Read through this information below:
Supplies
These supplies will be needed every class. We don’t meet every day, so please think ahead – I want you in the classroom, not at your locker to get forgotten supplies!
3-Ring Binder with 5 Tabs. You will keep all science papers in this binder. I will help you set this up and I expect you to keep all papers neatly inside. I punch holes in all of your papers so you can easily put them in your binder. The 3-ring binder is an organizational and study tool for your class science. You are responsible for putting everything you get from this class into that binder. This way you will always have what you need to study for a quiz or a test. Label the tabs like this:
Pencils and pens. Every class you will need a pencil and a red marking pen for occasional grading of other classmate’s work. DO NOT BRING PENS TO DO CLASS WORK – mistakes get too messy!
Science text book. You will be assigned a textbook that you can keep at home to do the homework assignments; however, YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR ASSIGNED BOOK TO CLASS!
Classroom Expectations
Absences
You are responsible for making up any work missed due to an absence. A missed quiz or test will not be completed during class time, but will be made up by appointment, usually either before or after school. You will have the number of days you were absent to make up the work.
Grades and Homework
Grades will be given on an overall percentage of points. There are 4 parts to your total quarterly/semester science grade:
Homework will be graded on the basis of content, effort, and completeness. Late homework will be accepted; however, points will be taken off. My general rule is to take off 10% for each day the assignment is late. No credit will be given for extremely late homework assignments (more than one week past the due date.)
Work Load
You can expect about 30 minutes of science homework after each class. On many days this amount can be cut down significantly by using your class time efficiently. Even on days when no specific assignment is given, it is always a good idea to review notes or vocabulary words for 5 to 10 minutes. During the school year you will need to access the Internet outside the classroom for research or to complete an assignment. At Elm Middle School you can access the Internet in the library, after school in the Computer Lab (Room 205), or during your advisory through the school laptops or desktop computers.
Classroom Safety Expectations
In science class you will have the opportunity to do many activities. In order to do them safely you must do the following:
Do your best
You won’t be satisfied if you don’t, and I won’t accept anything less. Let’s have a great, productive year…
Mr. Mrkvicka
These supplies will be needed every class. We don’t meet every day, so please think ahead – I want you in the classroom, not at your locker to get forgotten supplies!
3-Ring Binder with 5 Tabs. You will keep all science papers in this binder. I will help you set this up and I expect you to keep all papers neatly inside. I punch holes in all of your papers so you can easily put them in your binder. The 3-ring binder is an organizational and study tool for your class science. You are responsible for putting everything you get from this class into that binder. This way you will always have what you need to study for a quiz or a test. Label the tabs like this:
- Tab 1 – Guided Study Worksheets (GSWs)
- Tab 2 – Notes
- Tab 3 – Bell Ringers and Class Worksheets
- Tab 4 – Labs
- Tab 5 – Study Guides, Practice Tests, Quizzes
Pencils and pens. Every class you will need a pencil and a red marking pen for occasional grading of other classmate’s work. DO NOT BRING PENS TO DO CLASS WORK – mistakes get too messy!
Science text book. You will be assigned a textbook that you can keep at home to do the homework assignments; however, YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR ASSIGNED BOOK TO CLASS!
Classroom Expectations
- Be prepared. Have all needed supplies and completed assignments with you each day.
- Be on time. Don’t rush in the door as the bell is ringing. Being on time means being in your seat and ready for class to begin when the bell rings.
- Be safe. Keep aisles clear of books and other items so the room can be vacated quickly if needed.
- Consider others the same way that you want to be considered.
- Think first. Before you say or do anything, ask yourself if it is appropriate. If it isn’t, don’t do it!
- Raise your hand if you want to be recognized.
- DO NOT BRING GUM OR CANDY into the classroom.
- Tardiness. Late arrivals to class are tracked. Excessive tardiness to class may result in a detention and/or a referral.
- Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. A warning will be given first. If the behavior continues, then you may be removed from the classroom, sent to the school office, or given a detention and/or a referral.
Absences
You are responsible for making up any work missed due to an absence. A missed quiz or test will not be completed during class time, but will be made up by appointment, usually either before or after school. You will have the number of days you were absent to make up the work.
Grades and Homework
Grades will be given on an overall percentage of points. There are 4 parts to your total quarterly/semester science grade:
- Tests 50%
- Labs 25%
- Quizzes 20%
- Homework and Assignments 5%
Homework will be graded on the basis of content, effort, and completeness. Late homework will be accepted; however, points will be taken off. My general rule is to take off 10% for each day the assignment is late. No credit will be given for extremely late homework assignments (more than one week past the due date.)
Work Load
You can expect about 30 minutes of science homework after each class. On many days this amount can be cut down significantly by using your class time efficiently. Even on days when no specific assignment is given, it is always a good idea to review notes or vocabulary words for 5 to 10 minutes. During the school year you will need to access the Internet outside the classroom for research or to complete an assignment. At Elm Middle School you can access the Internet in the library, after school in the Computer Lab (Room 205), or during your advisory through the school laptops or desktop computers.
Classroom Safety Expectations
In science class you will have the opportunity to do many activities. In order to do them safely you must do the following:
- Understand and follow directions. Ask if you do not understand.
- Do activities only when the teacher or adult supervisor is there.
- Use all materials for the proper activity; no squirting or spraying water or other materials on self or others, no pranks or horseplay.
- Tie hair back and roll up loose sleeves if and when working with chemicals or fire.
- Never reach over a flame or leave it unattended.
- Wear safety goggles, aprons, gloves, or other safety equipment as needed.
- Never eat or drink materials unless specifically told it is OK to do so.
- Report spills, accidents, or injuries immediately. Report missing or broken equipment before beginning an experiment.
- Leave work areas clean and organized.
- Wash hands when completing activities involving animals or chemicals.
Do your best
You won’t be satisfied if you don’t, and I won’t accept anything less. Let’s have a great, productive year…
Mr. Mrkvicka