In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and
parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term.
2015-2016 Course Syllabus for 8th Science Term 4
Teacher: 8th Science Team
E-mail: elizabeth.mcleod@biloxischools.net
Phone: 435-1421
Objectives: This is a general overview of what the teacher will teach and what the student is expected to
master.
--Students will review the Mississippi 8th grade science framework curriculum from the entire year.
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/curriculum-and-instruction/science/2010-mississippi-science-framework
Students will draw conclusions about how organisms are classified into a hierarchy of groups and subgroups
based on similarities that reflect their evolutionary relationships.
-Characteristics of the six kingdoms
-Major levels in the hierarchy of taxa (e.g., kingdom, phylum/division, class, order, family, genus, and species)
-Dichotomous keys
Tests and Grades
Grading: A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=65-69 F=below 65 I=incomplete
Grading follows the policies of Biloxi Public Schools. A mid-term progress report and a report card following
the end of each term are issued.
Tests: Tests are announced in class, written on the board, on class syllabus, sent by email, and posted on the
teacher's website. It is essential that students maintain unit notes, worksheets, and materials to assist in final
exam preparation. The CTA will be comprehensive. Students absent on test day are expected to take the test on
the day they return to school. An alternate test may be given if the class has already reviewed the results of the
original test. Tests and quizzes must be completed within the class period. (Tests-55%; Activities--35%; Term
Test--10%)
Biology requirements -----To qualify for biology in 9th grade, the student must earn an 85 or higher in 8th grade
science for the year and score advanced on the Mississippi Science Test for 8th grade.
Materials needed daily: binder section for science, pencils, highlighter, and class worksheets/assignments
Important Dates:
Midterm Progress Reports: April 15 Common Term Assessment Window: May 23-26
Report Cards: mailed home
Retesting: Anyone may retest if they meet the following criteria:
1. Must have turned in an after school form by the end of 1st period the the counselor’s office. The student must
notify the teacher they will be staying after school.
***Student athletes must also have an after school form turned in if they plan to attend reteach/retest.
2. Complete all missed unit assignments prior to the reteach date.
3. Students must attend the reteaching session on the date assigned by the teacher. Students must complete
reteach during the session. Students must bring notes to the reteach session.
4. Did not cheat on the original test.
5. Refusal to take the original test will automatically disqualify the student for retesting.
6. Students must take the retest on the scheduled date. The retest will be a different style test covering the same
material. The higher test grade will be recorded.
Homework/Assignments/Projects: Assignments and quizzes are listed on the board, class website, and weekly
newsletter. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time.
http://www.biloxischools.net
In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and
parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term.
Students will receive a reduction in points for late work. If the student is absent on the day an assignment is
due, the student must turn the work in on the day the student returns to school. Alternative assignments may be
required if the assignment answers have been discussed in class. It is the student’s responsibility to find out
what they missed and to make up all their work. There may be a minimum of one major project per term.
*Cheating: If a student is caught giving or receiving answers on any science material or test, the student will be
given a zero.
*Labs: For safety reasons, we have high expectations of our students on lab days. We expect students to have
appropriate behavior. Students with inappropriate behavior on lab day will result in the student being removed
from the lab activity, receiving detention, sent to the office, and /or a failing grade.
Course Requirements: Students are required to maintain a notebook with all science handouts, notes,
and returned graded papers. Students should be responsible, neat and organized. Students need to have all
their supplies each day in order to complete their work as assigned. When in the class, students are required to
be on task and contributing relevant information to the lesson.
Cellphones and Electronic Devices: Students are not permitted to take pictures, video, or audio in the science
classroom without the teacher's permission. Students may only use electronic devices during class when the
teacher has given permission.
iReady Sessions: The iReady program provides individualized math instruction to assist students as they
improve their skills. The iReady program may be accessed at home. Students are expected to work on
completing their lessons during class. Failure to complete lessons and appropriately utilize class time may result
in a student being required to stay for an after school session(s). Students are not permitted to listen to music,
use personal electronic devices, or disrupt the class session.
School-Wide Classroom Discipline Plan--Be prompt!
 Be in the classroom when the bell rings.
 Come to school.
Be prepared!
 Have all needed supplies.
 Turn in work on time.
 Come prepared to learn.
Be productive!
 Participate in class.
 Remain on task.
 Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in class.
 Do not pass or write notes.
 Do not groom during class.
 Follow instructions the first time they are given.
Be polite!
 Respect yourself, others, and property.
 Bring a positive attitude.
http://www.biloxischools.net