HUGE bonus opportunity!

I always have one large bonus project each semester.  This semester the bonus project is called "Science through Art".  This has a very broad, general meaning and can be interpreted differently by each student.  In the past, I have had paintings, poems, songs, short stories, videos, skits, sculptures, paper art, abstract art, paper mache, crayon art, amongst many other things turned in for this optional assignment.

The only instructions for this is to express science through art, work alone, and have it turned in by Monday, April 30. I have had students work in pairs on movies or songs in the past, but they must get my approval beforehand. ***The art cannot be made out of anything perishable!*** (e.g. food, candy, etc)

This gives students over a month to do this optional bonus opportunity in their free time.  Students can earn up to 25 bonus points (just because they do a project does not mean they will get 25 points).  Points will be awarded based on apparent time spent on project, execution, creativity, and how well it represents science.  It may be turned in before April 30, but I will not accept it late for any reason.  I think a month and a half  is more than enough time to do this project.  There is no reason to wait until the last minute.

I look forward to seeing my students' creativity!

9 Weeks Test Schedule

My 9 weeks test will be a large vocabulary test (with a word bank) that will count twice (200 points).  This is an opportunity to make a good grade that could really make a huge difference in your average.  I will take index cards as a 5 point bonus, but they will be checked Friday, March 2.

Earth and Space: Unit 5 Vocabulary (all of it)

• 1st period's exam will be Wed., March 7
• 2nd period's exam will be Thurs., March 8

Physical Science: Chapters 15, 16, 17, 21 (all words)

• 4th period's exam will be Tuesday, March 6
• 5th period's exam will be Thursday, March 8

PHYSICAL SCIENCE TEST MOVED TO FRIDAY

Due to the fact so many kids were out today (basketball game) to complete the chapter review for chapter 10 test Thursday (Feb. 2), I have decided to move it to Friday, Feb. 3. 

I apologize for any inconveniences that may have resulted from the date change.  However, the kids loved the fact they were getting an extra day to study.

Science Fair Reminder

Science Fair final reports are due Friday, Feb. 3!  This is a test grade so DO NOT FORGET!

Science Fair UPDATE -- Turning in Assignments

Parents,

I have been having problems with students not turning in assignments and begging to have until the end of the day to turn them in in order to call parents, print them, or to just do them. Today, I had 3 students right off the bat in first period, and I bet I will have more in the next class.  I have been very patient, but after today I will no longer allow this.  Students were given a hard copy of the due dates, they are on the board in class, and they are posted under the "science fair" tab on the blog.  There is no excuse for them not to have their assignments.  I am trying to teach the kids the importance of deadlines and responsibility.  After today they must have their assignments ready to turn in when they come to class.  No exceptions.  If they are absent the day an assignment is turned in, they will be expected to turn it in the day they return to school.

Also, I have told students this several times, but if they need help or don't understand any part of the assignment, all they have to do is ask for help.  Most of the kids are confident, because they have done this before, but I know some of them haven't.  They can ask for help anytime, but they must ask BEFORE the assignment is due, not when they are turning it in to me.

I hope you will help me make the rest of this process as easy as possible for everyone.  I would suggest keeping the dates posted on the fridge so everyone can stay on top of them.

Thank you for your consideration!

Science Fair UPDATE

Due to some confusion as to what was expected on the "research" portion of the science fair project, it will not be due until Monday, Jan. 16.  I clarified any problems in class today.  The bibliography due date is still the same, however.

Psychology Students- PLEASE GET YOUR POSTERS!

Psychology Students need to get their poster projects from last semester out of my room by Friday, Jan. 6.  They will be recycled after that day.

Also, books need to be turned back in to me.  That includes "The Giver" and "The Lord of the Flies".  Books not turned in by Wednesday, Jan. 4 will be charged to the student.  They are $9.99 each.

Science Fair UPDATE

8th Grade Parents,

It was brought to my attention this morning by a student that the dates on the letter I sent home were off by a day (due dates on Saturday).  I must have looked at January 2011 and February 2011 when I made the schedule, but I have corrected the dates with the students in class and on the Science Fair tab on the blog.

I am VERY sorry for this mix up.  Please email me with any questions.

J. Echols