8th Grade Physical
Science
Teacher: Mr. Corcoran
Room: Science Lab
Resource
Text: Prentice
Hall Explorer Series:
·
Chemical
Building Blocks
·
Chemical
Interactions
·
Motion,
Forces and Energy
Course Description and Content:
Welcome to eighth grade science, a
lab/activity centered program of studies.
The curriculum, aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks,
provides students with an overview of the common concepts in strands of
physical sciences necessary for their transition from middle school to high
school sciences.
The major goals for the physical science
course include, but are not limited to, the correct usage of scientific
equipment, and understanding of the basic properties and parts of matter,
energy, forces and principles of motion, the universe and space, the chemical
building blocks of matter, the interactions of these building blocks and the
processes and materials that make up and shape the earth. The basic skills that
will be incorporated into the course are: making measurements with scientific
equipment, data gathering, construction of graphs, interpretation of graphs and
data, using mathematical skills to solve scientific problems, lab reports,
cooperative learning and orally discussing results and observations.
Materials:
·
3-ring
notebook and notebook paper
·
Colored
pencils or markers
·
#2
pencils and pens everyday
Daily Routine
Requirements and Information:
3-Ring Notebook
An
organized notebook is a valuable reference source. It will represent your accomplishments in
class and may be evaluated on completeness and organization during the grading
periods. If you work at organizing your
notebook daily as your science class
progresses, you will find it to be a relatively easy task. Maintaining a good notebook is an important
tool for success in science.
Your 3-Ring
Notebook will include:
·
Science
notes
·
Reading
assignments and Science hand-outs
·
Graded
assignments
Outcome
Expectations
At the end of this course, students
should be able to:
1. Use appropriate
scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write and
present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately
2. Understand the
different phases of matter
3. Describe the
structure of the atom and the processes it undergoes during various
interactions
4. Know and explain
the use of the metric system in all scientific investigations.
5. Explain how the differences
between physical and chemical changes
6. Understand the
changes that occur in both chemical and nuclear reactions.
7. Demonstrate an
understanding of the relationships between matter and energy
8. Differentiate
between heat and temperature.
9. Convert between
the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin temperature scales
10. Understand the
relationships between Motion, Forces, and Energy
11. Display a
working knowledge of connections involved in work the use of machines
12. Develop an
curriculum based science project. The
three parts of the project will be a report, a display, and an oral
defense/presentation.
Classroom
Expectations:
1.
Make
sure all equipment, materials and supplies are safely put away so that we will
have them for future use.
2.
Keep
your area clean (use disinfectant wipes) and safe.
3.
After
you are dismissed, push your chair under the table. If it is the last class of the day (or the
last class instructed by the teacher in that room) put the chair on top of the
table so that the floor may be swept.
Course Expectations:
1.
Physical Science
Notebook:
Note taking is an integral part of any science course. Therefore, any science related material put
on the board should be copied into your notebook.
2.
Completed
3.
Completed
Science Activities, Homework Assignments and Labs: These
assignments are due the next day (unless there are extenuating circumstances) or they will be considered late. If late, points will then be deducted. Regardless, all assignments must be passed
in.
4.
Provisions for
Improving Grades:
a.
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover
from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work
required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a
legitimate effort to meet all the requirements of the course including
attendance.
b.
The teacher will determine when and how students
with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
5.
Grading
and evaluations. The
final grade in this course will be the numerical average of the three
terms. Each term grade will include the
following components:
a.
Quizzes, lab reports, class
assignments, graded homework: (30%)
b.
Tests (50%)
c.
Readings/research assignments,
notebook checks, non-graded homework, class participation (20%)
d.
Science Week projects will count as
a double test grade during the third term
6.
It
is your responsibility to be prepared.
a.
Homework: The students are
responsible for daily assignments that may include reading assignments, as well
as written work and section wrap-ups (handouts and worksheets)
b.
Class Participation: Bringing materials to class counts as part of
the non-graded homework component, whereas collected class assignments count as
a grade.
o
Class
discussion and cooperative learning groups are a vital portion of the
grade. The latter requires the student
to take responsibility, to be accountable for his/her learning and to acquire
the social skills involved in group processing.
c. Science Week Project: Individual and/or group project based on
curriculum and state standards. During
the third term, you will be required to complete a Science Project, based on a
topic studied (or to be studied) in class this year. A written report, a physical display and an
oral defense of the project will be prepared for a grade and for a public
presentation.
- Assignment
Notebooks and “Field Trip Day” Assignments:
Notebooks are a great way to keep track of your
homework. Missing science class for
field trips or for other non-related science activities does not excuse you from the work covered during that period. You are responsible
for all material explained.
- Classroom Procedures: All students are
expected to:
1.
Come to class on time.
2.
Be prepared with paper, pen/pencil, assignments, and agenda.
3.
Be respectful of others and their property
4.
Follow all directions.
5.
Stay on task.
6.
Raise hand before speaking.
7.
Have all your due assignements on your desk.
8.
All non-science materials will be kept in a designated part
of the classroom.
9.Laboratory Safety is
Everyone’s Responsibility
Please read and sign attached safety contract. You are expected to:
a.
Know the location of
the safety equipment
b.
Follow laboratory
instructions at all times. You are not
to mix together any chemicals unless instructed to do so by the teacher.
c.
Immediately notify the
teacher about any broken glassware or accidents. Do not try to deal with them on your own.
d.
Never taste any
chemical in the lab, even if you believe it is a harmless substance.
e.
Loose hair and clothing
should be tied back or otherwise restrained.
f.
Goggles and/or aprons
will be worn when instructed.
g.
There is no wandering
in the lab.
Make-up
Policy: Any student who is absent for a test or quiz must see the teacher the day of his/her return back to school so
as to arrange a date and time for the make-up exam. All make-up exams usually take place after
school. Make-up work during lunch will
not be permitted unless special arrangments have been made. As a matter of
courtesy, if you anticipate the absence, please inform the teacher before the
absence.
It’s the students
responsibility to request make-up work.
The student will be given the same amount of time to make-up the work as
the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon. Make-up work submitted late will not receive
full credit.
Scheduled Help Sessions:
I am usually available
for extra help on Tuesday afternoons (or by special appointment) immediately
after students are dismissed from school.
Please notify me a day in advance of yoru plans to visit with me.
Physical Science
Topics
Aong the topics that
will be studied this year are:
·
ATOMIC STRUCTURE
·
ATOMS, IONS AND MOLECULES
·
CHEMICAL INTERACTIONS
·
HEAT AND TEMPERATURE
·
MATTER AND ENERGY
·
MEASUREMENT
·
MIXTURES AND PURE SUBSTANCES
·
MOTION, FORCES AND ENERGY
·
PATTERNS AND PERCEPTIONS IN SCIENCE
·
PERIODIC TABLE OF ELEMENTS
·
PHASES OF MATTER
·
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHANGES
·
PROPERTIES OF MATTER AND ENERGY
·
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
·
WORK AND SIMPLE MACHINES
8th Grade Physical
Science
Please sign and return.
We have received and read the 2009 –
2010 syllabus for 8th grade Physical Science. We understand the requirements for a
successful school year.
___________________________________________
Student Name (print)
___________________________________________ _____________________
Student Signature Date
___________________________________________ _____________________
Parent/Guardian
Signature Date