Syllabus: Earth/Space Science Team 8B

Instructor / Kahealani S. David / E-mail /
Phone / (808) 305-1289 / Room / D-1

Description:

In 8th grade, the curriculum is designed to continue with scientific investigation and scientific inquiry. The content will cover astronomy, waves, geology, weather & climate, oceanography and some ecology and biological change.

Expectations/Requirements:

  • Regular class attendance
  • Participation in all class activities
  • Come to class PREPARED to learn
  • Abide by Classroom Rules, Team Rules, School Rules, HABS and TRIBES agreements at all times
  • A POSITIVE attitude

School Supplies (needed daily):

  • MMS planner
  • Pen/Pencil
  • Paper
  • Manila folder (will remain in the classroom)
  • Composition notebook (will remain in the classroom)

Routines/Strategies:

  • Written Assignments
  • Thinking Maps
  • Research Papers & Projects
  • Laboratory Investigations
  • Assessment Tasks/Quizzes/Tests

Course Content Plan:

TOPICS / HCPS III Benchmarks addressed:
Quarter 1:
  • Lab Safety & Skills
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Astronomy
/ 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2
8.7.1, 8.8.9, 8.8.3
Quarter 2:
  • Astronomy
  • Waves
/ 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2
8.8.11, 8.8.8, 8.8.10, 8.8.12, 8.6.3, 8.6.1
Quarter 3:
  • Geology
/ 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2
8.6.2, 8.8.5, 8.8.1, 8.8.2
Quarter 4:
  • Weather & Climate
  • Oceanography
  • Ecology & Biological Change
/ 8.1.1, 8.1.2, 8.2.1, 8.2.2
8.8.4, 8.8.6, 8.8.7, 8.5.1

Grading:

Scores on assignments will be given using the Standards four-level achievement ratings. See Rubrics on <>]:

  • 4 = Exceeds Proficiency
  • 3 = Proficient
  • 2 = Approaching Proficiency
  • 1 = Novice
  • 0 = No Evidence

Final grades for the mid-quarters, quarters, semesters, and year will be based on total points scored on:

  • scores on Research Papers & Projects, Laboratory Investigations, Assessment Tasks/Quizzes/Tests (reflecting a greater percent of overall grade)
  • scores on all other assignments (reflecting a smaller percent of overall grade)
  • all assigned a letter grade using a 88%=A / 75%=B / 50%=C / 30%=D scale).

Revisions and Re-Takes:

  • REVISIONS are acceptable for non-worksheet assignments if a) the work was completed on time and b) the score was a 0, 1 or 2 (less than proficient)
  • RE-TAKES on quizzes/tests are available if the score was less than a 3 (less than proficient)
  • REVISIONS and RE-TAKES will score no higher than a proficient score
  • Revisions must be completed OUTSIDE of class time—before or after school

Late Work:

Late work is HIGHLY DISCOURAGED. For late work to be accepted, students are to complete a late work form which includes the following:

  • Assignment
  • Reasons why assignment was late
  • Student's plan for improvement
  • Student signature
  • Parent signature
  • This letter should then be attached to the late assignment and submitted. Forms are AVAILABLE from the instructor and/or the school website.

Study Help/Tutoring:

I will be available to students during the following times:

  • BEFORE SCHOOL: Tuesday and Thursday 7:45 AM-8:25 AM
  • AFTER SCHOOL: Tuesday and Thursday 2:45 PM-3:30 PM
  • LUNCH: Tuesday and Thursday
  • Please see me if you need to schedule a time outside of that specified above

Communication:

  • PLANNER: Primary form of communication. All assignments, announcements, frequent grade checks and school-to-home communication are recorded here. Planners are checked daily.
  • EMAIL:
  • PHONE: 305-1289
  • JUPITERGRADES: Grades will be updated every 2 weeks.
  • MOANALUA MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEPAGE: check announcements, homework assignments, class notes/documents and other school related information here.