Grade 8- Earth Science Course Description

In Earth Science we'll be studying about - you guessed it - the Earth.  The goal in Earth Science is for you to be able to take what you learn in class and use it in real life situations.  Topics covered include Earth history, earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, weather, astronomy, oceanography, and Lake Superior.  Course work will involve article readings, assignments, hands-on experiments and activities, quizzes, tests, journal writing, and in-school and at-home projects.


The General Science grading system is divided into six-week periods.  Throughout the six week period your grade will be determined by points on written assignments, lab experiments, projects, quizzes and/or tests.  Percentages are used to determine the final grade in each grading period.  My grading system is located to the right.  You must have a minimum of 60% to pass each grading period.

A   = 100-94%

A-  = 93-90%

B+ = 89-87%

B   = 86-84%

B-  = 83-80%

C+ = 79-77%

C   = 76-74%

C-  = 73-70%

D+ = 69-67%

D   = 66-64%

D-  = 63-60%


Late assignments will be marked in the grade book and your grade will be lowered one step for every three late assignments.  It is very important that you get your assignments in on time.



Homework will be given throughout the school year.  Written assignments and projects will be given a point value depending on the length and difficulty of the assignment.  Any assignment given must be completed using complete sentences, appropriate spelling and punctuation.  An assignment that is not completed correctly will be returned to you to do over again.  If this occurs, the assignment will be considered a late assignment in the grade book.  If you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you have missed and to make up the homework in a reasonable amount of time.



The main class rule is:

Treat yourself, other people, and school property

in a respectful and responsible manner


Classroom rules are used to guide you to make good decisions about your behavior.  In the classroom, students will be recognized for positive behavior and there will be consequences for inappropriate behavior.  If a student chooses to break a rule, then the following steps will be taken:


First:  Verbal Warning

Second:  Suspension of snack privileges and/or after school detention

Third:  After school detention and parent called

Fourth:  Conference with parents, principal and other staff members


*If there is a severe disruption, the student will be sent to the office immediately.