Mountaineer Team 8th Grade Science

1
Mountaineer Team 8th Grade Science

• Beth Roland

2
Instructor Background

• I have taught at JFMS for 14 years and hold a
  Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from
  Lenoir-Rhyne College (or should I say
  University?) and I graduated Magna Cum Laud
• I have a NC Middle Grades Science Certification
  from Appalachian State University
• I am a Master Teacher with Intel Teach to the
  Future
• I have twice been named Corning Educator of the
  year
• I am the current Technical Support Contact for
  Jacobs Fork
• I have taught at the Catawba Science Center for 8
  years and continue to provide Science Outreach
  programs
• I completed the River City project of Harvard
  University and hope to do so during this school
  year (Active Worlds based learning platform)
• I am married and have two daughters Sydney- a
  rising 12th grader (LR Scholars Program) and
  Avery- a rising 4th grader
• I enjoy reading, nature, and traveling with my
  family
• Most importantly, I love middle school students!

3
Major Units of Study

• Hydrosphere
• Chemical Composition of Matter
• Evolution in Organisms and Landforms
• Cell Theory
• Microbiology
• Scientific Inquiry

4
Necessary Student Materials

• Composition Book
• Large 3 ring Binder
• 2 Divider sections
• Loose-leaf Paper
• Colored Pencils
• Pencils, Pencils, and more Pencils!

5
Grading Rubric

• The 9 week student Science grade will be
  comprised of the following components
• Classwork/Homework- Counts as one grade
• Quizzes/Labs- Count as two grades
• Projects/Tests-Count as three grades
• Completed Journal- Counts as three grades

6
Journaling- The key to Grade Level Assessment
Success!

• Each student will need to have a composition
  notebook that will be brought to class daily. All
  class notes, diagrams, graphic organizers,
  important vocabulary, and project research will
  be kept in one central location.
• Students will respond daily to an essential
  question that will also be recorded in the
  Science Journal.
• In preparation for the EOG, students and parents
  will review the journal nightly during the month
  of May.

7
Teaching Philosophy

• I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do
  and I understand- Chinese Proverb
• In order to make Science come alive and
• ignite a passion for scientific inquiry, we must
  immerse students in an engaging and hands on
  approach to learning.
• Cooperative Learning (pods) will be used
  throughout the year to facilitate a greater
  understanding of curriculum and foster a
  cooperative outlook on learning and peer
  interactions.

8
Parent/Teacher Communication

• Please feel free to e-mail at any time
• Beth_Roland_at_catawbaschools.net
• JFMS Phone Number
• 704.462.1827
• Teacher Web Site
• http//www.catawbaschools.net/schools/JacobsFork/S
  taff/Beth_Roland/default.aspx

9
On-Line Textbook Access

• Each student has access to their textbook
  on-line. Please access the following website
• http//my.hrw.com/
• User name bethroland
• Password science