Mrs.

Zukowskis 8th Grade Science Class

Neuse Charter School
2015-2016
Welcome to a new school year and eighth grade science!
This will be my fifth year teaching middle school, second year teaching 8th grade science at NCS. It is extremely
exciting to be a part of this wonderful educational community. I am certified in Special Education and currently do NOT
hold a teaching certificate in Middle School Science. Im looking forward to sharing my passion for learning with your
student and giving them the opportunity to explore, discover and question the world around us. My classroom will be
an environment in which students are active participants in the learning experience.
In eighth grade science, students will be exploring chemistry, the hydrosphere, ecosystems, energy, earths history,
microbiology, molecular biology, evolution and genetics. We will be using various forms of technology in order to
investigate the world around us. The most effective learning occurs when students are actively involved in discovery.
For this reason, students will be guided in developing their own resource materials to support, reinforce and analyze
scientific principles.
Communication with parents/guardians is instrumental in working as a team for the benefit of our students. Each
student will create a science binder. This binder is a great way to keep up with what we are doing in class. Students
and parents will also be able to go my science webpage at http://zukowskiscience8.weebly.com. This site will enable
you to see what activities were completed in class, homework, upcoming tests and due dates for assignments. If at any
time you have questions or concerns please call the school at 919-626-2367 or e-mail me at
tzukowski@neusecharterschool.org. The best way to reach me is typically by e-mail.

Grading Scale

Grade Distribution

100-90

Tests/Projects

40%

89-80

Quizzes

30%

79-70

Classwork/Labs/Journals

20%

69-60

Homework

10%

59-below

Tests and Quizzes

A study guide, of what will be covered on the test. Students can earn 5 points extra credit for
completion of the study guide the day prior to the test. No extra credit will be given if study guide
is completed during the review.
There might be quizzes on Fridays based on the material covered. Study to be prepared! The quiz will
cover vocabulary and concepts we have been working with during that week.
Students are allowed corrections only on TESTS with a score of below 70. Please see Test Corrections
document.

Classroom Management
1. Your science binder MUST be brought to class everyday along with lined paper, a pencil, and any
other materials as indicated. Your binder will be used to hold all of your science work.
2. You will have the first few minutes at the beginning of class to update your Table of Contents and to
complete your warm-up. You are required to keep a log (in your science binder) of warm-up questions
throughout the school year.
3. All of your work will be kept in your binder in order of assignment dates. Each assignment needs to be
dated on the date received in class.
4. When an assignment is required to be turned in, the following must be done:
Complete heading (name, date and class period)
Labeled with an appropriate title (assignment name)
Checked for neatness (legible and in order)
*Assignments turned in with no name will loose 5 points.
5. Late assignments will be accepted one day after the due date with a 25% deduction and a second day
late with a 50% deduction from the total assignment grade. Extra credit will never be accepted late.
6. Read assignment directions and rubrics carefully. Follow ALL instructions and deadlines.
7. Copying or cheating will result in a zero on all assignments, for all parties involved. This will result in an
automatic phone call home. Do your own work!
8. Good listening is a very important skill. When I need your attention in class, I will say, Give me five, or
Class, Class. That means hands are in the air, you are sitting quietly and looking at the teacher.
9. Book bags are allowed in class. They must be kept closed and neatly tucked away so they dont take up
precious classroom space or interfere with science safety. I ask for your support in this effort to keep
the room safe and productive.
10. No food and only water is permitted in the room. NO food or water when we are conducting labs.
Absolutely NO GUM!
11. Students will be permitted to use the bathroom prior to each class, Students will be allowed to use the
restroom IF they have an emergency and if they have their hall pass sheet in the student planner. No
pass = No bathroom break
12. Teamwork is very important in exploring science. We will be working individually as well as in groups
and with partners throughout the year. Get used to working with others and being a good partner. The
person you share a table with will be your partner.
Absences
If you are absent from class for any reason it is your responsibility to obtain: 1) a copy of the lesson from the
day(s) you missed, and 2) the assignments and their due dates.
Please check the Weekly Agenda (on the website) for assignments or the What you missed folder at the
front of the room.
Be sure to record the Warm-Up(s) in your notebook.
If you are absent on the assignment due date, you must submit the assignment upon returning to school.
If you have any questions that your team members cannot answer, then you need to see the teacher.
If you know you will be absent please discuss and collect any work you may need from Mrs. Z.
EOG: This is class does have a state-mandated End of Grade exam. The Science EOG is cumulative and will be
administered at the end of the course.
Cellphones, iPods, Electronic Devices: These items are considered classroom disruptions. Before you walk
through the door to my classroom you need to turn off these devices and store them out of sight. School
policy will be followed.

Warm-ups: We will start almost every class with a quick warm-up to get our brains into science mode. Begin
each warm-up by writing your name, the date and the warm-up number as the title. Write the questions and
provide your answers.
Mrs. Zs Desk: Completely off-limits. Please do not touch any of Mrs. Zs supplies, or anything on her desk
without her permission.
Student Station:
Student Supplies: If you need any supplies, you can get them in the student supply station. You do not
need to ask to use these supplies, but you do need to return them neatly.

Bin for Turning in Work: When you are turning in worksheets, quizzes, and tests look for the white bins on
the student station. If you are absent or you did not do your homework, you can turn it into the bin the next
day. Do not hand Mrs. Z work to be graded; it belongs in the bin.

Procedures:
Daily Procedures when you come into class:
1. Go to the bathroom and get water before you enter the room.
2. Sit silently in your assigned seat.
3. Update your Table of Contents.
4. Complete the warm up on the board.
5. Write down homework in your agenda.
6. Take out your homework.

Leaving Class:
1. Check the floors for any materials or trash.
2. Do not pack up until Mrs. Zukowski has asked you to do so.
3. You may not leave until everyone is seated and your area is clean.
4. Leave quietly and line up silently outside your next class.
Extra Support
Students are welcome to come to working lunch any day they need extra support or have questions.
My classroom is an inviting and exciting place to learn and live science. I look forward to a wonderful year!
Happy Learning!

Mrs. Zukowski

Test Corrections

Anyone scoring less than an 70% on tests may complete corrections to improve your test
score.

On a separate sheet of paper make a chart with three columns like the one shown below.

For each missed question, write the question number, the correct answer, and an
explanation of the answer.
o Follow the directions carefully for the explanation! You will not receive credit
unless the explanation is done correctly!

Set a goal for improving your next test score. At the bottom of the corrections complete
the following sentence: To improve my grade on the next test, I plan to:
________________________

Test corrections must be signed by a parent/guardian.

Staple your corrections to the back of your test and resubmit within 1 week.

Each properly corrected problem will receive credit added back to the test score up to
a maximum score of 70%.

SAMPLE:
Question Number

Correct Answer (letter for MC)

EXPLAIN the reason why this is

the correct answer instead of the
one you gave.
For concept questions, provide
scientific evidence why this
answer is right and the other
choices were wrong.
For definitions type questions,
write the correct definition
FIVE TIMES.
For math problems, show the
correct calculations with all
your work.
Simply restating the
question/problem will NOT
receive credit.

To improve my game on the next test, I plan to_________________________________________.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________________________________Date:_______

Student Information Sheet

Last Name___________________________________________________________
First Name ___________________________________________________________
Preferred Name/Nickname: _____________________________________________
Phone

___ __Primary E-mail ________________________

Birthday

___________ (please include year)

Parent or Guardian
_________________________
_____
Relationship: _______________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian _______________________________________________________
Relationship:
Parent or Guardian Work Phone:
Parent or Guardian E-mail:
Home Address
City
State
Zip Code
Do you have access to Internet at home?
Are you able to print from home?
What extra-curricular activities do you participate in?
Class Schedule:
1st Block:

Room #:

2nd Block:

Room #:

3rd Block:

Room #:

4th Block:

Room #:

If you have a medical issue that I should be aware of, or if you have any other questions or
concerns, please include them here:

Name: ________________________
Student Interest Survey
Five years ago

Five years from now __________________________________________.

I love when

I hate when

The farthest I have ever traveled from home is

My favorite place in the world is

I admire

because
.

What is a good book you have read and why did you like it?

Tell me about a good movie youve seen recently and why you liked it.

What is your favorite kind of music?

What is your favorite sport?
What are two common activities you do when you get home?

What wish do you have for someone else?

Im curious about
The title of a book about my life would be _______________________________.

Neuse Charter School - Lab Safety Rules

The following Safety Regulations must be observed at all times in the laboratory.
1.

NO playing, rough housing, running, fighting, or other injurious behavior will be

tolerated in the laboratory/classroom.

2.

NO experiments may be performed which have not been authorized by the

instructor.

3.

ALL accidents / injuries must be reported to the teacher immediately.

4.

ONLY use the materials / equipment provided by the instructor in class.

5.

KNOW the proper names / sizes of all glassware and/or equipment.

6.

FOLLOW all written / verbal instructions carefully and implicitly.

7.

ASK if in doubt about a procedure or task.

8.

NEVER eat or drink in the laboratory. DO NOT taste or touch chemicals /

food unless specifically instructed to do so.

9.

UTILIZE all safety equipment, including safety goggles and/or safety aprons.

10.

KNOW the location of fire extinguisher / blanket, first aid kit, eye wash, safety
shower, and fume hood.

11.

DRESS appropriately for laboratory work. Closed toe shoes must be worn.
Confine long hair or loose clothing.

12.

USE burners with caution as demonstrated by the instructor. Dispose of matches

in a designated container only.

13.

PROPERLY dispose of all materials. Place solid waste in trash can, liquids as
per teacher instructions.

14.

TAKE only necessary materials to your lab station to avoid damage.

15.

DO NOT open the chemical storage units without permission from

instructor.

16.

REPORT any problems with equipment to the instructor immediately.

17.

KEEP all floors, aisles, and passageways clear of obstructions.

18.

STAY and work in your assigned group. DO NOT distract other groups from their
work.

19.

AFTER each lab, wash all equipment, desktops/lab tables and clean the floor of
any debris.

20.

USE COMMON SENSE. Use caution when carrying laboratory equipment to / from
the lab stations. BE AWARE of what is going on around you.

(Neuse Charter School - Lab Safety Rules Cont)

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A SIGNED SAFETY CONTRACT ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE IN LAB
ACTIVITIES.
I,

, have read, discussed, and understood the safety rules listed on

these pages. I agree to follow these rules and will comply with all directions issued by my instructor in the
laboratory / classroom. I will conduct myself in a professional, responsible manner at all times. I will report
any misbehavior or situation which could endanger the welfare of myself or others to the instructor promptly.
I will be careful using equipment and supplies, knowing I could be asked to replace broken equipment. I
agree to carry out good housekeeping practices, proper disposal techniques, and protect myself using
safety equipment while in the laboratory. I realize if I knowingly disregard this contract, I will not be
permitted to take part in laboratory activities.
Student Signature_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date__________

Parent Signature_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date__________

Please check one:

______ student has permission to wear contact lenses in the laboratory.
______ student does not have permission to wear contact lenses in lab.
______ student does not wear contact lenses.
Please list any known allergies or health problems:

___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Classroom Information Sheet
Guidelines help our class run smoothly. Your signature indicates you have read over the science classroom
syllabus with your parent(s) and understand what your responsibility is as an active learner. Youve received a
paper copy and it is also available at
http://zukowskiscience8.weebly.com . Please return this form to Mrs. Z by Friday August 21, 2015.
Print student name:_____________________________________________________Block:__________________
Student signature:__________________________________________________________Date:

____

Print parent name: _______________________________________________________________________________

Parent signature:

_Date:

________________