8th Grade Physical Science
2014-2015
Teacher name: Mrs. Townes
Textbook: Our main textbook this year is Physical Science with Earth Science. Our review book
for the 8th grade State Assessment is Reviewing Intermediate-Level Science.
Student Requirements:
1. Be RESPONSIBLE. Arrive on time to class and be in your seat and ready to work when
the bell rings. All work should be handed in on the designated due date. Students
should ask about work they missed while they were absent and complete it in a timely
manner.
2. Be RESPECTFUL. Respect for your classmates and teachers are expected at all times.
This means no calling out, no name calling of any kind, and no negative comments. I will
not allow anyone to be bullied or discriminated against and there will be repercussions
if I witness such. Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
3. Be PREPARED. Bring your Science notebook or binder to class each day along with a
writing utensil and your daily travel sheet. Have your homework and/or reading
assignments completed and study for tests and quizzes. Students may leave their
binder in class, but should take home necessary material to complete their daily
assignments.
4. Be SAFE. To ensure the safety of all you should WALK at all times and make sure to
follow all safety rules. We will be working with various equipment so please follow
correct procedures for handling them. There is no gum chewing and no drinking, unless
noted by a doctor. Also, there is no application of make-up or perfumes/colognes in
class. You must ask if you would like to eat a snack or piece of candy. Do not touch any
equipment unless instructed to do so. Please ask for assistance if you are unsure how to
use something.
Materials needed for class:
 Red Binder with notebook inside or loose leaf paper
 Four division labels: notes/ homework/ tests& quizzes/ class assignments
 Pens and pencils
Grading Policy:
 25% homework & Do-Now’s
 50% class work: Assignments & Labs
 25% tests and quizzes
Class Expectations & Procedures:
 Homework is given 3-4 times a week. To receive full credit homework must be turned in
the following day. Partial credit may be given if homework is turned in by the end of the
week.
 If absent, it is the student’s responsibility to get work missed. Work missed is due 3
days after the student returns to school.
 Work will not be accepted for credit after the designated day.
 Review sheets for tests are given out at least 3 days prior to the test, but as soon as
possible.
 Students are allowed to earn back points by completing correct and returns on all tests
and Do-Now’s and other assignments upon request. Please see website for policy on
that.
 Students may complete 2 extra credit assignments per quarter. Please see website for
policy on that.
For the parent:
 Textbooks will remain in the classroom, but if you would like your child to have a book
at home please request one and I will send it home. The review books are to remain in
the classroom.
 The late bus will only be available Wednesday afternoons. I can be available Monday
through Thursday after school in the fall and am willing to stay after school with your
child if you are able to pick them up. I coach a winter and spring sport and can be
available in the morning if you are able to bring them in.
Areas of Study:
 Lab Process Skills (Lab Safety, Scientific Method, Measurement, Graphing, Density)
 Chemistry (Properties of Matter, Acids & Bases, Chemical Reactions, Periodic Table,
Reaction Rates & Energy)
 Physics (Waves, Motion, Electricity & Magnetism)
 Earth Science (Rocks & Minerals, Earth’s History, Plate Tectonics, Weather, Moon, Solar
System)
*There are a lot of fun activities I hope to do with the students this year, but it depends upon
their behavior and responsibility within the classroom.
Teacher Contact Information:
By email: alexandra.townes@wcsdny.org
By phone: 298-5200, please leave a message with the main office.
Please check my website daily for updated homework and helpful resources. Please feel free to
contact me with any questions or concerns at any time. I look forward to working with your
child and with you.