Welcome:  The goal of this course is to develop a broad base of science content knowledge for future study and informed citizenship.  We also will work on developing the habits of mind of a scientist and practice creative critical thinking.

School Supplies:  Each student needs to have a place to keep science papers -- a green folder is the suggestion!  We will make frequent use of the Chromebooks, so be sure to bring yours daily.  Have a pen or a pencil each day as well.

Learning:  Our units are designed to meet the middle school Next Generation Science Standards that can be found at the Next Generation Science Standards website.

Unit 1: Cells
Unit 2: Organisms and Systems
Unit 3: Reproduction, Heredity, and Growth
Unit 4: Forces and Motion
Unit 5: Electric and Magnetic Forces
Unit 6: The Structure of Matter
Unit 7: States of Matter and Changes of State
Unit 8: Chemical Processes and Equations
Unit 9: The Chemistry of Materials

In Class Assignments/Labs:  Science is a class that will involve a lot of in-class activities/labs and will require full participation.  Students will work independently, in pairs, and in groups.

Homework:  Homework assignments are designed to help students practice, review, or extend upon what we have studied in class.  Regular homework assignments will be due the next class that we meet.  Special due dates for long-term assignments will be posted in the classroom, shared on the online student planner, and announced in class.  

Late Work:  Constructive homework is very time dependent and therefore should be completed on time.  Place all makeup work in the tray for the correct class period or submit it online.

Absent Work:  Students are expected to make up all work when they miss class.  Students are expected to check the online planner or Google Classroom and ask questions as needed. 

Assessments:  Assessments may take the form of quizzes, tests, papers, projects, presentations, etc.  They are designed to ensure that students have reached proficiency on relevant Next Generation Science Standards.  

Retakes:  Any assessment may be redone if the student did not completely master the goals of the unit, but a reassessment ticket must be completed and the work must be completed within two weeks of the original assessment.

Grading:  Students' report card grades will be determined using a weighted category system.  Daily work will comprise 30% of the total grade, while assessments will be worth 70% of the final grade.  Power School does this calculation automatically as the assignments are entered.  

Grade Reports: Students and parents have online access to grades at the PowerSchool Parent Login website. The ID and  password is located the schedule passed out at registration in August. Please use PowerSchool regularly to keep track of your grades and avoid having any missing assignments.

Science Help:  If you need extra help, you may request an appointment with Ms. Croze before school, during lunch, or after school.

Questions:  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!