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Welcome!

Greetings 8th grade parents & students! My name is Matthew Corrigan. This year I will be teaching Math & Science. I am so excited to meet all of you! Please take the time to read through the syllabus for both of my core classes below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions! 

 

Math Class Description 

We will cover all of the 8th Grade CCSS for math. The standards have been broken up into 10 units and the curriculum that will be used is Engage New York as well as a supplemental resource called Maneuvering the Middle. We will work through the standards by taking notes through direct instruction and modeling, independent practice, collaborative projects, etc. Each unit will have a mid unit quiz and an end of unit assessment. A large focus of 8th grade math is on developing a better understanding of expressions and equations, functions, and geometry. 

Grade Percentages

  • Classwork/ Notebooks 25%
  • Aleks 25%
  • Assessments 50%

Classwork/Notebooks

Almost all classwork is completed in class. If the student needs more time or the assignment is a bit larger they will have until the morning of the following day to complete. Notebooks will be checked periodically and notebooks may be used during quizzes.

Aleks

Aleks offers a comprehensive solution to learning concepts they need to review or preparing them for what is to come in the near future. Students will be given 45 minutes each week in class to complete their required concepts. Each student will be required to complete their topic goal each week. 

Assessments

Quizzes will be given throughout each unit to provide a knowledge check to ensure competency of each concept. Quizzes will be announced to students in class at the beginning of each week to provide ample study time. Tests will be an accumulation of the concepts practiced from each quiz given throughout the unit. Students will not be allowed to use their notes during the test. Their notebooks are to act as a comprehensive study guide for their unit tests. Most quizzes will be digital while unit tests will be paper copies.

 

Science Class Description

The NGSS standards are spread out throughout the students' time in middle school as single subjects per grade level (6th grade: Earth Science, 7th grade: Life Science, and 8th grade: Physical Science). The curriculum that will be used is called Kesler Science. A large focus for 8th grade science is gaining a better understanding of foundational chemistry and matter. We will complete Physical Science through the 5E learning process (engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation).

Grade Percentages

  • Classwork/ Notebooks 25%
  • Labs/Stations 25%
  • Assessments 50%

Classwork/Notebooks

Almost all classwork is completed in class. If the student needs more time or the assignment is a bit larger they will have until the morning of the following day to complete. Notebooks will be checked periodically and notebooks may be used during quizzes.

Labs/Stations

Throughout the year, students will be working in small groups to complete labs and stations. These assignments may require extra time, which can result in students completing work at home or collaborating on work outside of class. 

Assessments

Quizzes will be given throughout each unit to provide a knowledge check to ensure competency of each concept. Quizzes will be announced to students in class at the beginning of each week to provide ample study time. Tests will be an accumulation of the concepts practiced from each quiz given throughout the unit. Students will not be allowed to use their notes during the test. Their notebooks are to act as a comprehensive study guide for their unit tests. Most quizzes will be digital while unit tests will be paper copies.

 

Math & Science Recommended Resources (Please reach out if you cannot acquire these resources)

  • 3 Subject Notebook (For Math) 
  • 1 Subject Notebook (For Science)
  • Pencil with Eraser or Erasable Pen (Student Preference)
  • Two Pocket Folder for Handouts or Important Papers 

Progress Reports

Bi-Monthly progress reports will be handed out on Mondays. The reports must be reviewed and signed by a parent. If you have any questions regarding the report please make a note on the PR or contact me via email. 

  • Tuesday, September 3
  • Monday, September 16
  • Monday, September 30
  • Monday, October 14
  • End of first semester is Friday, November 1

Late Work

Late work will receive a deduction of 10% from their total possible points for everyday late. Late work that is due to excused absences will not receive a point deduction. Students that are absent are expected to check with their peers the day they return for missed work or check google classroom for a list of assignments planned to be completed. 

Notebooks

All notes and classwork, for each class, will be taken in a dedicated notebook. Notebook checks will occur periodically, and will be inputted as a grade. Notes can be utilized during quizzes, and is a great resource to reference when completing assignments or studying for your end of unit assessments. 

Assessment Corrections

Students will be able to recieve a 2nd chance on their tests if they incorrectly answer 3 or more questions wrong. Essentially providing a retake as soon as they turn the test in. There are no separate retakes of assessments. Students will also be able to correct their quiz and/or tests if they do not like the grade they have received. You will be able to correct a quiz or test after the 2nd chance for up to 50% of the points back that you lost. For example, if you score a 6/10, then you can correct your test to improve your score to 8/10. If you lose 4 points, you can gain 2 back. Each quiz or test must be fully corrected and checked by the teacher to receive the 50% back.

Classroom Expectations

  • Students must have a pencil or erasable pen, planner, and notebook ready at the start of class each day. 
  • No excess trips to the water fountain during class. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle. Bottles will be placed on the floor next to you, so make sure it can be fully sealed if it is ever tipped over to reduce the chances of a mess. 
  • Follow the dress code. Students that are found breaking the dress code, will be sent to the office.
  • No cell phones or smart devices in class. If it is out or goes off in class, you will be sent to the office for parent pickup. 
  • No use of the middle room between classes unless given permission from the teacher.
  • No lab use without a teacher present. Students found in the lab without a teacher will receive a call home and if necessary, sent to the office. 

Planners

All students will be provided with student planners. Students will be encouraged to take the time provided at the beginning of each class to fill out the daily agenda along with any upcoming assignments due. Due dates have a tendency to be fluid and require a planner to keep up to date throughout the year. I encourage parents to check your student’s planners if you are curious about what we are doing in class or about any classwork your students may have. 

Contact

  • Email: matt.corrigan@sundale.org
  • School Phone: (559) 688-7451 (ask for Mr. Corrigan’s Classroom)

 

 

Programming

Course Description

Students will learn about working with data, number systems, and an introduction to object-oriented and event-driven programming. Classwork, assessments & projects will be on the Chrome based program called Code.org or in a dedicated notebook for this class. 

Grade Percentage 

  • Code.org/Notebooks 70%
  • Projects/Labs 30%

Recommended Resources

  • Notebook for note taking
  • Pen or Pencil

Classwork (Code.org)

Classwork is the practice that students will be given within the app called Code.org or in a notebook. Due dates and notebook checks will be announced at the start of each week or activity. 

Projects/Labs

Projects will be given throughout the course to measure what they are learning and provide a creative way to practice the concepts. 

 

Game Design

Course Description

In this class, students will learn the foundations of game development. Topics will include knowing your audience, developing a playable prototype, designing levels, & designing specific types of games. By the end of the class, your student will have a basic understanding of the Game Development profession and the different aspects that are available to them if they wish to pursue this career in their future.  

Grade Percentage 

  • Classwork/ Notebooks 30%
  • Assessments/Projects: 70%

Recommended Resources

  • Physical Sketch Book or College Ruled Notebook

Classwork/Notebooks

Students will be working on their Chromebooks as well as their notebooks to write game reviews, create ideas for their game creations and develop their ideas from classroom discussions. Notebooks will be periodically for a grade. 

Assessments/ Projects

Students will be working to develop a game with their peers in small groups. Each student will expect to be providing their individualized approach and completing their own work. Project checks will be each week or when the teacher announces an upcoming check. In addition, there may be small quizzes to check for understanding of necessary vocabulary or concept knowledge.