• 8th Grade Physical Science

    Course Outline
     
    The focus of this class is primarily to help students learn science concepts and skills by thinking, talking, and writing about what they do and discover. The labs and activities are designed to challenge the students' thinking skills while introducing them to realistic methods of science. Two important goals of this course are to make science relevant to the student's world and to develop a heightened interest in science.
     
    Disciplinary Core Ideas from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for Physical Science include:
     
    PSIA   Structure and Properties of Matter
    PS1B   Chemical Reactions
    PS1C   Nuclear Processes
     
    PS2A   Forces and Motion
    PS2B   Types of Interactions
    PS2C   Stability and Instability
     
    PS3A   Definitions of Energy
    PS3B   Energy: Conservation & Transfer
    PS3C   Energy and Forces
    PS3D   Energy in Chemical Processes and Life
     
    PS4A   Wave Properties
    PS4B   Electromagnetic Radiation
    PS4C   Information Technologies 
     
     
    Grading Procedures:
    Grades are determined by dividing the number of points earned by the total number of points possible. Ninety percent of the student's grade is determined by assessment. The grading scales is as follows:
     
    90-100%      A
    80-89%        B
    70-79%        C
    60-69%        D
    0-59%          F 
     
     
    The following items will be taken into consideration in determining grades: lab work, class work, homework, tests, science interactive notebook, bell work, participation, citizenship, group work, and projects. It is the student's responsibility to request any make-up assignments. Additional time will be given to complete make-up work. Students have a planner that is to be filled out daily and helps with home-school communication.
     
    Students and parents may check grades on the parent portal. A report card will be given at the end of each quarter and all students will receive a progress report at the midpoint of each quarter. Citizenship grades will be included. 
     
     Classroom Rules:
    1. Treat others with respect
    2. Treat property with respect
    3. Work responsibly
    4. Be seated when the bell rings with materials (pencil & science interactive notebook)
    5. Follow all safety procedures 
    Safety First: Any safety violation in the science lab will result in an immediate referral. Inappropriate behavior may result in the exclusion of a student from group activities and labs.
     
    Supplies Needed:
    • A spiral notebook (for science only)
    • Colored pencils and glue sticks
    • Two or more pencils and erasers
    • Calculator and metric ruler 
    The Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI) for physical science include:
    • Broad importance and key organizing concept
    • Provide a key tool for understanding or investigating more complex ideas or solving problems
    • Relate to interest and life experiences of students or be connected to societal or personal concerns
     
Last Modified on June 26, 2019