8th Grade Science

Grade 8 Integrated Science Guidelines 2025-2026

L.Byrd

District Website:  www.brookhavenschools.org

Alexander: http://ajh.brookhavenschools.org/

 

“Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the results.” ~ Oscar Wilde

 

Dear Students and Parents,

            I look forward to collaborating with you all this year in science! The following is an overview of the upcoming year. If you have any questions about the following guidelines or about the class itself, please contact me at the school number (601-833-7549), via e-mail at [email protected], or join my Remind app by texting the codes below to 81010 (choose the code for your child’s class):

1st Period: @fe8gdd6

3rd Period: @6baahk

4^th Period: @bf99fc

5th Period: @h97k3k

6th Period: @42442aa

Thank you in advance for your cooperation! – Mrs. Byrd

1. Books

Students will be using the McGraw Hill – Glencoe Integrated iScience Book for 8^th Grade. This will be an online-based textbook that students will be able to access from home through Canvas and/or Google Classroom. Hardbound books and printables are available if needed. We will cover Life, Physical, Earth and Space science according to the MS College and Career - Readiness Standards for 8^th Grade Science and the district pacing guide.

 

1. Supplies:

2 Journals (marble/composition/bound 100 sheets)

Heavy Duty Folder with 2 pockets and 3 prongs      

Loose Leaf Paper                                           

Colored Pencils

Scissors

Glue sticks (2 or 4 packs)

Pen and pencils

Pair of earphones/earbuds (plug-in or Bluetooth)

Highlighters

 

 

• Student Expectations/Behavior

Students must follow the classroom rules and policies according to the District Handbook.

Rules	Consequences
§   Be on time for class. §   Be prepared for class with all required materials (Charged Chromebook, writing utensils, journal and/or any other required materials). §   Follow all classroom procedures and handbook policies. §   Be respectful of each other and classroom materials. §   Be great; work with 100% effort and a “learner” mentality.	§   Verbal Warning §   Phone Call Home §   Break Detention §   Teacher/parent conference with student §   After school detention §   Office referral (Level 2 infraction or above) (Consequences will change depending on the severity and frequency of the infraction.)

 

1. Absences – If a student is absent during in-person or at-home learning, he/she is their responsibility to makeup work, quizzes, or tests according to school handbook policy. (Based on the number of days missed).

 

1. Grading
   • Unit tests and quizzes/ Projects & Labs           40%
   • Daily Work (including bellringer assessments)/ Homework             40%
   • Nine Weeks Exam                         20%

 

 

 

1. Tests/Quizzes (40% of your grade per term)

• Quizzes will be given weekly, and major tests are given bi-weekly on computer in Canvas and through programs used in class (Wayground, Pear Assessment, Mastery Connect, etc.) or on paper, based on competencies or benchmarks.
• Benchmarks/Nine Weeks Tests will be graded as test/quiz grades. (Nine Weeks Test equals 20% of a student's grade per term).
• Results are given once tests/quizzes are completed.
• Points can be deducted from quizzes/tests submitted after the due date and time. Students will receive no grade or incomplete (NG/I = 0) in the grade book until the test/quiz is completed.
• Cheating will constitute a grade of zero with no makeup test.

 

• Homework (40% of your grade per term)
• Homework is preparation for the next day, which means you must READ & STUDY daily lessons at home before coming to class. Understanding will be checked DAILY. (Bellringers, Morning Discussions, etc.)
• Homework is given on Canvas according to how the lesson is taught; assignment times will vary. If there are any questions or concerns, please call, email or send a Canvas inbox message.
• If homework is given for a lesson, we will use the following procedures:

- Student’s name, the date and the class period must be on all written or typed homework to receive credit.

- All homework must be submitted by the assigned due date.

- If homework is not turned in on time, points will be deducted. Students will receive no grade or incomplete (NG/I = 0) in the grade book until assignment is completed.

- Copying or using another student’s work is considered cheating and will result in a zero for any students involved as well as the possibility of disciplinary action.

• Homework is graded based on assignment. (Typed/written assignments will have rubrics; other assignments will be graded based on the number of questions.)

 

*ANY ASSIGNMENT OR TEST BELOW GRADE-LEVEL (70 OR BELOW) IS REQUIRED TO BE REDONE. DIAGNOSTICS/NINE WEEKS TESTS CANNOT BE REDONE.

 

• Journal/Classwork (40% of your grade per term)
• Students will keep a neat and orderly science journal and note folder.
• Journals and folders are graded with a rubric (they may be used on some quizzes/tests).
• Classwork consists of lab investigations, textbook assignments, cooperative (group) learning activities and online activities through Canvas.

 

1. My Expectations and Beliefs

• Come to class prepared with materials and with a “learner” mindset; not a “judger”
• Everyone has a part in the learning process SO CLASS PARTICIPATION IS MANDATORY.
• Treat everyone, everything, and every subject with courtesy and respect.
• You are responsible for your actions whether positive or negative.
• Always give YOUR best effort! 100% is not impossible if you take the steps to get there.

 

1. Academic Dishonesty

• Cheating is forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, copying homework, class work, or lab work (verbally or directly), discussing test or quiz questions, copying (or allowing copying) during a test or quiz, using unauthorized resources during a test or quiz, using electronic resources during a test or quiz, and any form of communication during a test or quiz.
• NOTE: If you allow someone to copy your work, the consequence is the same as if you did the copying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classroom Procedures

 

1) Line up at the door until the teacher allows you in.  Enter the classroom quietly and in an orderly fashion. If tardy, the student will be marked for a Level (1) infraction which will lead to a referral.

 

2) Take out all required materials (Charged Chromebook, journal, writing utensil, any other required/requested materials) before you enter the classroom. Place your backpacks or purses in the required areas.

 

3) If you have a pencil, sharpen it before class starts.

 

4) Turn in any homework assignments written or electronically and read the front board for class instructions.

 

5) Complete the Bellringer and other instructions for the period on your Canvas class page.

 

6) Wait for the teacher to begin class.

 

Things to Remember

 

• Procedures will change according to the class activity. You will be informed before those activities.
• No eating or drinking in class unless authorized.
• Please raise your hand to be recognized in class.
• There will be no restroom breaks during the first and last 10 minutes of class unless you have a doctor’s excuse or an emergency.
• Do not leave the classroom without permission from your teacher, especially if you are called to the office or the bell rings.
• Chromebooks are allowed to be used in the classroom. Cellular phones and other electronic devices are NOT allowed unless requested for class activities. Please place them in a secure area.
• Always follow all school and district policies outlined in your handbook.