GRADE EIGHT SCIENCE OUTLINE

(2015-2016)

(Mrs. Lloyd, Mrs.Albers, Mme. St-Jean, Ms. Kennedy, Miss McDonald)

By placing the students at the center of learning with the teacher as the facilitator of knowledge, the Science 8 course units will be effectively taught by engaging the students in ‘hands –on’ learning, class discussions and investigations. Special attention is given to the development of information (Knowledge), accessing, researching, planning, recording, evaluating and problem solving skills (Skills), and the enhancement of interest, inquiry and safety in Science (Attitudes).

To facilitate the knowledge, skills and attitudes from above, a number of investigations will be performed. These will help the students to develop the ability to ask questions, investigate and experiment; to gather, analyze and assess information and to test scientific laws. Learning is optimal when it is developed through concrete experiences (real life situations). These concrete experiences can occur in and/or outside the classroom and are a part of the student’s lives. Thus, emphasis will be placed on many investigations and discussions that can link science with real life situations.

UNITS TO BE COVERED:

UNIT
TOPIC NAME / ESTIMATED SCHEDULE / PAGE #’S / LEARNING OUTCOMES
A: Mix and Flow of Matter / Nov-Jan / Pg 2 – 79 / • describe fluids used in technological devices and everyday materials
• describe the composition of fluids, and interpret the behavior of materials in solution
• investigate and compare the properties of gases and liquids
• identify technologies based on properties of fluids
B: Cells and Systems / Sept-Nov / Pg 80 – 171 / • investigate living things and their general structure, functionand organization
• investigate and describe the role of cells within living things
• interpret the healthy function of human body systems, andillustrate ways the body reacts to stimuli
• describe areas of scientific investigation leading to newknowledge about body systems and to new medicalapplications
C: Light and Light Optics / Feb-March / Pg 172 – 251 / • investigate the nature of light and vision
• investigate the transmission of light, and describe its behaviour
• investigate and explain the science of image formation and vision
D: Mechanical Systems / April-May / Pg 252 – 327 / • describe and compare mechanical devices that have been improved over time
• analyze machines by describing the overall system, the subsystems and the componentparts
• describe the transmission of force and energy between parts of a mechanical system
• analyze the social and environmental contexts of science and technology, as they apply to the development of mechanical devices
E: Fresh and Salt Water Systems / May-June / Pg 328 – 413 / • describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments, and identify the significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and otherliving things
• investigate and interpret linkages among landforms, water and climate
• analyze factors affecting productivity and species distribution in marine and freshwater environments
• analyze human impacts on aquatic systems

TEXTBOOK: Addison Wesley - “Science in Action” Textbooks will be kept in the

classroom. Students can sign out a textbook for home use through the library.

EVALUATION:

Each unit will have a variety of assessments styles (unit exam, project, performance based assessment, labs, assignments, quizzes, etc.)

ALL ASSIGNMENTS/NOTES WILL BE POSTED ON MY CLASSSROOM WEBPAGELook on EOJHS webpage under MY TEACHER.

SCHEDULED EXAMS WILL BE POSTED ON MY CLASSROOM WEBPAGE

SUPPLIES

  • 2-3 duotangs, blue or black ink pens (for notes only), red pen (underlining), highlighters, pencils, erasers, pencil crayons, ruler, calculator and loose-leaf paper.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR A SCIENCE 8 STUDENT:

We believe that the classroom is a learning environment. Everyone has the right to an education without being interference.

  • Students are responsible for their own learning. Behave in an appropriate and respectful manner so all can benefit.
  • Listen to peers and instructor/speaker and respect those around them.
  • Lab conduct requires maturity and respect to others and the equipment. Safety is very important, so electronics (ear buds) are not allowed!
  • Come to class on time and be prepared to work. Bring all materials required to be a successful learner – textbook, binder, pens, pencils, calculator and any other materials when requested. Organize their work as the year goes by.
  • Homework should include: reading of the textbook/notes, vocabulary assignments, studying for exams and completing material that was not completed in class. To maximize student learning, homework should be done on a regular basis.
  • Deadlines for assessments are critical. Record dates and deadlines for all assessmentsand meet them! Students will be given sufficient notice of assessments via: classroom, Remind 101, and also found on the school classroom webpage under your teacher’s name.
  • Keeping track of your marks is imperative. Assignment upgrades will be allowed if a need arises provided that: 1) the student shows that the formative assessments were completed to their best ability. 2) The request made has been in a timely fashion. A plan will be made between the student and teacher. The plan will include a timely due date and be sent to the parents.
  • Students are responsible for making their teacher aware of planned absences. If you have an anticipated absence, it is your responsibility to gather homework and arrange another date for any assessments that you may have missed.
  • In case of absence, students must contact their teacher on the day they return to school (regardless as to whether or not they have science on the day) to submit overdue assignments, re-schedule missed assessments and to receive missed work which will also be noted on the homework board. Viewing the webpage is another way to obtain missed information.
  • Late assignments – unexcused late assignments will be recorded as a NHI (Not Handed In) until the assignment is handed-in. A plan will be made with the student (and parents) as to a completion date (timely manner). Interventions such as homework, lunch time, or after school will be used to aid in assignment completion.
  • ALWAYS put forth their best effort. ASK FOR HELP! ASK QUESTIONS!

École Okotoks Junior High School

1 Pacific Avenue

Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A9

Telephone: (403) 938-4426

Fax: (403) 938-4410

okotoksjr.fsd38.ab.ca

Dear Grade 8 Student and Parents;

Once you have read the previous two pages please sign and return this page to Mrs. Lloyd.

______

I have read the responsibilities for grade eight sciences and am aware of the year’s expectations, Remind 101 and Mrs. Lloyd webpage.

Student Name: ______8_____

______

Date Student signature 

______

Date Parent signature

______

Parent contact e-mail (___ same as in student achieve)

SIGN UP FOR REMIND 101: I will send out reminders about homework and upcoming exams via REMIND (texting program). If you wish to sign up please follow the steps below. If your son/daughter is under the age of 13 I need your permission to use this program with them. Please complete the next section to give permission for your son/daughter to use program. I ______give Mrs. Lloyd permission to use Remind 101 with my son/daughter for the 2015-2016 school year.

REMIND SIGN UP PROCEDURES:

  1. DOWNLOAD THE Remind app (free) and enter the class code

8A: @grade8as8F: @grade8fsc

Or

2. Text (8A and 8F): 587-802-0943

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK MY TEACHER PAGE ON THE EOJHS WEBSITE FOR ALL ASSIGNMENTS AND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CLASS.

Thanks

K Lloyd