Extra Credit!

Students are always wanting to know how they can fix up their grades, and extra credit is a good option.  While it is not to be used as a replacement for turning in work on time and in a quality manner, it can help if everything's turned in.

• Trivia questions are one option, offered each week for one point.

• Newspapers and magazines also have many articles on current science topics.  Students can cut these out, and make an outline or web of the info the article contains.  Each is 5 points.

There are various other opportunities for extra credit, as they become available. Most of these involve entering contests. Deadlines are below:

"Earth Connections" Essay Contest--10 pts extra credit
300 words max, see website for guidelines and entry form. You can win $300 and a DVD.
Deadline: to Mrs. Brown by October 10 (Contest deadline Oct. 17)

National Radon Poster Contest--10 pts extra credit
See Mrs. Brown for entry form. We won a trip to D.C. in 2007!
Deadline: to Mrs. Brown by October 10 (Contest deadline Oct. 15)

Portraits of Learning Photo Contest--5 pts per photo (up to 15 pts)
Students submit photos and can digitally enhance for a chance at a new digital camera and Adobe software.
Deadline: to Mrs. Brown by October 10 (Contest deadline Oct. 17)

Siemans We Can Change the World Challenge--up to 50 pts for a great project
This is for 6-8 graders only! Students in teams of 2-3 design an action plan to help an environmental problem in our community. Prizes include a $5000 savings bond and Discovery Channel trips.
Deadline: to Mrs. Brown by March 15, 2009, but sooner qualifies you for more prizes!

Reports will no longer be accepted due to rampant plagiarism, but you can complete any of the above.

ON-LINE TRIVIA:
What are Mrs. Brown's kids' names?
  (Complete on Extra Credit sheets in room, make note of On-Line status for 2 points)

Extra credit is a good opportunity to edge up a grade if you're just missing a few points.  It should not be done in place of make-up work!  Most of all--COMPLETE YOUR ASSIGNMENTS ON TIME AND IN A QUALITY MANNER!