We are pleased to have David Pagel with Aviators' team again this year. This will be Mr. Pagel's sixth year teaching with previous years in Dusseldorf, Germany and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mr. Pagel has a Masters of Geography with a concentration on environmental analysis and resource management. He has a love of the outdoors and has been backpacking whenever possible since he was 16. 

Science 8/In-Depth Studies

            The in-depth content areas of the grade eight Science curriculum are: *Scientific Inquiry, Technological Design, Hydrosphere, Chemistry, Evolution Theory, and Cellular Biology. We will explore these topics through a variety of learning activities throughout the year.

 Daily Routine

            When the students enter room 104, there is an objective, topic, and agenda displayed on the projection screen or whiteboard for them to copy into their notebook. This is done everyday that class is held.

The objective informs students of the North Carolina competency goal we will be focused on that day.

The topic informs the students of the subject within that competence we will cover.

The agenda lists the order and nature of our activities.

 If you want to monitor your child’s progress in Science, ask to view this daily. This daily assignment is monitored and periodically graded for completion; students that are absent are expected to retrieve this information as well as lecture or other class notes from a class buddy so that they will maintain an awareness of our class progress. Students should be able to show and tell parents, teachers, and administrators exactly what they have covered in every class.

Assignments

            Reading and homework worksheets: readings are normally assigned twice weekly, with some type of study guide to be completed.

            Television, website, news/magazine article reviews: usually, these are assigned once a month, due on the last class day of the month. The article review should be typed in Times New Roman size 12 font and should be at least one full page (front side of a piece of paper). The article may be based on the concept of what is being presently taught or anything that has to do with the six grade 8 concepts being taught this year (see above*).

            Tests: will be given after every unit. There will be a variety of forms. Some will be performance based (demonstrating a lab skill), some objective (fill-in- the-blank, multiple choice), but most will be open-note tests (not open-book).

 In Class

1. Bring to class each day: Textbook, Science Notebook, Science Laboratory Notebook, scientific calculator, homework and writing utensils.
2. Students are expected to review class notes and vocabulary terms before class.
3. Oversized jewelry, overly-loose clothing, and open toed shoes are not safe in science labs, and are prohibited. Students who arrive to lab class in such attire will be given an alternative assignment and parents will be contacted to ensure future compliance. Students with long, loose hair styles will be required to secure their hair at the nape of the neck, and those with large hairstyles will need to purchase and wear nets or lab caps.  
4. Be sure to be ready for announced and unannounced quizzes on a daily basis.
5. Participation: Get involved in daily discussions, ask questions, answer questions, without interrupting others; you can’t remember it if you don’t talk about it!
6. Good attendance: This class is going to challenge you everyday. Do not be absent, unless it is absolutely necessary. If an absence cannot be avoided make sure you make arrangements to complete all missed work within 3 days.
7. Consideration: Respect of the teacher and our classmates is required. Raise your hand whenever you would like to speak. Listen quietly and patiently when others are speaking.
8. Turn in all assignments on time. If it will be late because of a family emergency, the teacher will need a written note from the parent/guardian on the day the assignment is due. Late assignments will not be counted in any way.  

Out of Class

1. Homework: Complete all homework assignments. It really is worth it.
2. Quizzes: Periodic quizzes will help you, if you study. Quizzes may occur at any time during the class period 2-4 times a week.
3. Tests: Study daily for upcoming tests, it will make your life easier. Tests will be announced 3-5 school days in advance. Each test may cover 1-4 chapters.
4. Labs: Read all lab procedures and put all safety equipment on before starting the experiment.

Grading Policy

            All students will be assessed on their performance on quizzes & tests, labs & activities, and homework using Durham Public School ’s grading scale. Points from the science portfolio will be added once the overall grade is figured. A rubric which will be used to grade the science portfolio is in a different section. The grading rubric below will be used to calculate each student’s grading period grade.
 

            **The teacher reserves the right to change the grading rubric above at any time with prior written notice. Students may also be given the opportunity to receive extra credit for completing specific assignments and activities throughout the year.

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