Grade 8 General Science Syllabus

TEACHER:Ms. Glynn

COURSE/GRADE LEVEL: Eighth Grade Science

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:Student binders,Prentice Hall Science ExplorerSeries, various readings,supplemental materials, Internet and video sources.

MAJOR TOPICS:

Our grade 8 science major topics are in line with the Quincy Public Schools Design for Learning, as well as with the State of Massachusetts Curriculum as we transition into the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core initiatives. The underlying goal is to help your child become College & Career Readyas they prepare for high school. At Atlantic, we aim to achieve this through teaching the general content but also with both independent and group work, by fostering better organization and time management skills, by providing opportunities to sharpen presentation and public speaking skills, by encouraging how to behave and dress professionally, and by promoting self awareness, respect, and responsibility. Practice in these areas, along with curriculum exposure, better prepare your student for high school years and beyond.

Curriculum Topics:

I.Earth Science Components of the Universe, its hierarchy and evolution; Earth’sstructure, history, and processes; Global climate change. Review of Weather as time allows.

II.Life Science Evolution,Classification of organisms, Life Processes, Heredity, Cell Theory,Structure & Function, Hierarchical Organization, Photosynthesis.

III.Physical ScienceLaw of Conservation; Density, Heat Transfer, Forces as related to Earth Science.

Review as time allows: Atomic Theory, Physical and Chemical Properties, Elements, Molecules, Compounds. Also,Laws of Motion, Forces (Gravity), Newton’s Laws.

Within each topic theprocess of inquiryvia the Scientific Method encompasses, but is not limited to,the following skill set: SI Measurement; Design and Develop Scientific Inquiry; Compare and Contrast Data; Make,Understand and Interpret Graphs from Collected Data (in conjunction with Math class); Evaluate and Communicate Results of Scientific Investigations; Know and Use Scientific Equipment.

Please refer to the Next Generation Science Standards and your student’s Essential Science Skills checklist (provided in class/online) for information on expectations for 8th graders. .

For more insight on ELA/Math expectations and more in depth discussion regarding your student’s college and career readiness, please seethe Common Core State Standards Initiative: .

When time allows, an attempt will be made for 8th graders to review material covered in the 6th & 7th grade such Weather, Environmental Science, Forces & Motion. Refer to the Parent Handbook for End of the Year Standards, 8th grade. (NOTE: Major Topics arenot listed in order of instruction).

Grade 8 Science Highlights:

In addition to our annual STEM fair for all grade 8 students, we will be drawing on resources and partnerships withBoston University’s GLACIER and teaching programs, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority(MWRA) and more!

*ASSESSMENT TOOLS: Eight grade assessment tools may be used but are not limited to the following :

Class Participation Projects/PBLNotebooks/BindersHomework

Objective Tests/Quizzes PortfoliosRubricsMCAS Testing

Teacher observations Lab practicalMap illustrationsVideo tapings

Oral presentation RubricsPresentationsField ExperienceResearch papers

Self-grading and evaluationsNorm reformed testsDocument AnalysisJournal Reflections

Interdisciplinary activitiesSimulations, Role playingOpen ended questionsEssays

Multimedia presentationsCo-op LearningTake home writing FCA’s for Essays

*See Individual Student Education Plans or 504 Plans for modification where applicable.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS:

Homework should be completed on time with students’ full name, class period, date, & HW assignment #.

Students should use pencil or dark ink. Homework is posted online.

Parents & students should know that extra copies of lost homework may not available. Making homework photocopies is both costly & time consuming, thus is limited. Students are expected to stay organized and current with their homework assignments. If a student struggles with organizational skills please address this with teachers early. Please also note that late projects are not accepted. Extended time as per IEP/504 plans is built into all projects prior to the due date, not after.

GRADING POLICY:

Class Work10%Participation & Behavior5%

Homework10%Science Binder/Notebook 10%Quizzes 15% Lab Reports 10%

Tests20%PBL/Projects 20%

MAKEUP PROCEDURE:

Late work should be completed within 1-2days of the assignment for reduced credit. Work submitted after 2 days will not be graded. Students out sick are still expected to complete homework assignments and be prepared for quizzes/tests. Under extreme circumstancesvery sick students out for extended periods may turn in make-up work upon prior approval within 10 school days of the assignment.

Repeated make-ups for tests & quizzes are not allowed. One general make-up for students with absences will be given per term. Accommodations may be made for chronically ill students/extended absence.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Class Materials:

  • A writing utensil is required at all times. Students who do not come to class prepared will have points deducted from their class participation grade.
  • Science Notebooks are required for the class. Each student must maintain a 3 ring binderdecorated to project specifications. Directions regarding notebook requirements will be given. As this is a mandatory class material requirement, notebook projects must be completed on time.
  • White lined, three hole punched binder paper. Students must always have paper in their binders.
  • Students should also have folders or pockets in which to keep loose work.
  • Gluesticks, highlighters, and colored pencils for science diagrams will be needed.

Field Experiences: Students may attend field trips during the year or conduct science investigations outdoors as is applicable and weather permitting.

FIRST ASSIGNMENTS:

HW001Go online! Find HW002DUE: 14 Sep 15

HW002See HW001 onlineDUE: 14 Sep15

Project 001: Science Binder/Notebook DUE NO LATER THAN: TBD