| Welcome to Mr. Williams' 8th Grade Science. You are in for an exciting learning experience.
| | Contact Mr. Williams | Learning is fun!
Learning is visual!
Learning is tactile!
Learning is repetition! |
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What can you expect in this class?
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Welcome to 8th Grade Science for this 2008/2009 school year.
* Grades are based on the following:
Major Tests/Finals/Projects
Tests/Quizzes
Labs/Notebook/Assignments
„h 75% of your grade comes from projects, tests and quiz scores and 25% of your grade comes from labs, notebook inspections and daily assignments.
* Each student will keep track of their grade and print grade reports off the web page and place them in their notebook before every notebook inspection
* Students will keep a detailed notebook that will include class notes, vocabulary, notes on scientific films, and lab activities. See notebook rules for more information.
* There are no set days for tests or quizzes, but we will average 6 or 7 each quarter.
* A student will receive a 0% grade for work not turned in within a week of the due date.
* Late work will be given a lower grade unless lateness is due to student illness or excused absence. The grade will drop by one letter grade each day it is late.
* Students may ask for their grade standing from the teacher at anytime but are expected to keep track of their own academic work in their notebook. Grades may also be checked weekly on this web page.
* Students will be in their seats when the tardy bell rings or be marked tardy. Tardy Students will be sent from the room to work from a textbook in a 7th grade classroom.
* Extra credit is not usually necessary because of the large number of points we have each nine weeks. Students will have opportunity to earn extra credit during each notebook inspection.
* We will study life science with a focus on botany. We will also study ecology, chemistry, and physics. A textbook will be assigned to each student but I do not teach from a text. We will refer to the text from time to time but do not expect to use it daily. A copy of the State standards, taught in this class, is available upon request or may be obtained from the ADE web site.
* You will often smile in this class! That may even be a requirement!
* Science is taught in this class with many hands-on experiences. It is a privilege to participate in these lab activities. Students with poor behavior will lose their privilege to participate in lab.
* Remember you also receive marks for work habits and citizenship.
* Students who fail tests in the first semester may write a report on the test material to replace a failing score. The highest score they can receive in the first quarter will be a 70%. In the second quarter it will be a 60%. No replacement scores will be offered after the first semester.
* You will love this class!
* You will on occasion laugh, sing, and even cry in this class.
* You will write several scientific papers, make several oral presentations, participate in many lab activities, and take at least three major finals during the year.
* Students will have some form of homework daily. Most often it will be related to organizing their notebook and reviewing notes. Other typical assignments will include studying for tests and quizzes, completing a lab assignment, reading assignments, researching and writing a scientific paper, practicing an oral presentation, creating a science experiment, writing and editing video presentations, and making or building a project.
* Students and parents should check the homework hotline weekly. Dial 696-5920 then dial 7. This will connect you to the hotline. Follow the directions for Mr. Williamsˇ¦science hotline. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS WHO WISH TO KEEP UP WITH THE DETAILS OF WHAT WE ARE DOING ON A DAILY BASIS.
* Students and parents should check grades on line weekly to know where you stand. Every attempt will be made by Mr. Williams to update these grades every week and sometimes several times a week.
* You will often work in lab groups that may included up to 4 partners working together on assigned projects. Select your lab partners wisely.
* In addition to learning science students will also focus on organizational and study skills that will aid them in becoming better students now and in the future.
* Hang on to your seats! You have never been on a ride like this before!
* You will be assigned a seat to sit in but in this class you will only need the edge!
* Parents may contact Mr. Williams at 696-5976 or at dwilliam@amphi.com. Please feel free to reach me any time you have a question or concern.
CIMI AWARD TO TOP SCIENCE STUDENTS
Top science students in Mr. Williams classes are selected to attend the Catalina Island field trip each year in April. Usually to be considered for this honor a student must achieve a 99% or higher in science for the quarter during one of the first two quarters. No student may attend CIMI if they have been before with Cross Middle school in a previous year. Other criteria include a 3.0 GPA, Good citizenship with no referals, and highly motivated in science. Checkout the link that connects you to the CIMI homepage.
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