DICKERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

8th GRADE PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE SYLLABUS

2017 - 2018

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COURSE GOAL: The eighth grade science class is an inquiry based introduction to Physical Science. The end result is the ability to think critically, to solve problems, to gain competence in lab techniques, and to understand the physical forces at work around us.

v  TEXTBOOK: HOLT PHYSICAL SCIENCE

v  WEBSITE: my.hrw.com (username: dickerson8th) (password: raider)

v  COURSE CONTENT

Introduction – graphing, computer skills, metrics, etc.

Unit 1: Forms of Matter

Unit 2 Forms of Forces

Unit 3: Forms of Energy

Unit 4: Forms of Waves

v  SUPPLIES:

These supplies are to be brought to class each day:

1.  Science binder – with dividers and notebook paper

2.  Pencils and pens and highlighters

3.  Colored pencils/markers

4.  Index cards

5.  Pencil pouch

v  GRADING AND EVALUATION

The grading system is cumulative for each semester. The percentages for work are:

Homework/Classwork 10%

Labs 20%

Quizzes 20%

Tests/Projects 50%

Students will be expected to keep up with their grades. They may do so by keeping a grade sheet in the front of the graded papers section of their binder or by accessing Synergy online grading program on a regular basis.

v  NOTEBOOK

Each student is required to keep a science notebook. It should have the following sections:

1.  General Information

2.  Current Work

3.  Returned Work

4.  Tests/Quizzes

5.  Journal

This syllabus should be included in the information section. I do notebook checks once or twice within a nine week period.

v  ASSIGNMENTS

All work must be neat and turned in on time. Homework assignments are considered late if not turned in at the beginning of the period on the due date. Late work will receive a zero. No late projects will be accepted.

v  STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES/CLASS INFORMATION:

1.  Be on time for class.

2.  Be prepared for class; complete all reading assignments and bring your supplies to class.

3.  Complete all assignments on time.

4.  Be respectful and responsible to your classmates – don’t interfere with the learning of others.

5.  Follow all safety procedures and rules during labs. Unsafe behavior will result in a zero for that activity.

6.  Please remember that attendance is essential for success. Eighth grade Science is a very fast paced, active class. A lot of material will be missed each day the student is absent.

7.  If you are absent, check the blog for your assignments. You will have the number of days that you were absent to make up your work if it is an EXCUSED absence. All make-up tests cover the exact same material but will be in a different format. (Going out of town is not an excused absence. All assignments must be collected prior to leaving town and turned in the day the student returns to school. If the student missed a test while out for an unexcused absence, they will be responsible for taking the test on the scheduled make-up day.) It will be the student’s responsibility to pick up any missed handouts and to schedule make-up tests within the allotted time.

8.  Students who copy another student’s work on ANY assignment will earn a zero on that assignment. The student whose work was copied will also earn a zero on the assignment. Do not give anyone your work because it could put your grade in jeopardy.

9.  Please sign the Permission to display student photograph sheet which will be in your important papers received in class. Please sign and return to your science teacher ASAP. This document is EXTREMELY important!!

I have read the syllabus with my parents. I read the guidelines and I am returning this signed form to verify my understanding of the procedures so that optimal learning may take place.

Student name______

Parent signature ______

Date ______