Thank you for visiting my teacher page. My name is Shana McCoy Hrbacek and I have been teaching science since 2001. I taught 8^th grade science for 11 years in Sweetwater, 8 years at Wylie West Junior High and joined the Jim Ned Tribe in the fall of 2021. My husband Todd and I have three grown children, Derrik, China & Cooper.

I grew up in Aspermont, Tx and I love the small town atmosphere that Jim Ned offers. Roll Tribe! 

8th Grade Course Description/Objectives:

Chemistry/Physics: Lab Safety, Scientific Method, Classification/Organization of Matter, Chemical and Physical Properties/Changes, Atomic Theory and the Structure of Atoms, Periodic Table, Chemical Equations, Chemical Reactions, Motion (Speed, Position, Velocity, Displacement and Acceleration), Newton’s Laws and Potential and Kinetic Energy

Earth Science: Plate Tectonics, Space, Weather, Atmosphere and Organisms and the Environment

8th grade TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) The 8th grade STAAR Science test consists of ½ 8th grade and ½ 6th/7th grade material.

Materials: 1 single subject spiral, folder with pockets and brads, and pen/pencil (I have purchased containers for each lab table so the supplies are for you to use during this class.

Class Expectations:

*Phone, backpack, binder, and purses will be placed in the lab area at the beginning of class

*Be in your seat when the bell rings working on Bell Work

*Be prepared with required material each day (pencil, folder, spiral & reading material)

*Be prepared to complete assignments on time and ask questions for clarity

If you do not understand the material, please attend tutorials (7:50-8:05 each day)

*Students are not allowed to leave class while I am teaching unless an emergency arises 

*Students will be allowed to leave class once per week. There are 5 min. between classes, make it work.

*Disrespect or choosing to distract others will not be tolerated. Be polite to everyone

Grading:  Please check Grading Portal often

Tests – 50 % Quizzes/Labs – 30% Daily – 20%

Tests: (50%)

A student will have an opportunity to retest, but this will need to be completed BEFORE the next test. Students will need to attend tutorials to work with me to make sure they understand the material before taking a retest. The maximum grade for a retest will be a 70.

Textbook: Students will tear out reading material from the consumable textbook and bring to class each day. (This is the purpose of the folder)

Access student textbook at classlink.com on our school website at https://schools.jimned.esc14.net/page/jnms.homepage (McGraw-Hill)

Google Classroom - Please find all power points, videos, resources here: Code:

Lab Expectations:

*Follow classroom rules as well as lab rules when performing lab work. Labs are fun, exciting and meant to enhance your understanding of the concept.

*No running, horseplay, or acting up in the lab will be tolerated. If I have to ask you to go to the hall, you will not return to class that class period and you will receive a zero for your grade.

*You will prepare labs as instructed once you have completely read your lab sheet. You are NOT to perform anything other than what is instructed. Playing around in the lab and not following instructions will result in receiving a zero for a grade for the lab. No warnings will be given!

*When you have completed the lab, clean up your area as you found it. All supplies, materials, paper, lab equipment, trash, etc needs to be put where it belongs. Leave the lab area clean for the next class because I do not have the time to do this after each class.

Labs: (30%) - I will drop lowest grade each grading period

Most lab work will be done in groups. Each member of the group will be required at times to turn in a lab report which will consist of 50% of the lab grade.  Failure to turn in a lab report will cause you to receive only 50% of the lab grade. Numbers written as answers must have units (Example: 23g or 3s)

Late Work will not be accepted - 8th Grade Policy

Students are given two days to turn in assignments unless stated on the paper. You should not have homework, but it is understood that if you don’t finish work in class, it is homework. Again, attend TUTORIALS if you have questions or need help.  

Extra Credit: I do not offer extra credit or corrections. 

Projects: (May count as lab, quiz or test, but it will be stated on project sheet)

Projects will be assigned to help students fully understand a concept. Students will be given a project sheet with start date and due date. The  project sheet will also be found in Google Classroom. Late projects will not be accepted because of the quantity of grading at the end of the six weeks. 

Consequences for undesirable behavior IN THE CLASSROOM AND LAB:

1. Verbal Warning - You will receive one! (tardy, talking when YOU have been asked to stop or lower your voice, out of seat, cell phone, disrespect, or disruptive behavior)

2. Morning Detention - Students will receive a Morning Detention Form from the teacher assigning morning detention that will require a parent signature to be returned the next day. If the student returns without a parent signature, the parent will be notified. If the student is late (Morning Detention starts at 7:45 a.m.) the student will be given extra detention. Be On Time!

3. Office Referral - discipline will be determined by Mr. Carlisle

Parents: Please feel free to contact me with questions, however please check with your child to get answers first. They usually know what’s going on regarding zeros, missing work, low grades, etc.  I try to answer emails during my conference and after school. If I need to do some research on your question, please know I will get back to you ASAP, but it may be 24-48 hours.

Mrs. Hrbacek