Classroom Syllabus

  • Welcome to Mr. Polinka's classroom syllabus page for 8th grade physical science. 

    I.  Class Requirements

    • You will need the following materials in class every day.
      • Pen/Pencil, folder/binder (I suggest a 3 ring binder, one or two inch is good or a sturdy pocket folder also works), notebook paper.
      • Current unit notes packet and any other assignments for class. 
      • School district issued Chromebook.
      • Many students find that a mouse for their Chromebook is helpful (optional).
      • Personal pair of earbuds/airpods (I do not have any spare headphones in my room). 

    II.  Participation

    • While students are required to be in school all days that school is in session, simply coming to class everyday will not be enough to get the most out of this class.  Active, positive participation in all class discussions, labs, and activities will enhance the learning experience for all and is strongly encouraged.

    III.  Classroom Expectations

    • Everyone should feel safe and not threatened when coming to class; both physically and emotionally.  Putting someone down goes against this and is not acceptable.  Please think before you speak.
    • Respect other students' property, personal space, and comments.
    • Students and parents/guardians will need to sign and return a Lab Safety Contract, a more detailed list of expectations when working in the lab area, before a student will be able to participate in any lab activities.
    • We will be using technology (specifically, Schoology) extensively in this class.  Please adhere to the District Acceptable Use Policy contract and Chromebook guidelines distributed at the start of the school year in order to maintain your privilege of using technology in the District. 
       

    IV.  Grading

    • Grades are calculated by dividing total points earned by the total points possible for any given marking period.
      • A    93 - 100%
      • B    85 - 92%
      • C    77 - 84%
      • D    70 - 76%
      • F     Below 70%
    • Example:  A student accumulating 374 of 460 total possible points would earn an 81.3% or a C letter grade.
    • Students intending to take Honors Biology in 9th grade must achieve a cumulative grade of 95% or above for the year as well as being currently enrolled in either Algebra or Geometry, in order for me to recommend the student for Honors Biology. High school course selection begins late winter.

    V.  Homework Policy

    • My expectation is that an activity started, but not finished in class should be completed by the start of the next class.
    • If an assignment is 1 day late or more, it is automatically at a max of 80% they can earn on the assignment. 
      • Larger assignments/ projects may adhere to a different policy that I will tell the students at the start of the project.

    VI. Academic Honesty

    • Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.  

    VII.  Course Content and Sequence of Units

    1. Matter I
    2. Matter II
    3. Simple Machines
    4. Atomic Structure
    5. Atoms & Molecules
    6. Periodic Table
    7. Energy