Welcome to Science!!
Why do parachutes work? What is the strongest shape to hold up a truss bridge?
What is a chemical reaction?
These are questions that students will solve this year in science.
Goals:
- To entice students to develop and appreciate an understanding of science.
- To foster the development and growth of critical thinking skills while engaging in cooperative learning groups for lab experiments.
- To develop skills to successfully hypothesize, collect data, and write a supporting conclusion.
- To encourage an environment where students respect and cooperate with one another.
Course Content:
During the year students will learn and actively participate in lab activities that involve the following:
- Motion, Force, and Energy
- Chemistry
- Astronomy
- Bridge Building
Grades:
The grading system used during the 1st trimester is as followed:
- Classwork/Homework 20%
- Quizzes 20%
- Tests 30%
- Lab reports 30%
During the 3rd trimester, mid-term and final exams are given. These exams count for 15% of the marking period grade and the following is the grading system used:
- Classwork/Homework 15%
- Quizzes 20%
- Tests 25%
- Lab reports 25%
- Mid-term/Final 15%
Class Expectations:
- Students need to be prepared to learn. This preparation includes having their notebook, book, pen/pencil, and homework with them at all times.
- Classroom participation is important. Students are expected to participate and ask questions.
- Politeness counts. Students are expected to use good manners.
- Students will refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the science room, unless otherwise permitted.
- Students will adhere to the science safety rules they signed.
- Consequences will be guided choices and/or detention.
- Detentions that I give will be held with me as either a lunch detention or after school from 2:30 until 4:00, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Absent Policy:
- Students who are absent need to see me for any handouts, homework assignments, quiz or test make-ups. It is their responsibility to make-up the assignments. If the work is not completed in a time that we agree upon, all missing assignments will receive a zero for a grade.
Extra Help:
- I am available for extra help before school, and after school. Please encourage your child to see me for help.
I am looking forward to an exciting 8th grade year in science. I expect to challenge students with many different activities and hope to inspire them to ask questions and seek answers.
If you have any questions throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact me either by calling Harborside – 783-3523 or contacting me by email – Julie Pelczar: jpelczar@milforded.org
Mrs. Pelczar is out on maternity leave. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Mike Jacob by email - mjacob@milforded.org