Welcome to Science with
Mrs. Good

Please consider helping out Mrs. Good’s classroom by providing extra materials for students without, or for general classroom necessities that are used frequently.

Weekly Schedule

Monday-Friday: ADV, Office Hours, General Science, GT Science

Daily Schedule

2021-2022 School Year:

8:05-8:50:  Advisory

8:55-10:30:  Conference Times and Office Hours

10:35-11:20: General Science (Period 4)

11:25-12:10: General Science (Period 5)

12:15-12:45: Lunch

12:50-1:35: General Science (Period 7)

1:40-2:25: General Science (Period 8)

2:30-3:15: GT Science (Period 9)

Textbook:

Elevate Science: Grade 8 by SAVVAS

Description:

As we enter another exciting year of science we will look closer at several stages of life science and chemistry. Our eighth graders will explore matter at the atomic level, explore the elements that make up our world, and discover chemical reactions all around us. Within the life sciences we will discuss subjects that are prevalent to what’s going on in the news today like global warming, animal behavior and reproduction, cloning and cell structure to name just a few! 

Indiana Academic Science Standards:

• Updated for VCSC in 2023
  • A Framework for K-12 Science Education (NRC,2012)
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013)
• Please see here for a comprehensive look at current standards for VCSC

Teacher-Based Goals:

• Instill organization skills.
• Learn time management and study habits.
• Encourage full student responsibility. 

Requirements/Rules:

• • Students are required to come to class prepared and on time every day. 
    • Preparedness: All materials: textbook, Chromebook, highlighters, pencil
    • Preparedness: Agenda is updated, homework turned in, student has checked messages for missing work/announcements
    • Responsibilities: Student is in their seat at the tardy bell
    • Responsibilities: Students have their Hall Pass page in the event they need to use the restroom or go to their locker. They will not be allowed to leave without a pass.
  • Students should follow the student code of conduct and follow the motto: “Be kind. Be courteous. Be respectful.” 

• Student Handbook

• Students should follow the school dress code at all times. 
  • Dress Code, see pages 14-15 of student handbook
• Due to safety, cleanliness, and equity purposes, snacks are NOT permitted in class, unless for medical reasons, in which the student has a doctor’s note on file. (if water fountains are not in use, water bottles will be permitted)
• The use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices is NOT allowed in the classroom other than for educational purposes. These devices, if not being used for the lesson, must be out of sight.
  • Cell Phone Policy, see pages 12-13 of student handbook
• Chromebooks should remain put away until given permission to use them during class work time. Chromebooks may only be used for classwork or VCSC approved uses.
  • VCSC Acceptable use Policy

Consequences:

• Verbal warning and documentation of violation (dean will determine further actions)
• Loss of privileges such as leaving the classroom, participating in demonstrations, etc.
• Phone call /e-mail to parent
• Serious/ frequent violations will result in a student being sent to the Dean immediately. An escort in the form of an administrator or the school police officer may be requested at teacher discretion.

Homework:

Homework is a vital part of a student’s education. Each assignment will correlate with what we’re doing in class and gives extra practice in a particular area. That is why it is imperative that homework is submitted in my class on time. Some assignments will require answering questions, writing essays, preparing an oral and/or visual presentation, poster page, or reading and annotating passages.

There will be no “lost” assignments, as all assignments are on Canvas with few exceptions-some labs and projects.  Homework submitted late will result in a 10% deduction from the total score received per day until the score reaches zero or until the lock date/end of term grading period. Lock dates will be the day of the test/end of term without exception.  All assignments will be counted late if not submitted by 11:59PM on the due date. This classroom policy is intended to teach students responsibility and time management. Students with IEPs that include an extra time accommodation will have their due dates adjusted within Canvas already.

If a student is absent, they are expected to watch the accompanying video (if applicable) for the assignment on Canvas and complete it on time. In the event that it is a serious matter that requires a time extension (hospitalization, VCSC excused extended absences), they are expected to E-mail me to request one; in some cases, a student may be exempted from assignments entirely. Students who are suspended or placed in AEP are still responsible for returning their work according to the due dates provided on Canvas.

GT students will also have to participate in the science fair. Please note that the bulk of the work on science fair projects will be done at home. Students will be given project guidelines and timelines at school, and I will check in with them periodically. However, much of the work will be self-directed. Parents are encouraged to offer support and reminders and allow children to do the projects by themselves.

Tests/Quizzes:

With the new standards, there will be regular quizzes and tests throughout the year on both classroom content and practical skills (examples: using a scale, graduated cylinder, ruler, etc.). Quizzes will largely be multiple choice. Tests will be a combination of multiple choice, true/false, essay, model, calculation, graphing, and application questions. GT tests are, with few exceptions, all open response, application, and calculation questions. Prior to each test, there will be a Review. The Review will not have all the questions on the test, nor be worded the same, but have a portion of the topics they should have been studying.

During Quarter 4, all students will take a final over the course of two days. This is in an effort to show students what high school final exams will be like.

GT students will have three additional tests throughout the year over Greek and Latin root prefixes and suffixes.

Bonus:

There are no planned extra credit assignments offered in science. A particular assignment may be curved or offered a second attempt to all students, but students should not expect this. Best effort should be put forth from the start. Students will receive 10 bonus points per quarter for no missing assignments during the term. Any incomplete assignments or blank submissions will not be counted as “complete” and thus will not earn the extra credit.

Grading Scale:

A 93-100+%    A- 90-92%    B+ 87-89%    B 83-86%    B- 80-82%    C+ 77-79%    C 73-76%     C- 70-72%   D+ 67-69%     D 63-66%    D- 60-62%    F 0-59%

Homework: 10+ points  Tests: 30+ points     Labs: 10+ points     Essays/Lab Reports: 15+ points    Projects: 10+ points   Supplemental: 5+ points    Program Participation: 20+ points     Science Fair 200+ points (GT only)