PARENTS ONLY!
Your son or daughter will need to bring a pen (blue or black), a pencil, an agenda book, and a three ring binder to class each day.
Science should be an exploratory subject and I look forward to making the subject of science exciting for your child. We will be studying the following topics:
Scientific measurement and tools
Matter (states and properties)
Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures
The Periodic Table
Energy/Heat
Motion
Homework
Homework will not be issued every night but expect homework at least 3 nights a week. Homework is graded based upon effort and neatness using the following method: 5= 100% 4= 80% 3= 60% 2= 40% 1= 20%. In order to prepare students for high school, homework will not be accepted late.
Tests/Quizzes
I allow plenty of time for students to prepare for tests and quizzes. I normally hand out a study guide 1-2 days before a test or a quiz so that the student knows exactly what to study. My grading policy is as follows:
Tests/Projects: 40% Quizzes/Labs: 35%
Class work: 15% Homework: 10%
Table of Contents
All students will keep all important work, in a science section in their binder. I will supply each student with a Table of Contents which will help them keep papers in order and keep them organized! Students can always use their Table of Contents to find all information that they will be tested on.
POW
Every two weeks students will be responsible for completing a Problem Of the Week (POW). This assignment will involve answering an open response question in order to prepare students for the 8 th grade Science/Technology Engineering MCAS. The first week, students will answer the question; it will be graded and then returned. The students will then use the next week to fix mistakes in order to improve knowledge of the topic and earn a better grade. Both grades will then be averaged into a final grade. If a student receives a 100 the first week, he or she does not have to complete fix-ups the next week. This is essentially a free week! If the POW is not completed the first week or not fixed the second week, the student will receive a “0” as a quiz grade for that week.
For example:
First week grade: 72 Second week grade: 92 Final grade: 72 + 92 = 82
First week grade: 0 Second week grade: 80 Final grade: 0 + 80 = 40
Website
I have a weekly updated website for you and your child to use. The website includes the week’s forecast (what we are doing in class each day), a homework page in case your child forgets to record it in class, a link to the extra credit website if needed, and also this class guideline page. Go to the FLMS homepage scroll down to Teachers’ websites and click on Mrs. Lever!
Extra Credit
Each month students will have an opportunity to complete a science based extra credit assignment. This assignment is not required but is available for extra credit if wanted or needed.
Raffle Ticket Program
Students are able to earn raffle tickets for coming to class prepared each day, good behavior, and good citizenship. Raffle tickets can be used to purchase homework passes, extra points on tests and quizzes, school supplies, etc.