WCS Middle School Math Science Technology

Center (MS)2TC
8th Grade Science

Teacher: Mr. Shawn Moore

Classroom: 134
Email: smoore@wcskids.net
Website: moorems2tc.weebly.com

Program Vision: M Make every day count.

S Show up, meet challenges, persevere.
2 To always honor fellowship and community.
T Team work, cooperation, collaboration.
C Celebrate uniqueness and build character.

Course Overview: The (MS)2TC Science 8 course is based on the Next Generation Science Standards
(NGSS). The NGSS describe what it means to be proficient in science. The standards
view science as both a body of knowledge and an evidence-based model and theory
building enterprise that continually extends, refines and revises knowledge. A general
overview of the topics that will be covered include: Chemistry, Space Science, and Earth
Science and Processes. A more detailed breakdown will occur by unit.

Expectations: Students are expected to be in their assigned seat on time and ready to begin. Students
are held accountable for their actions, and should come to class ready to participate
actively and give their best effort each day. Students are expected to be respectful to
the teacher and to each other. This includes avoiding unnecessary disruptions that
affect the learning environment of other students. The same expectations apply for me
as well. You should feel respected, safe, and a part of an environment that will help you
be successful. I am your biggest cheerleader- if you need me to help you in any way to
be successful in this class, please dont hesitate to ask! Students will also be working on
classroom norms during the first week of school, which will be posted in the room, and
we can expect to hold each other to during the year.

Supplies: Please bring the following supplies to class everyday:

1.) A pen and pencil

2.) Science Lab Notebook (provided by teacher)
3.) 1-2 inch Binder with 5 divider tabs.
3.) Colored pencils, scissors, markers, highlighters, glue
4.) Agenda
5.) Scientific Calculator (if you have one for Math, that will work.)

Grading Policy: As per WCS district policy, students will be graded based on their performance in the
following areas:
Classwork/Homework: 25%
Assessments: 75%
 Classwork/Homework/Activities: While I make every effort to give time in class to
work on assignments, you may not always finish. Work that is not finished in class
becomes homework (even some Fridays!), and it will be graded and collected the day
after it is assigned, unless otherwise announced.

Homework will be graded for accuracy. It is important that you seek help if you do
poorly on a worksheet or assignment, as topics often build. Dont wait until it is too late.
One of the goals of this course is to get students to think critically about science and
the world around them. Students will be given assignments in class or for homework that
require critical thinking or application skills. This may be in the form of a group activity,
class discussion, or written assignment.
Please note: Participation in class is expected on a daily basis, as it can only benefit your
knowledge and understanding of the material. You can expect active participation in labs,
projects, and discussions contribute to this portion of your grade.

Assessments may be interdisciplinary or content specific projects, lab activities,

quizzes, and tests as determined by teacher. SOME QUIZZES MAY BE
UNANNOUNCED. Tests will always be announced in advance. You can expect to have
both written and multiple-choice type questions on tests.

Each of the major units will include a larger assignment, project, or performance task
that requires students to APPLY the concepts that we have covered in class in a real-
world/practical application setting. These are graded for accuracy, and are scored as a
test grade. Expectations and due dates will be announced well in advance.

Absent Work: As a student, you are responsible for completing all absent work. Absent work will be
graded as per WCS district policy. Please follow the steps below when seeking absent
work:

1.) Check website and/or collect absent work from absent file folder in class.
2.) Check with a classmate.
3.) Confirm assignments with teacher.

Missing Assignment/ Late Work:

Missing work will be graded at 0% until received and will be designated by the missing
indicator in PowerSchool.
Late work received after the due date will be given a MAXIMUM of half credit. The
late indicator will be used to show that an assignment was turned in late.

Finishing Thoughts:
The purpose of this class is to generate scientific inquiry, and to get you to think
critically about the world around you. We will be doing activities that test your content
knowledge as well as incorporating the engineering practices as outlined by the NGSS. I
am very excited for this year, and hope that you are too!
Please discuss the information and procedures for 8th Grade Science with your child. I encourage you to contact
me with any questions or concerns regarding this class at smoore@wcskids.net.

You can also check the daily agenda and class news at moorems2tc.weebly.com.

Please sign below indicating that you have read and understand the procedures and expectations for
this class.
I look forward to working with you and your child for a rewarding and educational class!

Hour______________

Students Name (Please Print) __________________________________

Students Signature _________________________________________

Parents Name (Please Print) ___________________________________

Parents Signature __________________________________________

Parent E-Mail _____________________________________________