PHYSICAL SCIENCE NEWS SPECIAL EDITION SEPTEMBER 2008 HOMEWORK POLICY Welcome to 8th grade physical science. This year you will study the wonders of matter and energy in our universe. Units will include: Working as a Scientist Physics of Motion and Forces Work and Energy Matter and Energy Atoms. Elements, and Compounds Chemistry of changes in Matter Expect homework most nights of the week. Quality is essential. Late homework will suffer a grade penalty. The homework grading is as follows: 10: Extra credit: On time, complete+ effort above and beyond 9: Full credit: On time and complete 8 : 1 day late and complete OR on time / slightly incomplete 7 : 2 days late and complete OR on time incomplete (at least half done) 6 : 3 days late and complete OR less than half complete 0 : Not turned in within 3 days WHAT’S COMING UP?BE PREPARED! Step one to success is to come to class with your 3-ring notebook (and plenty of paper), your assignment book, a calculator and pencils. Colored pencils would also be helpful. A separate 1” 3-ring binder is required for labs. This binder will be provided and stored in the classroom most of time. You only get one binder, so take good care of it. If you like to organize your papers in your personal 3-ring notebook, it is recommended that you use 3 dividers. Label them: Notes/ Assignments Tests/ Quizzes VIP (very important papers) ABSENCES Make up work is allowed for excused absences. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for assignments missed! Ask ahead, if possible, or as soon as you return. You will receive one day of make-up time for each day missed. Missed labs may require special arrangements with Ms. F-D Contact me! Website:

GRADING You will receive grades for science in 3 areas: ASSIGNMENTS & LABS- homework, lab activities, lab reports & other classroom assignments TESTS/ QUIZZES- Quizzes, tests, and long term projects Tests= 100 pts Quizzes=50 or less pts Projects vary (rubric provided in advance) CONDUCT- classroom participation and behavior Each grade will be calculated on the following scale: % A %A 90-92%A %B %B 82-80%B %C %C 72-70%C %D Below 60%F EXTRA CREDIT A “Challenge of the Week” will be offered several times each term. The challenge will usually involve an at-home experiment or topic of research. Completing a challenge will earn you 1 or more Einstein Passes (worth points towards grades). Bonus points can also be earned during special participation events in class. 10 points earns you a Einstein Pass! GO TEAM! You will be assigned a team for most units. Your team will share a table and a set of responsibilities for all class work and lab work. In addition to team responsibilities, two people per week will be assigned to be a final clean-up crew. QUESTIONS ABOUT CLASS POLICIES? Food? Save for snack time at the beginning of 3rd period. Never eat directly on the lab tables. Bathroom or water break? Print the time and your name on the designated sheet and take the classroom pass the with you. Sign back in when you return. Discipline? The key to success in science is:: show respect for all! That includes your classmates, teacher, and the materials in the classroom. Parents/ guardians will be notified of any consistent problems. The CMS policy is no gum or hats MS. FERNANDEZ-DAVILA’S COMMITMENT HIGH CHALLENGE HIGH EXPECTATIONS RESPECT FOR ALL