Eighth Grade Science Class
Expectations and Grading Policy
General Expectations
1.  Be prepared.  Students should have a pen, pencil, lined writing papter, three-ring "Science" binder, and handouts I have provided or that you've downloaded from the class web page.  Don't be a chronin borrower.

2.  Typically I make a few introductory comments at the beginning of each class.  Often there will be a challenge problem on the front white board.  Upon entering the lab, students should find a seat, look at the front white board, and listen when I begin to speak.

3.  I maintain no seating chart; you may sit where you like.  If any problems arise I'll find a more appropriate seat for you. Save frenzied socializing for sometime other than science class.

4.  Get all you can from each meeting.  Much of the class time is given to lab activities where you'll be working independently or in a small group.  During these times I expect you to work efficiently, be respectful of lab equipment and mindful of safety issues.  Take initiative in lab and don't let lab partners carry the load.

5.  Ask questions.  Much of the course material builds logically upon itself, and sometimes the pace may seem rather unrelenting.  It is your responsibility to ask questions making sure you understand the points I'm trying to make.  Don't hesitate to tell me, either during class or any other time when you're unclear.  Don't be afraid to call me at home (687-5496) before 9:00 in the eveinings.  My e-mail address is rpbix56@hotmail.com

6.  Use your homework book.  I will announce each assignment, quiz, or exam and their due dates.  The entire academic schedule is posted on the class web page, use it!  Do the required homework.  You'll find me to be very impatient with late or careless homework.

7.  Try not to miss class.  I can give you notes and assignments, but there is no way to replicate what transpires in the lab.  Reports are often based on lab work and if you miss the lab experience this makes it doubly hard to prepare meaningful reports.

Grading Policy
    Each assignment, quiz, lab report, or exam is worth a certain number of points.  Weekly assignments and quizzes are typically worth between 50-100 points.  I'll give 3-4 exams throughout the year.  These are usually worth 200 points.  Each month I post an extra credit opportunity which is worth 15 points.
    The points you accumulate throughout the term are totaled.  I then rank each student total, examine the class curve, and assign letter grades to each segment of the curve.