Details:

Classwork & Homework - We will be working with two textbooks this year: CIPS and the Holt Physical Science book. The CIPS book is geared for a different style of learning that many of you will enjoy. This book is more of a recipe book than a traditional textbook. The book involves many group activities, discussions, and critical thinking exercises. The classwork and homework will mostly come from the workbook and is collected about every other Friday as a packet. Practice homework is assigned weekly and is due with your packet. It is important that you do your best. Full credit is awarded to all students who demonstrate hard work and effort. ABSENT MAKEUP POLICY: If you are absent, it is your responsibility to make up the missed work. You have the number of absent days to make up the work and submit it directly to the tray on my teacher desk by the following day for FULL credit (for example, if you were absent two days, Thursday and Friday, you must turn in your packet for full credit by Wednesday, the following week). LATE WORK POLICY: Unexcused late assignments will be deducted 30% of the earned points; this can ruin your grade! Late work is only accepted up to 5 days before the current grading quarter ends.

Science Journal - Science Journals are due at the end of every other week. Science journals are turned in to your period’s cabinet on a Friday. You must write 1/3-1/2 of a page based on the topic (listed on the front board) each day. If you are absent, you must ask a classmate what the topic was and make up this day. If you are absent on a Friday, you must submit your journal for full credit the following week. Online journals also fall into this category. An online journal must be completed the day it is assigned and is also subject to the Absent Makeup Policy.

Tests & Quizzes - There is a quiz or test about every two weeks. Mr. G allows a one week notice before a quiz or test and typically previews the exam with the class during that time. Though students are encouraged to study, generally students who participate and work hard in class are successful on science tests and quizzes. Notes and previous assignments are often allowed during tests and quizzes.

Projects - Projects are lots of fun but also require hard work. We will do several in-class projects over the course of the year. Some of the projects require some completion at home. All 8th Grade students must complete an individual Science Fair Project of their own. This is mostly done at home. The project is a major part of your grade. All together, your science project will be worth THOUSANDS of points in two grading categories: Classwork/Homework and Projects.

Citizenship - You are given 100 points each day for consistent, active, and positive participation. These are the easiest points to earn by coming to class every day, on time, following classroom rules, and participating with a good attitude. You lose 50 points each for tardiness (severe tardy - over 3 minutes - loses all 100 points), not working within 60 seconds of class starting, off-task, and rule breaking. Severe disruption, disrespect, unsafe behavior will result in an automatic loss of all daily points and immediate school discipline (see school discipline policy). NO POINTS ARE AWARDED IF YOU ARE ABSENT (Losing points if you are absent once or twice during the quarter will not hurt your academic grade and citizenship grade. If you are sick or have an excused absence for more than two days and this category is affecting your overall grade, please see me before or after school to discuss makeup opportunities for participation points lost due to multiple absences.).

Citizenship Marks - The grade in the citizenship category is transferred to your citizenship grade as follows: 100-95%-Excellent, 94-90%-Good, 89-70%-Satisfactory, 69-50%-Needs Improvement, 49% and Below-Unsatisfactory. *Your citizenship grade will be reduced by one grade for every F received in other categories.

Progress Reports:

Progress Reports are issued about once a month and are expected to be reviewed and signed by a parent or guardian. You will only have a few days to have your progress report signed and returned. After the due date, a progress report is subject to the late assignment policy listed above. A signed progress report is assigned 500 points in the Citizenship category. Progress reports are the best way for me to communicate to you and your parents about your grade. If you or your parents have questions about your science grade, please email me or see me before school, after school, or during lunch (be sure to have me write you a pass).

Tutoring:

My official tutoring day is Monday from 3:35-4:15. You are, of course, welcome to see me for help before school and Mon-Wed & Friday after school. Be sure to get a pass for access to campus before school and during the lunch period. Also, it is your responsibilty to notify your parents if you plan to stay after school.

Mr. G's Classroom Rules:

1. Arrive to class prepared and on time every day.

You are TARDY if you are not in your assigned seat when the bell rings. Wear uniform. Bring all required materials. Keep your notebook organized so assignments are accessible. Bring additional paper, pencils, and pens.

2. Show respect to everyone and our classroom.

Treat others with courtesy and kindness. Work with your neighbors free of your own prejudice. Share. Work quietly. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking. Be polite and patient with Mr. G. Respect all visiting teachers (substitutes). Cell phones and other personal electronic devices must be off and out of sight. Keep our classroom clean. Show care when using classroom materials. Use clean hands when working with materials and computers.

3. Work hard, responsibly, and honestly.

Finish all of your work. Be accurate and detailed. Begin working within 60 seconds of the start of class and continue working until cleanup, never pack-up early. Turn in assignments on time and complete. Do your own work. Perform team and partner tasks with a high level of effort. Be responsible for storing your computer files. Plagiarism and fabrication are unacceptable.

4. Follow all directions, safety rules, and management procedures.

Read directions before starting activities. Ask a neighbor if you are unsure what to do. Always walk in the classroom. Keep aisles clear. Never throw or toss any object. Stay in your assigned seat. Review and follow procedures for class start, cleanup, laptop pickup and return, bathroom, etc.

5. No food, candy, gum, mints, or drinks allowed.

Chewing gum is a school rule violation. Cough drops will be allowed only with a parent, school nurse, or doctor's note (given to Mr. G at the start of class). You may drink water from a water bottle only (keep bottle capped to prevent spills) and please keep your water bottle in your backpack. No passes are ever given for trips to the water fountain. Exception: Candy or snacks awarded by Mr. G may be eaten immediately.

Classroom Consequences:

Minor Infractions (Violation of Class Rules):

First Offence – Lose 50 Points

Mr. G will let you know that you are losing points. 50 of your daily 100 participation points are deducted.

Second Offence – Lose 50 Points

Mr. G will let you know that all of your daily points have been lost.

Third Offence – Lose 50 Points and Process Form

Mr. G will direct you to leave the classroom to fill out a Process Form. 50 additional points are taken from your Participation Category grade.

Major Infractions :

Lose all daily points in addition to school consequences. Please see the school discipline flow chart.

Click HERE to download the School Discipline Flow Chart

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