8th Grade Science Syllabus

COURSE EXPECTATIONS
TEACHER: Ms. Newton, Mr. Shankle, Ms. Thompson, Mr. Rogers
WIKI: rrms8gscience.weebly.com
COURSE TITLE: Science
GRADE: 8
TUTORING HOURS: Friday 8:15pm -8:45pm.
Textbook:
Discovery Education Science Tech-book Grade 8
McDougall Littell 8th Grade Science
North Carolina End of Grade 8 Science Coach Workbook
Materials:
5 subject spiral notebook, tape, highlighter
Pen/pencils, glue stick, calculator
Colored pencils, index cards, iPad, laptop, tablet(optional)
Suggested Materials:
North Carolina End of Grade 8 Science Coach Workbook
ISBN-10: 1-59823-196-0
Units of Study
1st Quarter:
Unit 1: Intro to Science Processes, Atomic Structure and Elements, Compounds, and Mixture
Unit 2: Physical and Chemical Properties and the Periodic Table
Unit 3: Physical and Chemical Changes and the Law of Conservation of Mass
Unit 4: Types of energy and energy resources
2nd Quarter:
Unit 5: Energy and matter for cells
Unit 6: Microbes and Diseases
Unit 7: Biotechnology and Molecular Biology
3rd Quarter:
Unit 8: Population Factors and Symbiotic Relationships
Unit 9: Energy Flow in Food Webs and Biogeochemical Cycles
Unit 10: Distribution of Water on Earth
Unit 11: Marine ecosystems
Unit 12: Water Quality and Human Health
4th Quarter:
Unit 13: Rock Cycle, Relative/Absolute Dating and Fossils
Unit 14: Evolution and Genetic Variation
Units will be investigated by using a Layered Lesson Curriculum; this is a method for differentiating instruction in the
classroom. Students choose the activities to complete in order to achieve mastery of the objective. This model of instruction
encourages complex thinking and holds students highly accountable for their learning.
EVALUATION
1.

Criteria for arriving at student grades

1.

Formal Assessments Formal Assessments include tests, projects, and quizzes will constitute 45% of the
grade.

2.

Informal Assessments Informal Assessments include classwork, warm ups, and notebook checks and will
constitute 45 %of the grade.

3.

Homework Assignments Assignments will constitute 10% of the grade.

4.

Make-up Made up assignments, tests, and other educational tasks will provide the student 100% credit if
made up within a five (5) day make-up period following excused and unexcused absences. Students can
obtain make-up work and assignments by checking the homework section on the board, the teachers
website, and designated make up folders in each class. Students should also try to have a buddy in each
class to contact for missed assignments and information. The website is updated weekly with daily lesson
information.

2. Explanation of student grades

A 90% - 100% Excellent
B 80% - 89% Above Average
C 70%- 79% Average
D 60% - 69% Below Average
F Below 60% Failing
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Consequences
1.

Verbal reminder

2.

Classroom intervention

3.

Classroom intervention/parent contact

4.

Team intervention

5.

Referral

Classroom interventions include seating change, time out, student conference, silent lunch, ASD.
Team interventions include student/team conference, parent/team conference, loss of privileges.
Rewards**
1.

Verbal praise

2.

Homework pass

3.

Good phone calls and notes home

4.

Quarterly awards for good behavior and grades

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Bring all necessary materials to class each day

Bring completed assignments to class each day

Ask questions when a concept or assignment is not understood

Actively participate in all activities and discussions

Keep an updated agenda at all times

Maintain an Interactive Notebook that will include warm-ups, notes, labs

Study current topics for all quizzes and tests

Remain on task at all times

*This acknowledges that I have read, understand, and agree with the expectations of the 8 th Grade Science
Classroom Expectations.
STUDENT NAME _________________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE _________________________________

PARENT NAME ___________________________________

PARENT SIGNATURE ___________________________________

PARENT PHONE NUMBER __________________________

PARENT EMAIL_________________________________________