Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions of students and parents.
- What do I do if I am absent for a lab?
- How should I keep my papers organized for class?
- What do I do if I am absent from class?
- How will I know my grades?
- Do I still get credit if I turn in my homework late?
- Will you accept a project if it is turned in late?
- Can I chew gum in class?
- What will we be learning throughout the year?
What do I do if I am absent for a lab?
If you are absent on a day we completed a lab, you should
expect to make it up when you return or be ready to complete a different assignment. If it is possible to
complete it on your own, you may come in before or after school,
during lunch or advisory, after making arrangements with me. We
can also work to schedule another time if this is not suitable.
If you are not able to re-do the lab (because of the types of
materials used or if it is a group activity, etc.) you may see me
about an alternate assignment worth an equal point value.
If you are missing a lab during a planned absence, please see me
beforehand to obtain another assignment or make arrangements with
me in advance.
How should I keep my papers organized for class?
It is recommended that students keep a science binder for any
worksheets or materials from class. This binder should have only SCIENCE
materials in it.
Class notes must be kept in a notebook or on loose leaf in a
binder.
Students should keep ALL worksheets and materials to ensure they
have all assignments needed to assemble conference portfolios.
We will clear out binders and folders at the end of each quarter
or the end of each unit of learning.
What do I do if I am absent from class?
Even during a planned, excused absence, YOU are responsible for
making up the work! If you know you will not be here, for any
reason, check in with me before you leave.
For an unplanned illness, ask a friend what we did, call the HW
hotline (847-856-3499), send an e-mail, or check in with me as soon as you
return.
My general policy is that a student has one day for each day
absent to turn in any assignments missed during their absence, re-take tests,
re-schedule laboratory activities (if possible), and so on.
I encourage students to complete the work as quickly as possible, but I
understand that you not only missed work in science, but all other subjects as
well and I want you to produce a good quality product. Please see me if you
are not able to meet this expectation.
How will I know my grades?
All parents, guardians, and students can keep track of student's
grades and performance in science using Family Access through
Skyward. I also send periodic progress reports and updates as
needed. Additionally, students who are not performing well in
science (and other core classes) will receive more frequent
notifications regarding grades and performance, such as our "Blue Sheets".
Do I still get credit if I turn in my homework late?
I have a firm late homework policy! I will accept the assignment
the next day (from the original due date) and the student can
receive up to half credit for this work. The exception to this
policy is if the work is done or corrected IN CLASS. I cannot
accept this work for credit. Sorry!
Will you accept a project if it is turned in late?
Whenever a project is assigned, I typically do not offer class
time to get work done, unless it requires researching using the
Internet or other sources that may not available to students at
home. I will, however, answer any student questions or offer
assistance during class time. I will assign a due date and
students must have their assignment ready at the beginning of
class (unless otherwise noted). From the due date, I allow four
days to turn in the assignment, with each day resulting in a
deduction of five points (at least, possibly more depending on
the scale of the assignment).
Please note - several assignments (such as lab reports and
projects) will be required to be type-written, so students
without computer or word processing access at home should make
prior arrangements with me to complete the work.
If you plan ahead, lack of word processing or Internet access
will not become an excuse for late work.
Can I chew gum in class?
I will be enforcing a no gum policy in my classroom, regardless
of whether or not we are completing a lab activity. This is for
student safety and they will simply be asked to place their gum
in the garbage. As a general rule, it is unsafe for a student to
consume any food or drink in the lab area unless it is something
provided for them.
What will we be learning throughout the year?
The eighth grade science curriculum covers six different units of study
including Safety and Measurement, Introduction to Matter, Astronomy, The Restless Earth,
Change Over Time, and an event-based learning experience titled Fraud!
These units have been designed to meet the Illinois state goals
in science, as well as the science objectives at WMS. Textbooks
published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston as well as Pearson Education that support the curriculum.
Classroom discussion, journaling, cooperative group work,
Internet research, and laboratory experiments are some of the
classroom activities that will take place this year. These
activities are designed to help students develop science
vocabulary and the ability to read in the content area. The
curriculum is expected to improve the students' interest and
success in high school science courses.