Science 8-Physical Science (with Earth Science/Life Science)
Course Expectations
Instructor: Mr. Laurence Quinn
Text: Physical Science (Glencoe)
Teacher e-mail: Lquinn@sewanhaka.k12.ny.us
School: Sewanhaka HS 2012-2013
Text #: _____ Sci. office # 488-9630
1. NOTEBOOK. Students shall have a “3-hole” binder holding approx. 100 loose leaf pages divided
into 3 sections: Daily notes; Homework/Handouts; and Returned Assignments. Active note taking is
encouraged and is included in the “Participation” portion of the grade. Bring at least 1 working pen and
pencil with eraser. Keep ALL material till end of school year.
2. HOMEWORK. Weekly assignments are listed on blackboard on first day of week (consecutively
numbered for the year). Homework collected at least 2x/week. Assignments include: reading,
worksheets, answering short questions, problem solving, short essays, and lab/project completion.
Missed work must be completed within 1 week of due date “completely correct” once it has been gone
over in class.
3. PROJECT WORK. Basic skills necessary for the NYS Science Assessment Practical will be
covered (measuring, data recording, graphing, analysis, and laboratory equipment use) as well as study
skills and test taking techniques. Cooperative group work is encouraged. Prior NYS Assessment exams
shall be regularly reviewed.
4. TESTS. Expect 3-4 exams/MP of 20-35 MC questions and 1-4 short response/essay. Tests are
announced 3 days prior to encourage frequent nightly review rather than “cramming” the night before.
5. QUIZZES. Expect 5-10 quizzes/MP of 5-15 questions; 1 diagram interpretation; and free response.
Quizzes are designed to be completed in10-15 minutes.
6. GRADING CRITERIA. MP grade = Test ave (65%) + Quiz ave (10%) + Proj. ave (10%) +
HW/Participation (15%).
Year grade = (MP 1 + MP 2 + MP 3 + MP 4 + Final Exam)/5
Hints for doing well: Keep parents informed! Complete assignments; review handouts/notes nightly; practice doing
“test-type” questions. “Memorize this!” is exactly what is required for some topics. “Stock answers” often work-use them!
Practice “test taking techniques.” Review notes. Make and use “study cards.” Write your own summary of each topic.
Read science-related articles and watch science programs on TV.
Student signature: ______________________________
Parent signature: _______________________________ e-mail ____________________