Syllabus for Mr.

Tompkins Eighth Grade Science Classes

Instructor: Mr. Tompkins: giles.tompkins@myoneclay.net, email / or 904-336-5375 ex. 65457,
classroom phone. Email is generally the easiest way to reach me.
Class Website: www.mrtompkinsscienceclass.weebly.com Class website is updated daily with
assignments, notes and materials covered in class, and supplemental material as well. When
students are absent or miss class for any reason, the website should be consulted to see what
was assigned for that day. Extra credit opportunities are sometimes hidden throughout the
website. FCAT review materials as well as science fair content will be available on the website.
Remind: Remind is a feature by which I can send updates to parents and students via text
messages. All personal information is kept private. I will never see individual phone numbers,
nor will you receive mine. You may reply to the texts to ask any questions regarding updates,
though I do not see these replies unless I am logged into Remind.
Textbooks: Interactive Science, Course 3. Content covered in 8th grade includes: the Nature of
Science, Astronomy, Basic Chemistry, and Energy, Matter, and Living Things. FCAT review takes
place throughout the year. Science Fair is completed over quarters one and two. (Note: gifted
classes cover additional content as well dependent upon student interests.) If textbook is lost
or badly damaged, replacement cost is twenty-five dollars.
Homework: I try to not give too much written homework, but I do ask that students study
NIGHTLY in preparation for tests, quizzes, and in-class discussion. Most homework assignments
consist of finishing unfinished classwork.
Grades: Grades are weighted into four categories: Tier One, Tier Two, Tier Three, and Tier
Four. Tier One grades carry a weight of 40% of the over-all grade and include things such as
projects and tests. Tier Two grades include quizzes, minor class projects, and other activities
that go beyond basic classwork. They are weighted at 30% of the over-all grade. Tier Three
grades include classwork, FCAT review, lab activities, etc. and carry a 20% weight. Smaller
assignments such as homework are considered Tier Four and have a weight of
10%. (NOTE: BIG projects such as science fair will have their own unique
distribution. Information on this will be given to students at the time of the project.) Letter
grades are based on the CCSB grading system as follows: 90-100 = A; 80-89=B; 70-79=C; 6069=D; 0-59=F
Progress Reports: After the interim report, progress reports are sent home on a weekly basis
for all students earning a 70 or less in my class. If you wish a progress report at any other time,
please submit a note via email and I will send one home. I would strongly encourage you to
use Parent Portal to keep up to date on in-class performance!

Class Conduct:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Have all supplies and work due at the beginning of class

Be on time! 4 tardies = 1 referral!
Stay on task from bell to bell
Be respectful of teachers, other students, and property
ALWAYS give your best!

6. Electronic Devices: Students MAY bring in personal electronic devices for the purposes
of investigation and research. Devices should be powered off and put away until they
are told to use them. Cell phones used for communication will be confiscated and a
referral will be written per school policy. The students are responsible for the safety
and protection of their devices at all times.
Quarter One Content (approximate):

Week One: Classroom Procedures, Safety, Tools of Science

Weeks Two and Three: Scientific Measurement
Weeks Four and Five: Scientific Methods, Designing Experiments, Identifying Variables
Week Six: Scientific Thinking and Reasoning, Theory and Law, Ethics
Weeks Seven and Eight: Begin Astronomy Unit
NOTE: Science Fair will be introduced in the first quarter and completed in the second.

*Please retain this document for future reference. A copy may also be found on the class website. An
acknowledgement form will be sent home early next week which needs to be signed and returned to
Mr. Tompkins