8th Grade Science Syllabus

Bryan ISD
2016-2017

Teacher Information
Teacher: Nicole Heinrich
Campus: Stephen F Austin Middle School
Email: Nicole.heinrich@bryanisd.org
Conference: 9:22 am 10:12 am
Tutorials: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school (4 pm- 5pm)

Course Description
Students plan and conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods and skills that support
the continued development of critical thinking and problem solving. Students analyze data and make informed
decisions using scientific equipment, computers, and information technology to collect, analyze, and record
information. As students continue to develop their use of these skills, they also use acquired scientific
knowledge about the life, physical, and earth sciences. Hands-on, minds-on science instruction provides
learning experiences that extend prior science understanding developed in sixth and seventh grades. Students
observe, identify, classify, and/or investigate a number of relevant science topics.

Critical thinking skills are emphasized through more in-depth laboratory write-ups involving analysis, synthesis,
and application to the real world. Class lectures and discussions allow for drawing more extensive connections
between previously learned science concepts. The testing of students in the Pre-AP program involves higher
level thinking skills assessed through more essay-type questions. This is an advanced academic course, which
requires extensive out-of-class commitment. Course requirements may include lengthy reading assignment,
individual research, and projects.

Grading Policy
Grades are assigned as an indication of the level of academic development in an elementary, middle, or
secondary school subject, course, or class. A students daily or major grade shall not be penalized for
disciplinary reasons.

Daily Grades - 40% of the Six Weeks Grade Average

The purpose of daily grades is to help determine the students progress in the learning process, diagnose any
problems, and aid in getting the help a student may need to learn the material. Daily grades are based on
individual student performance. Homework is an example of a daily grade. The purpose of homework is to
practice, prepare, and extend the classroom learning. Students should be able to complete homework
assignments on their own or with minimal parental support. A students economic status should not impede his
or her ability to successfully complete or score well on a homework assignment. Other daily grades may include
journal checks, lab practice items, writing activities and quizzes. There will be at least 10 daily grades each six
weeks grading period.

Major Grades - 60% of the Six Weeks Grade Average

The purpose of major grades is to evaluate student mastery of the information or skills. Major grades evaluate
mastery of TEKS, concepts, understanding, and district objectives. District based tests, unit tests, lab reports,
compositions, projects with rubrics, presentations and portfolios are examples of major grades. There will be at
least 3 major grades each six weeks grading period.

Missing Assignment Grades

Missing assignments shall be assigned the grade of 'M'. The grade of M indicates that the assignment is missing.
The M grade will count as a zero in the student's average.

Reteaching/Reassessment
Reassessment shall be offered to allow a student another chance to show mastery after he/she has failed an
exam. After reteaching occurs, the reassessment option may include a formal or informal measure deemed
appropriate by the teacher/course level for evaluating the skill or concept. The teacher will make every effort to
allow the student to be reassessed as soon as possible. A reassessment must be completed prior to the next
exam.
Middle School students (6-8) who score below 75 will be given an opportunity to retest in order to earn up to a
75. If the reassessment is administered, the higher grade will replace the lower one with a maximum grade of
75. Students will have only one opportunity for reassessment per failing test grade. The reassessment option is
not available for semester exams or district STAAR benchmarks.

Make-up and Late Work Policy

Students shall be expected to make up assignments and tests after absences. Within this framework, the
maximum time allowed shall be determined at the discretion of the teacher according to the individual
circumstances with a minimum of 1 day for each day of absence plus at least one day to complete and turn-in
make up work for full credit. A penalty may be assessed for any assignments or tests not made up within the
allotted time. A student shall be responsible for obtaining and completing the make-up work in a satisfactory
manner and within the time specified by the teacher. If the assignment was made prior to the absence, the
teacher may require the work the day the student returns. Students should make every effort to gather and
complete work prior to a school-sponsored absence. Time allowed for make-up work due to a school-sponsored
activity should be in accordance with the make-up work for all absences. The Late Assignment/Late Work
penalties apply only to students who are in attendance, but fail to turn work in on time. Late work penalties will
be no more severe than those below:

Daily Grades Maximum Penalty - The teacher may use discretion regarding the extension of the late
work rule due to extenuating circumstances. Late daily work will be accepted with a penalty of up to 10
points off a 100-point scale, which means up to 10 points per day, or if another scale is used, no more than
10% off for each school attendance day late. Late work must be submitted within the grading period.

Major Grades/Long Range Projects - The teacher may use discretion regarding the extension of the late
work rule due to extenuating circumstances. On long-range major projects or announced tests where the
due date is established well in advance, the student may be penalized up to 10 points on a 100-point scale, or if
another scale is used, 10% per day for each day beyond the due date. Late work must be submitted within the
grading period. Every effort should be made to complete the work for partial credit.

Course Information
Supplies: 2 Composition Books, Pencils, Pens, Erasers, Glue, Scissors,
Map Pencils, Kleenex

Class Expectations
My students and I will abide by the Social Contract we will create during the first week of school. If the Social
Contract is not followed, the following steps will be taken:
1. Warning
2. 30-minute Detention & Planned Discussion (parent notified)
3. Parent Conference
4. Referral
Stephen F. Austin Middle School has adopted the CHAMPS philosophy for establishing classroom
expectations. We CHAMP every activity to ensure that students are aware of expectations for their behavior
and participation. These expectations are designed to help students succeed academically and outside the
classroom.

The letters of the acronym, CHAMPS, are explained below:

C- Conversation (What volume is acceptable?)
H- Help (What do you do if you need help during the activity?)
A- Activity (What are you supposed to be doing?)
M- Movement (Are you allowed to move? If yes, what movement is appropriate?)
P- Participation (How will you demonstrate that you are participating appropriately?)
S- Success!

Other Course Information

Academic Dishonesty/Cheating/ Plagiarism
Academic dishonestycheating or plagiarism is not acceptable. Cheating includes the copying of another students work
homework, class work, test answers, etc, as ones own or allowing the same. Plagiarism is the use of another persons original
ideas or writing without giving credit to the true author. A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty will be subject
to loss of credit for the work in question, as well as disciplinary penalties, according to the Student Code of Conduct. The
determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or
other supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students.