Homework Expectations for Science Classes

at Finn Hill Jr. High

7^th, 8^th and 9^th grades students will have an average of 20 to 30 minutes of homework in science every single night.  Here’s a list of what you should be doing nightly:

1. Finish up the homework that was assigned that day, such as questions from the textbook or on a worksheet.
2. Finish up the questions from the lab you did today.  DO NOT procrastinate on finishing up the lab questions.  If you do, you will forget what you observed during that lab.  This is a common and unfortunately dangerous (for your grade) mistake that students fall for.
3. Do the pre-write for the next lab in your spiral.
4. Review what we learned the past couple days.  Reread the text or lab results or worksheets.  Jot down any questions you have so you can ask your teacher the next day.
5. Study for the next test.
6. Preview the material for the next day (if you know what it is).
7. Work on the assigned “big project” for the unit.  The Procrastination Monster will GET YOU if you don’t.
8. Do extra credit.  Check with your teacher for instructions.

Some nights you will have more than 30 minutes of homework, but that will not be often.  Of course, the Procrastination Monster will eat up your time if you let him…..

Laboratory Expectations for Science Classes

at Finn Hill Jr. High

1. All labs must be pre-read and pre-copied into your science spiral (not separate paper) before doing the lab.  The reasons for this are:
   1. You are already somewhat acquainted with the goals and procedures of the lab, especially the safety requirements;
   2. You have the charts, observations questions, and other blanks ready to be filled in as you do the lab;
   3. You will have the labs for future reference (tests, essays, etc.), all in correct order and all in one place (your science spiral).
   4. Maintaining a science journal is what professional scientists do!

Students on I.E.P.s have modifications – consult with your teacher for the particulars on this.

2. If you do not have the lab completely precopied, you will not be permitted to perform the lab during class time.  You will take notes along with the rest of the class on particulars for the lab, and then you will copy the lab into your spiral during class time.  You will have to make up the lab before or after school.
3. Proper lab behavior must be observed 100% of the time.  You must follow the Lab Safety Rules.  If the teacher finds your behavior to be either a danger to yourself, other students, or to the equipment and supplies, you will not be able to complete the lab and appropriate discipline action will result (refer to the discipline procedure).  If you are a distraction to other students, you could be removed from class (again, refer to the discipline procedure).  The teacher’s primary duty is to ensure that students have a chance to learn and that all students are safe.  If you interfere with this, you will be disciplined accordingly.