8TH GRADE SCIENCE



8TH GRADE PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2011-2012 SYLLABUS Mr. Jones

PURPOSE

The purpose of this class is to educate students on both theoretical and practical applications of the topics listed. Physical Science can be divided into two main categories; chemistry, and physics. The physics core will contain the following topics: scientific process, kinetic theory of matter, Newton’s laws of motion, simple machines, energy, and waves. The topics covered in the chemistry core are as follows: properties of matter, atomic structure, introduction to quantum mechanics, chemical bonds, and chemical equations.

PREREQUISITES

The student should have successfully completed the 7th grade science curriculum and be prepared to continue with the 8th grade science curriculum with a positive attitude.

MATERIALS

In order to complete the work required for this course students need to acquire a 3-ring binder with loose-leaf paper, pencils and pens (black or blue only), calculator, colored pencils, and graph paper. Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) materials are used. Resource material is also used by the teacher including the State adopted text; therefore it is imperative that the student take notes.

GRADES

Both formal and informal assessments will be made throughout the school year. Formal methods of assessment will include homework, classwork, tests, projects, and quizzes and labs. Quizzes may be given at any time with or without notice. Chapter tests will be given at the end of each chapter or unit. Projects are designed to be completed at home. Points assigned for projects will depend on the depth and scope of the assignment. Homework and class assignments will be worth from 10 to 50 points each. Quizzes and labs will be worth up to 50 points each. Chapter tests will be worth 100 points each, and 9-weeks exams are worth 200 points. Make-up tests, while covering the same content, may be different from the original test. The 9-weeks grade is a simple percentage of the points earned out of the total points possible. Because the Physical Science curriculum is more challenging in both content and requirements than previous science classes, it is not uncommon for students to score lower than they are accustomed to scoring. Consequently, because of the rigorous demands of the course, the focus of the teacher and administration is on the effort of the student, not necessarily the resulting grade. A student's best is his or her best.

ATTENDANCE & CONDUCT

The attendance and discipline policies as stated in the Code of Student Conduct and the Oxford Middle School Student Handbook will be followed at all times. All responsibility for work missed due to absences rests solely with the student.

ADDED HELP

Appropriate accommodations will be utilized in accordance with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act per individual plan. If you have a question concerning any aspect of this class, please feel free to contact me at Oxford Middle School between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. The telephone number is 241-3816. All conferences are scheduled through the guidance office. Please feel free to e-mail at pjones.om@oxford.k12.al.us if you have any questions.

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