Welcome to 8 th Grade Science

1. Welcome to 8th Grade Science Ms. Wassum

3. Be Prepared • You must bring the following to class each day: • Binder with filler paper • If you need paper, you do NOT need to ask – help yourself to one or two sheets of paper • Pens and/or pencils • Agenda

4. Class Procedures • Entering • Each day, there will be a ‘Do Now’ on the board • When you enter, you are to take your seat and begin the Do Now. You should not have to be reminded to do this! • If you finish early, sit quietly and wait for us to discuss

5. Exiting • When the bell rings, remain seated until I dismiss you • On lab days, you and your lab group are not to leave until your lab area is clean • Please take everything with you – I am here to teach you, not to clean up after you

6. During Class • When I need your attention, I will count down “Three – Two – One” … By the time I reach one, you should be silent and attentive • You should be engaged at all times. This means you need to be doing the activity that has been assigned. • No complaints – It is a waste of your time and mine. Activities are designed to teach you concepts and to be fun. Complaining takes away the fun! • Do NOT go behind my desk or into my desk…that is MY space. Need something? Ask.

7. Class Rules • RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT! • This is my #1 Rule • Respect me, respect yourself, respect each other • No talking when others are talking • No criticizing what others say • No food or drink in the classroom • This is a safety issue • No cell phones or other electronics • All other rules from the school handbook apply to this class.

8. Absent? • If you are absent, please check my website. I will attach Power Point lessons and other important work. You can take notes from the Power Point. I will NOT write notes for you. • Check the crate for missed papers, worksheets, etc. • Come in after school for clarification or explanations.

9. Homework • Will be assigned two to three times a week • Homework is designed to reinforce work done in class. It is NEVER meant to be ‘busy work’ or punishment • One day late -20% • Two or more days late = 0 • Late and missing homework can adversely affect your grade. Please put in the effort to complete it.

10. Topics • Life Science • Defining Life • Ecosystems • Biotic vs Abiotic • Genetics • Chemistry • Chemical Reactions • NJASK Review • Forensics

11. Tests and Quizzes • I will provide study guides for tests, but not quizzes • Please put in the effort to prepare. I am happy to help you do this. Nothing in life is accomplished without hard work and preparation.

12. Grading • Tests and Projects 40% • Labs and Quizzes 30% • Classwork 25% • Homework 5%

13. Task… • You have 30 minutes to draw your idea of what a scientist looks like. Be prepared to explain your picture

14. What is a Scientist?

15. What is a scientist? • Awkward • Nerdy • Brainy • Weird • Not Cool • Crazy

16. What is a Scientist?

17. What is a Scientist? Male Hard Working Female Questioning White Thoughtful Black Patient Hispanic Honest Asian Reliable Intelligent Creative Curious Focused YOU!!