8th Grade - Powered By OnCourse Systems For Education

Classroom Expectations:

Class Rules (Also refer to Student Discipline/Code of Conduct- Policy 5600)

Be accountable for your actions and follow the school’s code of conduct, and basic classroom etiquette.
Respect yourself and others; this includes raising your hand, staying in your seat, waiting to speak, etc.
Respect school property including lab equipment; do not roll/lean on the chairs or flip/tip/roll tables & table tops, and use equipment and technology appropriately as directed by the teacher and in laboratory safety contracts.
Be prepared and ready to learn; bring all required materials to class and be on time (see Supplies Needed).
Do your best and be honest; never be afraid to fail or try something new.

Supplies Needed, Daily (See Supply List on District Site for more)

Charged Chromebook w/charger and case, headphones, and login information for all accounts.
Pencil (with erasers),and coloring/art supplies for every class.

Grading Policy

60% Tests/Projects (includes formal tests and major projects)

30% Quizzes (includes formal quizzes, mini-projects, and graded assignments/assessments)

10% Effort (homework, preparedness, and participation)

Graded Assignment Policy

In this class, there is zero tolerance for late assignments, as time will be allotted for all assignments to be started in class and advance notice of deadlines will be provided days in advance. “You will lose 10 points a day for late work, but no work will be accepted after the third day and the assignment will be averaged as a zero.” Refer to the “High Mountain Effort/Homework/Graded Assignment Policy,” for more information. The only exception will be in emergency cases (or absentees) where a note from a parent/guardian is presented (can be emailed), and/or former arrangements have been discussed and arranged with Ms. Loder, and/or you were absent.
If you are absent you should check on “Google Classroom” when possible to see any notes, assignments, or handouts you may have missed. This will keep you from falling behind. Make up all assignments in a timely manner to avoid any deductions (talk to Ms. Loder about the make-up due date).
Please refer to the “High Mountain School Effort Policy” for deductions on the marking period effort grade.
Students will be provided with opportunities periodically throughout the marking period to regain points lost on assignments and should be taken seriously.

What We Will Learn This Year (Units & Mini-Units)

Unit 1: The Engineering Design Process and the Future

Intro to the Engineering Design Process-will use this throughout the year in Warm Up Activities and Projects
Intro to CER Writing- Current Events (homework) and comprehension questioning during challenges using EDP
Intro to Edison Notebook
Intro to Financial Planning and Investment
Intro to Shark Tank

Unit 2: Nature of Technology

Amazon Future Careers Callisto Space Innovation Tour (students learn about flight and landing on the moon)
Virtual Reality Goggles on Mars for research
Edpuzzle videos for research/differentiation

NASA Egg Drop Challenge Project (students create a landing module to safely land an egg-stronaut on Mars)

Students budget for and build a landing module to be tested. (How does NASA pay for and budget for their projects? What types of insurance does NASA need for its projects? Should you invest in Space Stocks?)

Unit 3: Planning for the Future

Intro to Entrepreneurship and the financial side of a business (students learn about the stock market, insurance, budgeting, living expenses, and identity theft)

The Game of Life Project (students create The Game of Life board game based on the career of an entrepreneur)