Grade 8 Science Curriculum Outline (2015-2016)

Mlle/Ms. Cameron

Curriculum Outcomes

Curriculum outcomes are statements that indicate what students are expected to know and be able to do in particular subject areas. The following are the general curriculum outcomes for grade 8 Science:

Develop an understanding of the nature of science and technology, of the relationships between science and technology, and of the social and environmental contexts of science and technology.

Develop the skills required for scientific and technological inquiry, for solving problems, for communicating scientific ideas and results, for working collaboratively, and for making informed decisions.

Construct knowledge and understandings of concepts in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, and apply these understandings to interpret, integrate, and extend their knowledge.

Be encouraged to develop attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of scientific and technological knowledge to the mutual benefit of self, society, and the environment

For a complete list of course outcomes, please visit The Department of Education Website.

Course Focus

In this science program, these curriculum outcomes will be achieved through learning experiences, strategies and skills, which are identified and taught within the context of the following areas of study:

Life Science - Cells, Tissues, Organs and Systems

Physical Science- Fluids

Physical Science- Optics

Earth and Space Science –Water Systems

Textbook

The grade eight Science Curriculum has a corresponding textbook. Students may sign out a textbook at any time, but it is their responsibility to return it. Please review the school’s policy on textbooks for more information.

Explanation of Percentage Grades:

The student’s achievement is evaluated in terms of expected learning outcomes established by the Department of Education for each grade level and for each subject, or individualized outcomes developed by the student’s Program Planning Team. Term and Year end grades will reflect the overall performance on assessments and evaluations throughout the course of study. These grades will depend upon the degrees to which the student meets the Learning Outcomes.

Achievement of Expected Learning Outcomes Grade 8

90 – 100% The student demonstrates excellent or outstanding performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course.

80 – 89% The student demonstrates very good performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course.

70 – 79% The student demonstrates good performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course.

60 – 69% The student demonstrates satisfactory performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course.

50 – 59 % The student demonstrates minimally acceptable performance in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course.

Below 50% The student has not met minimum requirements in relation to the expected learning outcomes for this course.

Assessment and Evaluation:

Assessment is an on-going process that is both informal and formal in nature. Students will be provided with multiple opportunities to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Some assessment activities may include: class work, teacher observation, interviews/conferences, self/peer evaluations, labs/investigations, models, individual and group project work, tests/quizzes, written assignments and performance tasks.Student assessments will be evaluated using a 1-4 rubric set forth by the Department of Education, in addition to comments and feedback. Students are encouraged to make corrections to their assessments and are required to keep all assessed material in their assessment folders.

Caledonia Junior High Achievement Rubric

Achievement Level / Descriptor
4 / In-depth knowledge and understanding off content and concepts. Able to extend the application of related skills.
3+
3 / Competent knowledge and understanding off content and concepts. Appropriate application of the related skills.
2+
2 / Developing knowledge and understanding off content and concepts. Developing the ability to apply the related skills.
1+
1 / Limited knowledge and understanding off content and concepts. Limited application of related skills.

Homework

Regular review, pre-reading and homework is an essential component of the science program, as it extends the opportunity for students to think scientifically and to reflect on ideas explored during class time. Students are encouraged to set aside regular time to review and build their science concepts and knowledge. Homework assignments can be found on my homework website, accessible from the Caledonia home page. Students are asked to speak to me directly if they experience any difficulty. Homework completion will be checked periodically, if students are not completing homework regularly parents/guardians will be informed.

If Absent

Students are expected to complete all lessons and assignments missed due to absenteeism, trips, etc. If a student misses a day of school, he/she is expected to see me at an appropriate time to obtain the missed work. For day-to-day work, students will be expected to complete the work upon their return. Should the missed day be the due date for an assignment, project, or presentation the student should be prepared to hand in the work and/or present the day they return to school, unless other arrangements have been made.

Extra Help

Extra Help will be offered Mondayand Tuesday at12:05. Students needing additional extra help time are asked to see me to set up an appointment. Additional extra help times are available afterschool. Students are also encouraged to email me with any questions they may have.

PowerSchool

Marks, comments and missing assessments are posted on PowerSchool on a regular basis, parents and students are encouraged to check at least once per week. The PowerSchool website is accessible from the Caledonia homepage; there is also an App that can be downloaded on your phone. PowerSchool also provides information regarding attendance and late arrivals.

Communication

I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. You can send me a note, email me, contact me directly thorough my website or call me. Phones go directly to voicemail during school hours.

Sincerely,

Mlle Cameron

Phone - 435-8413 ex: 3201204

Email -

Website -

Twitter - @MlleCameron204