I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: CAUSE AND EFFECT

From the 2016 Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework (bold added):

Grade 8 students use more robust abstract thinking skills to explain causes of complex phenomena and systems. Many causes are not immediately or physically visible to students. An understanding of cause and effect of key natural phenomena and designed processes allows students to explain patterns and make predictions about future events. In grade 8 these include, for example, causes of seasons and tides; causes of plate tectonics and weather or climate; the role of genetics in reproduction, heredity, and artificial selection; and how atoms and molecules interact to explain the substances that make up the world and how materials change. Being able to analyze phenomena for evidence of causes and processes that often cannot be seen, and being able to conceptualize and describe those, is a significant outcome for grade 8 students.

Concepts are developed through hands-on investigative, project-based activities.

In addition to content, students will learn scientific literacy, and reinforce skills such as scientific problem solving, experimental design, and collecting data through accurate measuring with appropriate tools.

Students are encouraged to use scientific attitudes or habits of mind such as curiosity, honesty, open-mindedness, skepticism, and creativity.

II. CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Come to class prepared. You are expected to enter my classroom every single time with:

1) Respect for people (yourself, your classmates, me), the environment and materials

2) Good attitude, ready to give your best effort

3) Materials (science composition book and a writing utensil)

III. ASSESSMENT

A. Projects, Presentations & Quizzes (40% of your grade)

If you are not satisfied with your grade on an assessment, you need to make an appointment with me to most effectively direct your effort to master the material and redo the assessment. You can earn up to 85% on the retake or the average of the two grades.

B. Engagement, Participation & Effort; Knowledge & Skill Building (60% of your grade)

a. In-class activities and assignments

b. Attitude, participation, effort, preparedness, attentiveness/direction-following

c. Science interactive notebook: “… is a tool students use to make connections prior to new learning, to revise their thinking, and to deepen their understandings of the world around them.”¹ There will be specific rubrics for specific tasks, and the notebooks will be periodically assessed based on these rubrics.

d. Homework will be assigned one to two times per week.

IV. CONDUCTING LABS

Lab times are important times to behave as a scientist. Should you have to stop a lab activity for behaving in an unsafe manner, you will lose a letter grade for that lab, and must either make-up the lab under direct supervision, or complete an alternate assignment.

V. ATTENDANCE

If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to complete all work you missed. It is helpful to have a classroom buddy that you can call or email on the day you are out, to stay caught up. There is a box with extra copies of assignments that you can check to pick up missed papers; keep an eye on Google Classroom for assignments that came up while you are out. If something unusual is happening in your life, speak with me and we will work out a fair solution.