• 8th grade Course Outline

    Welcome to Regents Living Environment.  This course will examine the relationships that exist in nature… and how everything works together in balance.  Major themes include:

     

    1. Lab Skills, Experimental Design  & Scientific Inquiry
    2. Life Processes
    3. Homeostasis
    4. Energy Transfer
    5. Heredity
    6. Biodiversity
    7. Reproduction and Development
    8. Evolution
    9. Ecology
    10. Human Impact on the Ecosystem

     

     

    LABS

    Lab time will be included during regular class time.  It is important to note that completion of labs is required in order for students to be eligible to take the Regents Exam in June.  Labs are designed to help illustrate, in a hands on way, many concepts taught during the year.  There are 4 main labs that are required by the State and are directly questioned on the Regents Exam.  NYS requires a minimum number of lab hours (1200 minutes), therefore ALL labs are MANDATORY.

     

    Grades

    All assignments contribute towards a students’ grade.  Tests, class work, homework, quizzes and LABS are all assigned points that accumulate each marking period.  Your grade is a function of YOUR points divided by the TOTAL points for that marking period.  Larger or more difficult work is assigned a higher point total.  In this way, no one assignment is more important than another, and ALL work, including Labs must be completed to get a satisfactory grade.

     

    Homework

    Homework is the BEST way to solidify what is learned in class.  It is also expected that students will review their notes each night.  Homework will be given in a variety of methods, including: spot check, collection, discussion, and unannounced quizzes upon assignment.

     

    Course Materials

    Pen or Pencil               Three ring binder                    Folder for handouts

     

    Students are EXPECTED to show up for class EACH day prepared to learn.  This is accomplished by:

     

    1. Arriving on time
    2. Being organized and prepared
    3. Raising your hand before speaking
    4. Respecting ALL ideas in the class
    5. Listening and participating in discussions
    6. No food or drink in the classroom
    7. Follow school rules

     

     

    My goal is simple… to make this course as enjoyable and painless as possible knowing that there is a lot of work and studying needed compared to most other courses taken so far.  I feel that with an air of mutual respect, preparedness, flexibility and humor, that passing this course and the June Regents is not only attainable, but will be done with superior results!

     

    Good luck.  I am looking forward to the coming year.

     

    Frank Magrino