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Science 8 Course Outline Teacher: Mrs. McBride

Email: thea.mcbride@sd23.bc.ca
Website: www.theamcbride.weebly.com

Welcome to Science 8! This is a content rich and interesting course, which will heighten
your awareness and appreciation of the world around you. In this course we will be
examining various topics: Cells and Body Systems, Optics, Physics and Water Systems.
Get ready to take an exciting journey into the wonders of biological systems on planet
earth!

CLASS SUPPLIES: 3ring binder with lined paper and dividers
Pens (blue/black and red for marking)
Pencils and erasers (white out strips for ink errors)
Ruler, clear for field of view work under a microscope
Fine Trend/Sharpie Pen in black for illustrating and labelling drawings
Art supplies for projects: felt markers, pencil crayons, scissors, glue stick
Agenda to stay organized and record homework and due dates

Students must bring all supplies to every class including the BC Science 8 textbook which has
been assigned to them. Only the art supplies can be left in the lockers until notice has been given
that they will be required next class.

ATTENDANCE AND LATES: Frequent absentees and lateness may cause difficulties with course
material. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to check my website to find out what you
have missed. You will need to make up all work except for pop quizzes or your mark will be
negatively affected. If you are absent for a scheduled test/quiz, you must be prepared to write it
on the day you return. Test/quiz re-writes are not allowed, however I may omit a quiz score if you
can demonstrate improved comprehension of the PLOs covered by the quiz when you write the
chapter or unit test. There must be significant improvement for a quiz to be omitted.

Unexcused, frequent tardiness will result in a reduced work ethic mark.

HOMEWORK: If you use your class time well by being productive, on-task and attentive, you
should not find it necessary to do a lot of homework. Some study and review before chapter and
unit tests may be required depending on how focused on learning you are while in science class.


TESTS: If you are absent for a test you will be required to write it in the first AOS session upon
your return. You must bring a signed note from your parent/guardian excusing your absence
before you will receive a mark for the missed test. I do not offer test re-writes unless there are
extenuating circumstances.

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CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

Only one person talks at a time unless we are doing group discussions
Do not yell out answers, instead raise your hand
No food or beverages other than water, ask if you need to eat
No cell phones, headphones or personal music devices
Safe and respectful behavior at all times for everyone in the room
Leave classroom tidy, clean up and put away all lab equipment
Your teacher dismisses you, not the bell or the clock
No lining up at the door, stay at your tables until you are dismissed

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CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR: I expect all students to come to class ready and prepared to learn. It is
not acceptable to simply show up and tune out. Any behavior that disrupts the learning of others
with not be tolerated and if it continues the student will lose the privilege of learning amongst
classmates in a classroom setting.



EVALUATION:

Homework 16%
Classwork 16%
Reports/Labs 22%
Projects 22%
Tests/Quizzes 24%



Your grade is based on continuous evaluation. This means that every new mark you receive will impact your
current mark. Term 1, 2, 3 and 4 will not be averaged at the end of the year. At any time that your mark
drops below 50% you may receive an I letter. The I letter will be sent home to your parents/guardians
outlining incomplete assignments and areas for improvement. You will be given a chance to make up the
assignments listed on the I package for a maximum of 50% of the original assigned value. If you do not
complete the I package, you will be referred to the AOS and/or the Principal.

EXTRA HELP: Please come talk to me and I will try to arrange a time that works for both of us. I
am not always at the school before and after school or at lunch time because I only work half days
during the first semester. There is also the AOS which may be a better fit with your schedule.

It is always a good idea to have a couple reliable classmate contacts, so that you
can get important information when you are not at school. Please record this
information here:

Class contact: ________________________________ Phone # _______________________

Class contact: ________________________________ Phone # _______________________


Please keep this at the front of your science binder so you can refer to it when
needed. I look forward to a great year exploring science with you. I hope you find
this class fun and interesting!
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