2009-2010 School Year Syllabus for 8th Grade Science

Instructor: Dana C. Barnhill

Introduction

Welcome to another school year! I am so excited to see each of you, and can’t wait for us to get started. This year, we will be covering Physical Science. What that means is that we will be exploring science topics that deal with forces, electricity, chemistry, physics and optics. Listed below is information on the science class you are about to take for this school year. Please share this information with your parents or guardians, so that they can be familiar with your scientific studies.

v  Conduct and Behavior

Ø  In order to provide you with quality instruction and have the opportunity to engage in challenging and fun activities, all students must abide by basic rules for the classroom.

Ø  Please refer to the Student Handbook for all school-wide rules and regulations. All of the School Handbook rules apply in my classroom. It is the student’s responsibility to know and understand these rules before coming to school. If a student has any questions regarding a rule, please ask me or a school administrator to clear things up.

Ø  Classroom Rules – I have four basic rules for my class:

§  Be on time – we only have 50 minutes to cover material and conduct activities for our class. You are allowed 3 tardy episodes (regardless of reason) before receiving Break Detention.

§  Be prepared – You are required to bring your text book, your journal, and a pencil or pen to every class. The class journal is 10% of your grade, and we will have random checks throughout the grading period. There will also be random book checks.

§  Show respect to others – This includes me! If I am presenting a lesson or giving instructions, it is rude to talk over me to your friends. What I have to say is important, and you need to hear it. Show respect to others by listening when they are offering answers, and not blurt out mean comments.

§  Follow the Code of Conduct - There are lots of rules to know and understand at our school. But every rule is there for a reason. You are responsible for knowing and following the rules. Our classroom management plan and disciplinary policy follows the Code of Conduct.

v  Grade Allocations

Ø  Daily/Homework Grades 35%

Ø  Test Grades 55%

Ø  Final Project 10%

100%

v  8th Grade Course Outline

Ø  Introduction to Matter

Ø  Properties of Matter

Ø  Energy

Ø  Temperature and Heat

Ø  Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Ø  Chemical Bonds and Compounds

Ø  Chemical Reactions

Ø  Solutions

Ø  Carbon in Life and Materials

Ø  Motion

Ø  Forces

Ø  Gravity, Friction, and Pressure

Ø  Work and Energy

Ø  Machines

Ø  Waves

Ø  Sound

Ø  Electromagnetic Waves

Ø  Light and Optics

Ø  Electricity

Ø  Circuits and Electronics

Ø  Magnetism

Ø  Basics of Forensic Science

v  Make-up Work Policy

Ø  It is New Brockton High School policy that all make-up work must be completed and turned in within 3 days of the excused absence. If a student is having difficulty completing their assignments before the dead line, then they should just talk to me about.

Ø  It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to ask for missed assignments and schedule make-up tests. I have over 130 students each day, and I need help remembering if an assignment or test was missed.

Ø  Remember that I cannot issue make-up work until the absence is excused. So please remember to bring in excuses as soon as possible so that the student doesn’t fall behind in their grades.

v  Contact Information

Ø  My school email:

Ø  School Website – http://brockton.ccs.schoolinsites.com