Compton-Drew ILC Middle School

^th Grade Science

Course Description: Students will be investigating a number of topics including Natural Selection/Evolution, Sound and Light, Energy and Heat Transfer, Astronomy, as well as reviewing for the cumulative MAP test they will take this spring.

Text(s): HMHCO.COM/ED 

Methods of Instruction: This class will utilize a variety of methods which include scientific inquiry, class discussion, hands-on learning, outdoor activities, individual and group projects, problem solving, research, presentations, labs, note taking, and cooperative learning. There will be an emphasis on gaining vocabulary, asking questions, and developing innovative ideas.

Movement and Groupings

Unless otherwise stated, you are expected to be in your assigned seat working independently. When it is time to collaborate with classmates or work in groups, we will do it in one of three ways. You will mostly work with the other students seated in your area. Occasionally, random groups will be formed by either counting off or drawing names, while following CDC and SLPS guidelines. 

Assignments:

Homework will be assigned Monday-Thursday. All assignments are due the Friday before Progress Reports are released

 Redos, Retakes, and Corrections

The goal of school is to learn new content and/or skills, even if it takes a few tries. This means we sometimes need to try again. Assignments requiring a redo will have “REDO” written next to the grade.

Types

1. Notes/Simple Classwork – complete and/or correct for up to 75% of total credit.
2. Tests/Quizzes – in most cases, retakes will be possible for at least a portion of the quiz or test.
3. Lab write-ups, constructed essays, and other activities – Redo for partial credit

Extra Credit: Each quarter you can earn up to 40 points extra credit by completing the Weekly Puzzler.  A Curiosity Questions is essentially a short research paper on a topic of your choice. They are worth 10 points each, and you may complete up to four. Place completed Curiosity Questions in the Turn-In Folder any time prior to the last week of the quarter. 

 Absences and Missed Assignments:

You are expected to be in class on time every day.  If an absence is unavoidable, you are responsible for any and all missing work and will be given the opportunity to make up the work. Upon returning, check Mr. Kelly's website in order to get the missed assignments. You will have the same number of days you were absent to make up the work. For example, a student absent 2 days will have 2 days to turn in the missed assignments.

 Projects/Tests/ Quizzes: Some quizzes and tests are open-note. This is because it is more important for you to be able to use the material than it for you to memorize it. Like real-life, the questions are harder, but you have resources to help. Additionally, you will complete projects within each unit covered, both in groups and individually.

Grading Criteria: 

Quarterly grades will break down as follows:

Course Requirements:

It is the goal at Compton-Drew that all students achieve an 80% or better in each of their classes.  In order to accomplish this, students should come prepared and ready to learn, be responsible for all his/her own work, and behave with respect.

 Homework Policy:

1. Homework will be asiigned Monday - Thursday. 

2. Late Homework is due the Friday before progress reports.

3. Students may redo any assignment for full credit. These will be due the Friday before progress reports.

Written Assignments and Academic Misconduct: All written work submitted must be the student’s original work and conform to the guidelines provided by the teacher. This means that any substantive ideas, phrases, sentences, and/or any published ideas must be properly referenced to avoid even the appearance of plagiarism. It is the student’s responsibility to know all relevant school policies concerning plagiarism. Any documented cases of plagiarism can and will result in a failing grade. THIS MEANS NO GOOGLEING THE ANSWERS!