Bethany Myers
Phone: (480) 982-1110 ext. 5542
E-mail Address: bmyers@ajusd.org
Planning Period: 2:05-3:00 pm
Subject Taught: Science
Grade Taught: 8th

It’s the end of the school year. Please double check with me to make sure that you all of your work turned in.

The Egg Drop Contest is scheduled for Thursday, May 15.

Curriculum A list of the curriculum/standards your child will be learning in class.

Here are a few handy websites to help you in your studies.

Blue Planet Biomes At this site you will discover facts about our planet, its complex patterns of biomes, plants, and animals, and how climates ultimately determine the biomes of our Earth.

What’s It Like Where You Live? Another cool site on biomes.

How Stuff Works.  If you're curious as to how ANYTHING works, look here. You'll get a great description with pictures.

Inventors Toolbox. If you’re studying simple machines, this is a great place to look at all the different types of machines.

Chemistry for Kids.

Chemicool. Here's the periodic table of elements and a complete description of each element.

Unit Conversion Table. Need to know how many meters are in a mile? Check it out here!

In the summer of 2004, the Arizona State Science Standards were realigned, providing each grade level with opportunities to investigate different areas of science. In 8th grade this means that we will review concepts of cell structure and function. We will take another step further and delve into cell replication and genetics.

The major of the 8th grade performance objectives includes topics relating to physics and chemistry. Students will study matter, structure of an atom, compounds, mixtures, & solutions. Students will also learn about objects in motion and their speed and acceleration. These concepts will be studied in an investigative approach taking into consideration science as an "Inquiry Process", "History and Nature of Science", and "Science in Personal and Social Perspectives".

Required Materials:

• Texts - Life Science & Physical Science by McDougal Littell. Textbooks will be kept in the classroom. Upon individual requests, textbooks may be checked out for use outside the classroom.
• Folder - Each student is required to have a 3-pronged folder to organize science materials and graded papers. The color of the folder will be assigned during the first full week of school. This folder will be provided by the teacher.
• Lab Notebook - Each student is required to keep a notebook for notes & lab investigations. Pages will be numbered and should not be used for anything other than science. This notebook will be kept in the classroom at all times. This lab notebook will be provided by the teacher.
• Calculator - Students may consider having a calculator for use in this class. For those who do not have access to a calculator, students may borrow one from the teacher.
• Student Supplies - Each student is required to bring his/her student agenda, stampsheet, science folder, lab notebook, and PENCIL to class each day for a "YES" stamp. PENS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Student Support:

• Agenda - Each day students are expected to write in their student agenda. Students should include the "WHAT" (this is the daily objective which corresponds to an Arizona standard), the "HOW" (this is the classwork that will be accomplished for the day), and Homework. Both students & parents will be able to refer to this agenda to review what is happening in class.
• Tutor Time - Tutoring will occur after school from 3pm-4pm. Students who have been absent or need assistance with a particular concept may use this time.
• Absences - One of the major factors that contributes to poor grades is students absences. Missed assignments will be placed in the absent folder. It is the student's responsibility to get the missed assignments. At the teacher's convenience, missed instruction may take place in class during the first day back to school. However, it should not be assumed that missed instruction will take place at this time. It is strongly recommended that the student attend Tutor Time in order to obtain instruction.

Classroom Rules

1. Show respect towards any staff person, instructor, or student.

2. Foul language will not be tolerated.

3. Demonstrate responsibility with school materials, including desks, tables, chairs, textbooks. Students will be responsible for financial reimbursement to replace materials.

Remember the school pledge: Today I will do more than I have to do. I will treat others the way that I want to be treated. And I will try to be a better person.

Class Materials

     *   Pencil and eraser
     *   Highlighter
     *   Textbook
     *   Notebook paper
     *   Agenda
     *   Stamp sheet


Homework Policy

You will have many different kinds of assignments. Since this class uses the hands-on approach, concepts missed due to absences will hinder the learning process. (GO TO TUTOR TIME!) For assignments that have been completed and turned in, points will be granted. The better you do on the graded material, the more points you will earn and the better your grade will be. Performance refers to how well you do on your graded labs, assignments, quizzes, and exams.

You will be given every opportunity to complete assignments satisfactorily. Second Chance Points may be earned by correcting only the parts of the assignment that was attempted, but not correct. Full credit will be granted if the assignment was completed by the due date. Half credit will be granted for work that is turned in late.

You are asked to do your own work on class activities & homework because it is the only way that I know whether or not you're learning. If you attempt to communicate in any way during a quiz or test, then you will receive no credit. If a student is observed using (copying) another's paper then both will earn zero credit. Parents will be contacted to get their assistance in correcting behavior.

Classroom Procedures

Everyday as students enter the classroom, they will have a daily mindset to complete as I take roll and stamp. In order to receive a "YES" stamp, students should have on the tables, their stampsheet, agenda (which has been filled out), science notebook & folder and homework assignment.

Students will always know what to expect to learn by referring to the front board to review the daily objective, the importance of learning the objective, and how the objective will be taught. If the school is following a special schedule, this will be posted on the board as well.

ATTITUDE: Please do your very best to keep your attitude positive while in this classroom. Your attitude and behavior affects everyone in the classroom. Everyday I try my best to be my best for you. I expect the same effort from every student in my class.

EFFORT: Sometimes school is hard and life is even harder. Remember that what is difficult will only make you stronger. Refuse to give up and always keep trying.

EXPECTATIONS: Expect to be challenged this school year. Expect to work hard. Expect to be smarter tomorrow than you are today. Expect to be better.