cLASS eXPECTATIONS
Science: Why do I need to know this stuff?
In order to be well informed in today’s society, it is important to have a basic understanding of wide variety of subjects. You may think you’ll never use a single fact or concept from 8th grade science, the reality is, we are immersed in a world that is complex and connected. This course builds on the concepts covered previously in 7th and 6th grade science but with heavy emphasis on topics relating to the physical, chemical and geological sciences.
Addendum for PAP Science
Pre-AP Science is recommended for high-achieving students and for students who have a particular interest in science.
There are two expectations associated with Pre-AP Science. The first is students can perform at rigorous academic levels. Pre-AP students will be consistently challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the next level. Secondly, students will be responsible for their learning; therefore, they should be organized, prepared, and motivated to learn every day.
The Pre-AP Science curriculum differs from the regular 8th grade science curriculum. The Pre-AP course places a higher priority on developing critical thinking skills by examining real world problems. The Pre-AP curriculum examines topics with more depth and includes more advanced resource material in addition to the adopted text. Laboratory investigations play a more prominent role in the Pre-AP course. Labs are more sophisticated than in the regular curriculum and students are expected to design and carry out experiments using appropriate methods and resources.
STAAR Reporting Categories:
First 9 weeks: Matter and energy. Students recognize that matter is composed of atoms. Students examine information on the Periodic Table to recognize that elements are grouped into families. In addition, students understand the basic concept of conservation of mass. Lab activities will allow students to demonstrate evidence of chemical reactions. They will use chemical formulas and balanced equations to show chemical reactions and the formation of new substances.
Second 9 weeks: Force, motion, and energy. Students experiment with the relationship between forces and motion through the study of Newton's three laws. Students learn how these forces relate to geologic processes and astronomical phenomena. In addition, students recognize that these laws are evident in everyday objects and activities. Mathematics is used to calculate speed using distance and time measurements.
Third 9 weeks: Earth and space. Students identify the role of natural events in altering Earth systems. Cycles within Sun, Earth, and Moon systems are studied as students learn about seasons, tides, and lunar phases. Students learn that stars and galaxies are part of the universe and that distances in space are measured by using light waves. In addition, students use data to research scientific theories of the origin of the universe. Students will illustrate how Earth features change over time by plate tectonics. They will interpret land and erosional features on topographic maps. Students learn how interactions in solar, weather, and ocean systems create changes in weather patterns and climate.
Fourth 9 weeks: Organisms and environments. In studies of living systems, students explore the interdependence between these systems. Interactions between organisms in ecosystems, including producer/consumer, predator/prey, and parasite/host relationships, are investigated in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Students describe how biotic and abiotic factors affect the number of organisms and populations present in an ecosystem. In addition, students explore how organisms and their populations respond to short- and long-term environmental changes, including those caused by human activities.
Daily Homework Assignment: Guidelines for the Interactive Science Notebook. Your child should dedicate a minimum of 25 minutes each night to review the day’s lesson. Your child is required to complete 4 outputs per-week minimum. They should complete an output using at least 4 colors on the left side of the ISN summarizing the day’s lesson. This should be completed daily, this is their daily homework. Additional homework is assigned on an as needed basis. The guidelines are reviewed with your child in the first week of school and are outlined in their ISN notebook. Please review this with your child. Thank you for your support.
Grading Policy: Daily Work (75% of your grade) Exams (25% of your grade)
-Class work - Homework -Tests -Quizzes
-Binders -Participation
-ISN notebook
***There are no extra credit assignments given in my class, however students have every opportunity to correct failing assignments for a grade of a 70 pending they follow proper procedures.
Attendance: Students are responsible for missed assignments due to an absence. Students with excused absences are allowed the number of days they were absent to make up missed work.
I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING A GREAT YEAR!!
Consequences
Science: Why do I need to know this stuff?
In order to be well informed in today’s society, it is important to have a basic understanding of wide variety of subjects. You may think you’ll never use a single fact or concept from 8th grade science, the reality is, we are immersed in a world that is complex and connected. This course builds on the concepts covered previously in 7th and 6th grade science but with heavy emphasis on topics relating to the physical, chemical and geological sciences.
Addendum for PAP Science
Pre-AP Science is recommended for high-achieving students and for students who have a particular interest in science.
There are two expectations associated with Pre-AP Science. The first is students can perform at rigorous academic levels. Pre-AP students will be consistently challenged to expand their knowledge and skills to the next level. Secondly, students will be responsible for their learning; therefore, they should be organized, prepared, and motivated to learn every day.
The Pre-AP Science curriculum differs from the regular 8th grade science curriculum. The Pre-AP course places a higher priority on developing critical thinking skills by examining real world problems. The Pre-AP curriculum examines topics with more depth and includes more advanced resource material in addition to the adopted text. Laboratory investigations play a more prominent role in the Pre-AP course. Labs are more sophisticated than in the regular curriculum and students are expected to design and carry out experiments using appropriate methods and resources.
STAAR Reporting Categories:
First 9 weeks: Matter and energy. Students recognize that matter is composed of atoms. Students examine information on the Periodic Table to recognize that elements are grouped into families. In addition, students understand the basic concept of conservation of mass. Lab activities will allow students to demonstrate evidence of chemical reactions. They will use chemical formulas and balanced equations to show chemical reactions and the formation of new substances.
Second 9 weeks: Force, motion, and energy. Students experiment with the relationship between forces and motion through the study of Newton's three laws. Students learn how these forces relate to geologic processes and astronomical phenomena. In addition, students recognize that these laws are evident in everyday objects and activities. Mathematics is used to calculate speed using distance and time measurements.
Third 9 weeks: Earth and space. Students identify the role of natural events in altering Earth systems. Cycles within Sun, Earth, and Moon systems are studied as students learn about seasons, tides, and lunar phases. Students learn that stars and galaxies are part of the universe and that distances in space are measured by using light waves. In addition, students use data to research scientific theories of the origin of the universe. Students will illustrate how Earth features change over time by plate tectonics. They will interpret land and erosional features on topographic maps. Students learn how interactions in solar, weather, and ocean systems create changes in weather patterns and climate.
Fourth 9 weeks: Organisms and environments. In studies of living systems, students explore the interdependence between these systems. Interactions between organisms in ecosystems, including producer/consumer, predator/prey, and parasite/host relationships, are investigated in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Students describe how biotic and abiotic factors affect the number of organisms and populations present in an ecosystem. In addition, students explore how organisms and their populations respond to short- and long-term environmental changes, including those caused by human activities.
Daily Homework Assignment: Guidelines for the Interactive Science Notebook. Your child should dedicate a minimum of 25 minutes each night to review the day’s lesson. Your child is required to complete 4 outputs per-week minimum. They should complete an output using at least 4 colors on the left side of the ISN summarizing the day’s lesson. This should be completed daily, this is their daily homework. Additional homework is assigned on an as needed basis. The guidelines are reviewed with your child in the first week of school and are outlined in their ISN notebook. Please review this with your child. Thank you for your support.
Grading Policy: Daily Work (75% of your grade) Exams (25% of your grade)
-Class work - Homework -Tests -Quizzes
-Binders -Participation
-ISN notebook
***There are no extra credit assignments given in my class, however students have every opportunity to correct failing assignments for a grade of a 70 pending they follow proper procedures.
Attendance: Students are responsible for missed assignments due to an absence. Students with excused absences are allowed the number of days they were absent to make up missed work.
I LOOK FORWARD TO HAVING A GREAT YEAR!!
Consequences
- 1st Offense – Verbal Warning
- 2nd Offense – Conference with Students
- 3rd Offense – Call to the parent(s)/guardian(s), lunch detention, referral to counselor (if applicable)
- 4th Offense – Referral to office