8th Grade Physical Science



8th Grade

Honors Physical Science

Course Syllabus 2017-2018

Instructor: Mr. Richard Martinez, M.S.

Textbook: Investigations Foundations of Physical Science (A physical copy students will use on campus, a digital copy provided upon request with flash drive). A link to the online text book will be accessible from the links portion of the school’s website).

Physical Science Course Description: The primary goal of this course is to develop the students’ abilities to solve problems and apply reasoning skills in the areas of Physical Science. Inquiry based learning will be stressed during activities that require students to utilize proper investigative techniques and procedures relative to science. A Science Fair Project will be assigned early in the year that will encompass careful designing, researching, and investigating. Science Fair Projects are intended to be enjoyable and a quality learning experience. The requirements for the Science Research Project will be given in class and will be due in December. Another project will also be required in which student groups will produce a science learning video.

The study of Physical Science will include Forces and Motion, Nature of Matter, Sound and Light, Chemistry, Atomic Structure and Theory, Work and Machines, Energy, Electricity and Magnetism, Behavior of Gases. Students will explore all of these areas of Physical Science using investigative and research techniques. Individual and group presentations will be made frequently to reinforce the concepts discussed in class and to familiarize the students with the skill of public speaking.

Course Projects/Requirements

1) Materials/supplies (See List)

2) Science Fair Project (Due in December – Major portion of first and second nine week grade)

3) Inquiry-Based investigations

4) Multimedia Science Learning Project (Must include individual research with bibliographies)

5) FCAT Readings & Practice

6) Obtaining make-up work

Assignments: Assignments are designed to accommodate numerous learning styles. This will be accomplished by providing the students with a variety of assignments and learning experiences. Grades will be derived from assignments generated through home learning, classwork, investigations, projects, and class participation. Home learning will be assigned to complement objectives learned in class. Students should be proactive with regard to home learning and practice time management. All projects will be assigned as home learning. Reviewing for tests, researching a concept found in a class discussion, reviewing and rewriting class notes, and reading the chapter are all examples of home learning experiences that may not be considered as a graded assignment. Students not completing assignments or turning in assignments late will receive zeros averaged into their grades. Zeros seriously affect a student’s overall grade. All assignments are important! No late assignments will be accepted. Exceptions- students marked permissibly tardy or absent from school. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the necessary make-up work in a timely manner.

Grading Policy: The grading scale is consistent throughout Miami-Dade County Public Schools

90-100 = A

80- 89 = B

70- 79 = C

60- 69 = D

0 - 59 = F

Students/parents are encouraged to use the Portal to keep up on their progress in all classes.

Materials:

Physical Science Textbook (kept at home)

3 Ring Binder 1” (minimum)

Composition Book

Pens Pencils #2

Required: USB or flash drive (for textbook and projects)

Flashcards (weekly)

Class Policies

1. Students will demonstrate respect to everyone, including themselves.

2. Students are to be prepared for class daily, having required materials and assignments.

3. Students are to follow directions as given. If in doubt ask your teacher.

4. Students are to remain quiet during instruction. If you want to share, please raise your hand.

5. Profanity will not be tolerated. Detentions will be given!!!

6. Students are to assist in keeping the classroom clean. If you mess it up, clean it up. If you take it down, put it back in its proper place.

7. Keep all body parts and negative comments to yourself. Do not touch items that are not yours, such as lab materials, until given permission by the teacher.

8. If the student is absent it is the responsibility of the student/parent to find out what they missed and come in prepared to do the next day’s work with any home learning that was assigned the day before.

9. If the student misses a quiz or test, the student will take it upon the day of your return, (no additional time will be granted unless it is granted by the instructor AHEAD of time).

10. Students must have flashcards completed and with them on test day. Not optional. Failure to have them will result in a grade of “F”, for the quiz or test.

In addition, all school wide rules will be enforced such as no hall passes during the first and last ten minutes of class, no electronic devices, and the dress code. A complete list of SMMCS rules can be found in the student agenda.

Rewards Consequences

1. Verbal Praise 1. Verbal Warning

2. Positive calls home 2. Removal of lab (alternate assignment given)

3. Homework passes *3. Detention (30 min) & Parent Contact

4. Referral to Administrator

*If student does not serve detention, 2 more detentions will be given. If student still fails to serve the detentions, a referral to administration will be made.

I am available to discuss the progress of your child and to assist you in any reasonable manner. Please feel free to contact me at RMMartinez@

After reading the syllabus for this course online ( )

Please sign and return to Mr. R. Martinez in room 265 by 8/25/17

I have read and will comply with the general procedures and requirements for this course.

Student Name and Date ( Please Print )

Period: ________________ Grade: ___________

I have read and will assist my child in following the general procedures and requirements for this course.

Parent/Guardian Signature and Date

****In the event that I would need to contact you, please provide me with your contact information.

Phone number

Email address ( Please Print )

Does the student have access to a computer with internet capability at home? _______________

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Honors Physical Science

Required for every chapter assigned: THIS IS YOUR HOME LEARNING

*At the beginning of each section of each chapter: SHOULD BE DONE PRIOR TO LECTURE/DISCUSSION OF CHAPTER

Answer the objectives

Define the vocabulary words,

*At the end of each section of each chapter:

Section Review – all questions answered

*At the end of each chapter:

Chapter Review- all questions answered except writing skills which is extra points

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