Science+8

For Learning Period 3 Assignments, check the 09 Physical Science Assignments file: **
 * 2009-2010 Period 2 9:50-10:59am Thursdays Only**

A. Instructor: ** My name is Susan Nisan. You may contact me at 634-6467 or online at [|www.ktlcharter.wikispaces.com] I am in my thirteenth year at Keyes Charter and am highly qualified by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) to teach grades K-8. Your binder, lined paper, a pen, a pencil and colored pencils ** E. Course Requirements for Students: ** Daily Assignments—You will be responsible for completing an assignment daily at school or at home. If you are absent, you are responsible for handing in missed work and scheduling quizzes with me when you return to class. Semester Goals—You will… 1. complete all written work using full sentences, on a timely basis, and use the work to study for exams. 2. master science vocabulary words, with the opportunity to test multiple times. 3. complete with care and attention a science workbook with weekly entries and detailed drawings. 4. complete an individualized project to be presented to the class at the end of the semester.
 * B. Course Description: ** This course is an introduction to physical science. Students may take chemistry and physics classes in high school.
 * C. Course Objectives: ** This class covers **California State Standards for Grade 8 Science** (See [] )
 * D. Text and Materials: ** // Focus on Physical Science //, Prentice Hall, 2008 with //Workbook//

Textbook—__Keep your textbook at home__. Read the textbook ALOUD to understand the lesson and reinforce it. Evaluation—You will complete assignments on a weekly basis and periodic tests. You will be given opportunities to rework and explain missed test questions. Extra credit opportunities will be rare and announced well in advance. ** 100+ = A+ 90-99 = A 80-89 = B 70-79 = C 69 or below at mid-term requires a parent conference ** ** Participation = 10 % Project = 10% Tests = 20% **** Final = 20% Workbook/Labs/Daily Work = 40%   ** ** G. **** Course Requirements for Parents: **  Daily Assignments—Provide a quiet place for your student to concentrate. Your student must complete every assignment unless he or she has an __assignment pardon__. If you have an assignment question, please contact me at 634-6467or at [|www.ktlcharter.wikispaces.com] and give both the question and page numbers. Progress—You will receive information about how to access your student’s grade online by September 1. Please contact me if you have questions about your student’s progress. Projects will be presented orally in January. Rubrics will be provided one month prior to the beginning of the semester project.
 * F. Grading Policy: ** Your **Assignment Sheet** tells exactly what is expected in this class. Assignments and all take-home tests are open book. You are expected to do your own work and earn your own grade. You may talk with classmates about questions but __you must not copy an answer that another student has worked out__. Copying is plagiarism, a serious academic offense. The KTL Plagiarism Policy is detailed at [|www.ktlcharter.wikispaces.com].

__ Parent volunteers are needed __ to help in the Thursday science class, especially when there are labs to complete.
 * Science Class Participation Points: ** Participate in every class. You will learn more and receive up to 10 or 11 participation points per day.

The first 5 points are based on your complete science workbook. If you need colored pencils to use at home for your workbook, please ask me and I will lend some to you. (Do not use markers because they bleed through the pages.)

The other 5 class points are recorded as follows, with one point deducted as you move down the list.

5 points are recorded when you are on time, with all materials, and show respect for others. 4 points are recorded if you are tardy. 3 points are recorded if you are deliberately disruptive to others (passing notes, whispering, etc.) 2 points are recorded if you forget to bring your binder, pencil, etc. 1 point is recorded if your disruptive behavior requires that I contact the office and your parents. 0 points are recorded if you are absent until I receive a written excuse and the missed work.

Occasionally, you may earn 6 class points. The bonus point may be awarded for bringing in your assignment sheet at the end of the learning period or for other reasons to be announced in advance, such as attending a science-related community event.

**Physical Science Class Format:** D ue to the nature of a science class, there is no consistent format. Some days will be labs while others may include videos or guest speakers. Please refer to the instructions on the whiteboard when you enter the room and __show all adults and other students your fullest respect at all times__.

Science classes require an extra measure of safety and care with the use of specialized equipment and materials. __Please wait for instructions and follow all safety precautions__. There is to be no teasing and rough play at any time. Use your common sense and, when in doubt, DON’T!

1. Always be prepared for class by completing and checking your daily work __before the due date__. 2. Come to class on time with your binder with all assignments, your __science workbook__, and pencils. 3. Read aloud the //Focus on Physical Science// textbook at home. __Seeing and hearing__ the lesson will help you learn. 4. Make vocabulary cards and ask a family member to quiz you both ways (words and definitions). 5. Check all workbook entries and diagrams for accuracy and color all pictures carefully, using colored pencils. 6. You will have class time to begin some work. __Use your time wisely__. Unexcused late work will be marked down. 7. Assignments must include __names, dates, and page numbers__ and may not be submitted on ripped-out spiral notebook paper. 8. If you neglect to do your work neatly, you will need to __recopy and resubmit your assignment__. This is non-negotiable. 9. You may use an __assignment pardon__ once per semester on any daily work of your choice. Projects and tests are not included. 10. Plan your semester project carefully. You will make both written and oral presentations at the end of the semester.
 * Tips for Student Success: **