Advise from former students:

**turn in everything on time (usually not accepted late)

**read AND listen to the chapter TWICE--once at the beginning of the chapter, then a day or two before the test

**earn as many homework passes as possible (don't waste your homework passes--can be used for extra points)

**always be prepared for class (bring you materials every day)

**be sure to write your name, date, period and assignment on all papers

**DON'T PROCRASTINATE!!!! --work ahead whenever possible

(try to finish the assignment the day it is assigned)

**keep track of all handouts and worksheets (no credit if lost)

**pay attention to Mrs. McMullan in class (don't talk while she's talking)

**study--tests/quizzes are harder than you are used to

(it's not just memorizing info)

**begin studying for tests AT LEAST 2 days before the test

**get organized

**USE the assignment sheets Mrs. McMullan gives out on Monday --check off assignments when complete, then check off again when turned in

**get classwork and updated homework assignments when absent from web page (classmates are unreliable)

**look over what we learned in class when you get home every evening

(review notes every day)

**don't talk while Mrs. McMullan is talking!!!!

**expect this class to be challenging (it's advanced)

**help do all the labs (if you let your group members do all the work, you will not do well on the test)

** just "doing" your homework will not get you a 100% (it's graded)

**check PINNACLE (grades online) AT LEAST once a week (let your teacher know immediately

if there are mistakes)

**try to compete in science olympiad, robotics, OM, etc

(its fun and you get extra credit)

**keep an "A" average so you can omit some stuff

**do extra credit when offered (you may need it later)

**you must make up all test and quizzes, as well as most labs

(usually come in 8:15am for tests and labs and 8:45am for quizzes)

**be the first to answer the on-line bonus question, and you'll get a HW pass

**ask questions if you are unclear about something AND participate in class discussions

**write (print or type) so that Mrs. McMullan can read your work

**pay attention to details and directions

**don't give up; a couple of low grades doesn't mean you're "failing" the class

**rewatch Brainpops at home

**study in small chunks (5-10 minutes) for several days rather than an hour the day before the test (you'll remember more)

**Use your learning styles

**try making flashcards or two-column study guides

**if you get nervous during a test, try deep breathing and do the ones you know first

**drink water before testing (don't overdo it)

**have FUN

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**BONUS question (be the first to e-mail the answer to me):

Check back later for a bonus question

You cannot simply cut and paste the answers from the INTERNET (put it in your own words)!

HOLT On-line textbook http://my.hrw.com

See Mrs. McMullan for a password and username

Planet Diary: http://www.earthweek.com/

Brainpop: www.brainpop.com (The password is now the same as the username.)

**Check i-Parent at least once a week!!!