Welcome to 8th grade
science and to the Orion Team. My name
is Mrs. Robyn Meckel. I have been
teaching at FMS for 8 years. I graduated
from Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Earth/Space Science
Education and
Things you will need:
A
3-ring binder (for science only!) Ruler Pen
and Pencil
Crayons
or colored pencils Loose-leaf
notebook paper
Project
Supplies (as needed)
Classroom Guidelines:
You
will be expected to follow all school rules as stated in the student handbook
as
well as classroom rules explained and posted in the room.
·
Behavior
which detracts from the learning environment will not be tolerated
·
Be: Responsible
On Time
Prepared
Respectful
Attentive
·
Use
common sense
·
Keep
a positive attitude
·
NO
food or drink (this includes GUM!)
·
You
must bring your science book, notebook (3-ring binder), planner and
pen/pencil to class everyday
Consequences
for infractions of rules may be verbal warning, parental contract, detention,
or office referral depending on the severity and frequency of the infraction.
Grades:
Student
grades will be determined through evaluation of class work, homework, notebook
accuracy, and knowledge assessments (tests).
Tests may consist of written questions laboratory practical tests, or
projects. We will use a point system to
determine grades in science class. Each
assignment will be out of a certain number of points, which the student can
convert into a letter grade. The student
will be able to calculate his/her current standing in class as they can keep
track of their earned points vs. total possible points.
Notebook (AKA 3-ring
binder):
The
notebook (3-ring binder) is by far the MOST IMPORTANT tool the student will
have in order to be successful. We will
use textbooks but the notebook will contain all work generated by the
student. Emphasis will be placed on
responsibility for maintaining a notebook, which will be an asset to the
student.
Homework:
Every
Monday a "Homework Log" will be put on the board. This will outline the homework in science for
each night. Homework will be given every
night although some of it might not be written.
Students should be studying and reviewing material covered in class. Homework is usually worth 10 pts.
Late
homework will be accepted but a penalty will be assigned. 20% will be deducted for each day it is
late. After 5 days the work will be no
longer accepted. Please do not expect to
make-up all late work the week before grades close: the answer will be no.
The
Homework Log can also be found on my class website
www.nashua.edu/meckelr
Quizzes:
In science class this year a quiz will be given every other week (this is subject to change, please check homework log each week). The day of the quiz will be announced a day or two prior to the quiz. This quiz will cover the material presented over the week in class. Quizzes are a good way for both teacher and student to assess what was covered in class.
Current Event Articles:
We
will be doing Current Event Articles in science class this year. This will be done as a class work assignment
every other Friday of each month. We
will start them on September 7, 2007.
You will be required to bring in your own article. The article must be science related. I will have articles provided; however you
will loose credit for failing to bring in your own article. Two written paragraphs describing the article
must be submitted with the article. This
will be done in class and due at the end of the class period. A guideline about the CE’s will be given next
week. You can also find an additional
copy of the guideline at:
www.nashua.edu/meckelr
Tests (AKA Exams):
Major
tests are given after the completion of a topic or topics. Serious studying is encouraged before
tests. Tests will be made of a variety
of question types: true/false,
multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, short answers, diagrams, and essays. I feel this will better show that the student
understands the material at hand. A
study guide will be given a week before the test. The study guide will let the student know
what they are responsible for knowing for the test. The student will need to put in time at home
studying to do well. Tests will be
announced in writing on the board at least 2 weeks before they will be given.
Make-up Work
If
you are absent, it is your responsibility to come to me before or after
class when you return to school. Each
class will have a folder of make-up work for absent students and will be your
responsibility to get your work out of the folder. The folder is located in the back of the
classroom.
Please
refer to the Student Planner for the Nashua School Districts policy on make-up
work for excused and unexcused absences.
Extra Help Night:
Thursday
is science after school night for the Orion Team. I encourage you to schedule time with me
after school if you are having problems, falling behind, or just need some
organizational help.
Please
to not hesitate to notify me if you (student or parent) identify a potential
problem. I would much rather seek
alternatives for potential problems than to find solutions to problems after
the fact.
Planned units of
study
Space Science
Formation of the universe
Stars, galaxies, and
life?!
Solar System: Sun and its Family of Planets
Space Junk: meteors, comets, and asteroids
Meteorology
Air properties
Severe weather: Thunder storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes
Clouds: Formation and Types
Measuring instruments
Geology
Physical features of the
earth
Geologic time line
Rock and minerals
Internal structure of
the earth
Volcanoes/earthquakes
Plate tectonics
Oceanography
Fresh Water
Ocean Water/Ocean
Creatures
Waves and tides
Space Exploration
The
Why explore space?
Basic Science Skills are
taught and reinforced throughout the year
Laboratory safety
Scientific measurement
Scientific method
Data collection and
analysis