8th Grade Science
Mrs. Murosky
Room 111
2011-2012
Email: kmurosky@ucasd.org
School Phone: 814-438-7673 Extension: 4111
Teacher website: http://TeacherWeb.com/PA/unioncity/murosky
Book: Integrated Science Level Red; Holt Science and Technology
Class Description: In this class you will be learning about geology,
astronomy, biology, physical science and environmental impacts on and by
humans. You will be preparing projects and presentations, performing
investigations alone and with classmates and will be taking closed note tests
and quizzes.
Expectations:
1. Be prepared
-have materials needed with you everyday
-have homework completed before you walk into my class
-be in your assigned seat when the bell rings
2. Treat others with respect
-positive comments only
-keep your hands off objects that are not yours
-no vulgar language
-no talking when others are talking
3. Put forth your best effort on all tasks
-all assignments are in on time
-listen and follow directions the first time given
-be alert and involved at all times
-remain organized -- ex. No papers shoved into your book
Materials needed daily:
-Blue or black ink pen or pencil only � I reserve the right to not grade
papers that are done in other inks.
-Lined paper
-Text book with a paper book cover
-Folder to hold class materials
-Book/Reading Material � this will be used if you finish work early since
talking will not be accepted.
Mailboxes:
Each student will be assigned a mailbox. You may keep recent papers,
science folders, and a writing utensil in the mailbox. You may NOT keep your
textbook in them or anywhere else in my classroom. If you do, then you are
telling me that you do not need your book and you are returning it to me. I
will lock up the book. This is not a filing cabinet. Take old papers out!
If they become junk spots, you will lose this privilege.
Possible consequences for classroom behavior:
1. change in seat
2. morning teacher detention (cleaning)/guardian contact
3. referral to administration
Group Assignments:
As a group (table groups) you will be responsible for:
1. Getting group bin
a. Inside this bin there are:
i. 4 rulers
ii. 4 pencil sharpeners in a baggie
iii. Colored pencils - only to be sharpened with the small sharpeners
iv. Markers
v. 4 highlighters
vi. 4 glue stick
vii. 4 colored pens for class grading
b. You are responsible for these supplies
i. If we are using something that is supposed to be in your bin and it is
missing then you will not do very well on the assignment.
ii. You are responsibility to keep this neat and clutter free.
iii. If items are missing when checked then points will be deducted.
2. Returning bins to correct location at the end of class
If you prefer to use your own materials, there is an opt-out form for the
group grade. Please see the teacher for this form.
Absenteeism:
You are responsible for determining what you missed when you are
absent and turning in all assignments. You will have only a short amount of
time to make up any missed work, 2 days. I will not remind you.
If you are missing my class for a school related activity, I must
know in advance with written conformation. If you do not tell me then I will
mark you absent.
Grading:
I grade on a point system. Each assignment has a different point
value. There are normally more than 800 points per grading period. To
determine your grade you take the number of points that you have earned and
divide it by the number of points that are possible in the class. There is
no curve in this class; you earn your grade.
Class Participation:
I randomly give a class participation grade. This grade includes
having materials everyday and class behavior. You can lose points for
excessive leaving of the room.
Bonus/Extra Credit:
Every grading period a large bonus opportunity will be given. These
opportunities can range from writing a report to making a poster. These can
only help your grade.
Some assignments can earn up to 10% extra credit for turning them in
before the due date. These opportunities are at the discretion of the
teacher.
Attention Signal:
When I want to your attention, I will use our class signal. When I
put my hand up you are to raise your hand, close your mouth and focus all
your attention on me. The entire class should be silent within seconds. If
I need to, I will begin counting down on my raised hand. If I get to zero
then I will start the timer and I will stop the timer when the entire class
is silent. This time will be returned to me at the end of the class.
Everyone will stay until this time is returned to me silently. I do NOT
write passes to your next classes.
PSSA:
In April, you will be taking the Science PSSA. To prepare for this exam, we
will be using multiple sources for practice. We will be doing Study Island
on Fridays. Do not work ahead, or your attempts will be erased. We will
also be using the Coach book along with the Ladders to Success book. The
coach book may be stored in the room unless assignments are due. The Ladders
to Success book does not leave the room. If you miss a section, due to
absences, you are responsible for coming in before school to complete the
section.
Procedure Information
Entering classroom
Walk, no pushing, and enter only when all students from the previous
class have left.
Obtaining material
The teacher will hand out.
Late to class
With note: show pass to teacher and sit quietly.
During class
Students are to be silent during lessons and when asked, otherwise a low
murmur is acceptable.
Heading on papers
Top right hand corner - full name, period, date, mailbox number
Beginning of class
There will be a bell ringer on the board each day. You write the date,
the statement that is on the board, then the answer. You will be turning
these in on the last day of every week.
Class information
Read the board every day.
Getting a tissue, sharpening a pencil
Get up quietly and do not disrupt the class.
How to get help with an assignment
Raise your hand, do not call out, and stay seated.
What to do with completed assignments
Put in homework bin on front desk when done or at beginning of class for
homework.
Late work
I will accept assignment for partial credit (50% off) you have until the
end of the quarter to turn in any assignment late (I will announce the last
day to turn in the work.) If the assignment was gone over in class (answers
given) then you may not turn it in for any credit. It is your responsibility
to get this work from me before or after school - not during class!
Restrooms
Must have your agenda pass. Only one person out at a time and not during
lessons, activities, or labs.
Announcements
Must be silent during these no matter if they pertain to you or not.
Food and drink
Food and drink are not permitted in class.
Classroom material
Do not leave the room with materials or you have earned a zero on the
assignment, even if it is an accident.
Exiting classroom
The teacher excuses you, not the clock. You must be quiet, seated, and
polite.
Fire drills and tornado drills
Walk quickly and quietly to designated area and take nothing with you.
School emergency
Follow all teacher directions quickly.