8th Grade Physical Science - Lower Dauphin School District



8th Grade Physical ScienceMs. Jill FreedmanRoom 815jfreedman@Phone: 566-5310Course DescriptionThis is an exciting course in the physical sciences that serves as an introduction to physics and chemistry. This course also focuses on the scientific method, problem solving, and scientific thinking; and, this course is designed to incorporate and emphasize experiments/activities.Through successful completion of this course, students will:Become skilled problem solversExhibit effective collaboration and communication skillsDemonstrate understanding of the following:The Nature of ScienceLaboratory SafetyThe Scientific MethodExperimental DesignMetricsMeasurementGraphingIntroductory PhysicsMotionForcesSimple MachinesEnergyIntroductory ChemistryMatterAtomic StructureThe Periodic Table of ElementsChemical InteractionsPlease refer to the course student learning maps for Lesson Essential Questions (LEQs) and vocabulary.These are handed out to students at the beginning of each unit and are posted on my webpage.The Pennsylvania Science and Technology Standards are the foundation for this curriculum.center182880TextbookPrentice Hall Science Explorer (2009):The Nature of Science and Technology (available in class or online)Students will receive a copy to take home AND these are available onlineMotion, Forces, and EnergyChemical Building BlocksChemical Interactions Textbooks should be used mainly at home as an out-of-class resource. Textbooks do not need to be brought to class each day; however, there may be some days throughout the school year when students will be required to bring their textbooks to class. The online textbook offers additional resources such as interactive media, worksheets, and self-assessments.Accessing the Textbook Online – Register for SuccessNet:Go to Click “Register”On the first screen, type the class access code in the access code field.Your class access code: ____________________________________ Type the access code exactly as it is shown above. Any “0” is the number zero.Follow the instructions to register. Username: Please use your last name, a period, and then your first initial for your username (for example, my username would be “freedman.j”). Your username must be at least 6 letters; so, if your last name is less than five letters long, please add your whole first name after your last name (ex. “smit.john”).Password: Your password must be at least 6 characters (max 32). Please use something you will remember. Your password will be case sensitive. It may not contain or match your username. Your password must contain at least 1 alpha and at least 1 numeric/special character. Password hint – enter a clue to help you remember your passwordStudent ID – You DO NOT need to complete this fieldWrite your username and password on the lines below exactly as you typed them.At the end of the registration process, the SuccessNet login page appears.Log in by typing your username and password._____________________________________________________________UsernamePasswordMy Web PageOn my webpage you will find a weekly homework chart, upcoming events/important announcements, class documents, a link to the textbooks, and more.To access my web page and its features:Go to the district website at Under the “Schools” pull-down menu, click on “Middle School”Click on the “Faculty” linkClick on “Freedman, Jill”center137795General Class Requirements and ExpectationsStudents are expected to contribute to a cooperative classroom environment and put forth their best effort.Students should maintain an organized binder/folder/notebook.Students must be prepared for every class (notebook, composition book, pencil, attitude, etc.).Students are responsible for their own work (even when working in groups).Please refer to the Discipline Plan for class rules, consequences, and rewards.Please refer to the Science Safety Rules and Contract for lab safety information.center144146Make-Up PolicyIt is the student’s responsibility to contact teachers upon returning to school concerning schoolwork missed because of absence. This contact must be made within three days after returning to school. My policy for allotting time for make-up work is as follows: if a student misses one day of school, he/she has one day to make up missed work; if a student misses two days of school, he/she has two days to make up missed work; and so on. It is according to this policy that all tests, quizzes, graded assignments, homework checks, labs, activities, etc. must be made up. Students are responsible for all material covered in class (graded or not), which includes notes and any class work. I suggest students come see me during morning homeroom the day they return to school.center8890Late WorkAs long as a graded assignment is turned in before I hand it back graded, no matter how many days late, there will be only a 10% late penalty. For each day that a graded assignment is submitted after it has been passed back graded, the possible points will decrease by 10%. Any graded assignment can be turned in during the marking period in which it is due, no matter how many days late, for 50% of the points possible.*Homework that is not complete for a homework check is only eligible for half credit for one day past the due date; and, it is entirely the student’s responsibility to remember to show it to me.*GradingGrades are calculated using a total points system: (Total points earned ÷ total points possible) x 100 = class grade percentageGraded ItemDescriptionApproximate Point ValueTestsAlways announcedCover one or more major topics of study (refer to unit map)Usually contain at least two types of questions (multiple choice, open ended, calculations, etc.)Any test during the year may assess content from the Characteristics of Science Unit60QuizzesAlways announcedCover part of a unit (one or more LEQs)Contain several types of questions30Pop QuizzesNot announcedCover content from the past few days of class or the previous night’s homework assignment5Homework CheckPractice sheets, reading assignments, completion of work started in class, etc.Checked for completion onlyAccepted one day late for half credit (2? points)5Graded Class Work and HomeworkComposition book, practice sheets, worksheets from activities, follow-up lab questions, etc.Checked for completion and/or accuracyAccepted late with penalty5-10LabsUse the scientific method to answer a question, solve a problem, or explore a conceptRecord data, create graphs, answer questions, etc.Graded for completion and/or accuracyAccepted late with penalty10-40ProjectsRequirements provided and explained when projects are assigned (including grading rubrics)Usually completed by a combination of class work and homeworkGraded for completion, accuracy, & depth of understandingAccepted late with penalty30-60Additional Opportunity to Earn PointsStudents may fix most quizzes and tests for half points back onto their quiz/test gradeThis entails not only providing the correct answer, but also explaining why their original answer was wrong and why the correct answer is correctDepends on Quiz/Test Point Value and Student ScorecentercenterMy PhilosophyThe importance of this course:It is very important, particularly in our rapidly changing society, to have a basic understanding of science and technology as well as to be skilled at problem-solving. This course strives to enhance students’ proficiencies in the areas of scientific reasoning, basic physical and chemical science concepts, the application of knowledge to new situations, using content knowledge and reasoning skills to explain various phenomena, and problem-solving.Every child can learn:Just like students have different learning styles, students have different ways of demonstrating understanding. Because of this, I assess knowledge and understanding in many different ways. This ensures that all students who try their best can be successful in this class.Homework helps students improve comprehension and develop effective study habits:I try to involve the students in unwrapping and understanding the mysteries of science. Homework provides students with an opportunity to practice new learning independent of the teacher, to develop self-direction and responsibility for working independently, and to reinforce and enhance learning. It is in no way a form of punishment or busy work; rather, homework is an essential learning tool for this class.Student accountability (preparing your child for 9th grade):One of the most important things that students need to learn and demonstrate is responsibility. To help students achieve this goal, I hold them accountable for their work and behavior. It is their responsibility to participate and cooperate, follow classroom/laboratory procedures, complete assignments, turn in their work on time, and communicate with me. It is also their responsibility to do their best. It is not enough to complete assignments just to get them done; instead, students should strive to do all their school work well.Parental concern for and involvement in a child’s education is extremely important: I will be happy to meet with any parents/guardians at their request. Please feel free to call or email me at any time. My contact information is listed at the beginning of the syllabus.Academic rigor leads to excellence:The 8th grade physical science curriculum is sometimes abstract and requires higher-level thinking skills such as the application of known principles to new situations. This means that some students may struggle at times with the demands of this course. Should you or your child find yourselves struggling or at a high level of frustration, please let me know so that I can help.I look forward to a wonderful year! Name_______________________________Period_______Receipt of Syllabus VerificationBy signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and understandMs. Freedman’s course syllabus._________________________________Student Signature_________________________________Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________Please Print Parent/Guardian Name_________________________________DateDid your child register for the online textbook?YesNoDid your child navigate to and through my website?YesNoPlease provide an email address if you want me to use this address to communicate with you about your child.________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Email AddressCheck this box if you would like to receive periodic email updates for this class.Questions/Comments:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ***Please detach and return this page only*** ................
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