8th Grade Physical Science Ms. Larson Room JM 203
Course Themes: The eighth grade science curriculum has three themes that we are going to be focusing on this school year. These themes are going to be: 1. Motion, Forces and Energy 2. Matter and Chemical Reactions 3. Astronomy: Earth in the Solar System The textbook that we are going to be using this year is Focus on Physical Science, published by Prentice Hall. This book can be accessed at http://www.phschool.com or on my school notes page.
Course Intent and Requirements: This course is intended to improve and strengthen the students in a number of skills, such as · Study Skills · Note taking abilities · Organizational skills · Reading Comprehension · Lab Skills · Independent thought and reasoning This course also has a number of requirements: · Keeping an organized science folder/notebook · Participating in class discussions and activities · Performing laboratory experiments · Typewritten lab reports · Using the steps of the Scientific Method · Completing one independent project per trimester
Materials: The students are required to bring the following to class everyday: 1. A three ring binder or section for science with the following areas: o Notes o Homework o Worksheets o Labs o Quizzes/Tests **Do not throw anything away during the school year** 2. Two blue or black ink pens 4. Colored pencils or Crayons 3. Several sheets of loose-leaf paper 5. Two sharpened pencils
Instructional Practices: My practice includes standards-based instruction using a variety of teaching models and strategies. Students will participate in whole class instruction, small group instruction, cooperative group lessons, and independent assignments. I expect students to develop appropriate working and learning habits to work as individuals as well as members of a team.
Assessments/Grade: The school year is divided into trimesters and students will receive a separate report card for each. One trimester’s grade has no effect on the next. Students begin each trimester with a clean slate and a fresh start. All assignments are going to be given a point value, and the students’ grade is simply an accumulation of the points that they earned during the trimester. Grades will include homework, quizzes, tests and labs. Grades will be determined on the standard scale of: 100-90% = A 89-90% = B 79-70% = C 69-55% = D Below 55% = F
Homework and Class Assignments: Each chapter will include several labs, quizzes, homework assignments, and a chapter test. Homework will be assigned as needed and students should be reviewing their notes on a daily basis. Homework should not take more than 30 minutes a night and is to be completed at home, not in class the day it is due. Students are usually given time in class to begin their homework.
Labs will take place in class throughout the school year. All students are required to participate in all labs. Each lab report will include the following requirements: ~Pre-lab: Will be completed prior to the lab. Without a complete pre-lab the student will not participate in the lab and will receive a zero. ~Lab Write-up: o Proper Heading and Title o Purpose o Materials o Observations/Data Table o Lab Questions o Comprehensive Conclusion
Study Buddies: Write down the name and phone numbers of two people in the class to call when you are absent:
Name: _____________________ Phone: ______________________
Name: _____________________ Phone: ______________________
Late Work: Students are required to turn work in on time and the day that it is due at the beginning of class. Homework is not accepted more than one day late. All late homework will lose ½ credit (50%) of assignment value and then graded from there.
All assignment will be posted on my school notes pages with a due date and will be announced in class. There are no excuses or exceptions to this rule. Homework will be collected at the beginning of class the day that it is due.
All lab reports must be typed and turned in on the day that it is due. Since labs are going to be a larger amount of work, 4 to 5 days will be given after a lab activity to complete the report. If the student does not have access to a computer or typewrite there are computers in the school library for their use. The library remains open until 5pm. There are NO EXCUSES for not typing a lab report. Labs are only accepted 1 day late and will automatically lose 20% of the value if late, then graded from there.
If a student is absent, they are responsible to find out the missed assignment by asking a classmate, asking the teacher, checking on my school notes page, check the homework board. The students get two days to turn in the missing work for every one day that they are absent.
Extra Credit: There will be a few extra credit opportunities throughout the school year, although, extra credit will not be used as a supplement for class assignments, quizzes or tests. Extra credit will be minimal and used to help boost a student’s grades a few points.
Behavior Expectations: Students are expected to follow all class rules at all times: 1. Be in your seat before the tardy bell rings 2. NO food, drinks or gum on class 3. Keep your area and classroom clean at all times 4. Raise your hand to talk 5. Always be kind, polite and respectful. If these rules are not followed the following actions will be taken as consequence: o Warning o Detention o Call to parent/Log entry into Powerschool o Administrative Detention Rewards for following class rules and being on task: o Positive daily praise o Good participation grade o Extra credit points
Parent/Teacher/Student Communication: Effective communication with the students and parents are very important to me as a teacher. I will also be available at all times if a parent or student as any concern that they would like to discuss. If you need to contact me I can be reached through my email at klarson@esusd.k12.ca.us. There is a link to this email address on my school notes webpage, or call me at (310)615-2650 x6203 |