Science Grade 8

Mrs. Dillon

 

Class Information

Teacher: Mrs. Angela Dillon

Room 98A

Email: adillon@cacegypt.org

Class Website: http://www.cacegypt.org/grade8science/index.html

 

Required Materials

Spiral Notebook                             Metric Ruler

3 Ring Binder                        Colored Pencils

Pencil/Eraser                         Scientific or Graphing Calculator

Filler Paper/Plastic pockets      Class Text

 

General Information

Objectives (Semester 1):

** Develop and reinforce scientific observational and measurement skills – emphasizing precision and accuracy.

** Understand the relationship between evidence gathered and solutions that can be inferred.

** Introduce students to data analysis using tables to accumulate and then graph scientific data.

** Understand relationships based on evidence and logical argument and understand scientific explanations.

** Begin to understand the basic earth processes such as the rock cycle, earth forces, earthquakes, volcanoes and others

** Introduce students to minerals and rocks as well as fossils and their importance in Earth history.

 

The Standards and Benchmarks for 8th grade Science can be accessed via the CAC website – curriculum button.

 

 

 

 

Classroom Expectations

** Be on time and prepared for class.

** Raise hand to speak – be respectful of others.

** Keep the classroom and lab stations clean – no writing on desks, walls, and equipment.

** Please keep to your assigned seat or lab station.

** No food, candy, gum, I-pods, phones, etc. in class. Effort points will be deducted if these are found in class.  Water is allowed.

** Lab time and research time is not free time. Working on assignments is required.

** Have a positive attitude – make an effort to solve problems, attempt experiments.

** Backpacks are left outside the class – be organized and bring all Science materials into the classroom before we start.

** Keep a binder with all handouts, quizzes, warm-ups, assessments, etc. up-to-date.

 

Warm-Ups

At the beginning of each class a warm-up question will be on the board. These must be given effort to receive credit. They will be reviewed each class. They will be collected on a weekly basis. These are the best place to study for tests and quizzes.

 

Homework

Homework will be assigned almost every class session. Homework must be neat, complete and with effort. Points will be deducted for incomplete, late or messy work.

 

Lab Reports

Lab reports will be a large portion of the grade. Specific focus for each lab report will be discussed in class as well as format. Stress this year will be placed on scientific writing. Points will be deducted for incomplete, late or messy lab reports.

 

 

 

Projects

Students will be assigned various projects throughout the year- group and individual. These may be presented in class.

 

Tests/Quizzes

Tests and quizzes in a variety of formats will be given throughout each unit. These must be made up if you are absent. This will provide feedback for students on their progress.

 

Effort/Class Participation/Organization

Part of your Science learning depends on giving daily effort to understand the topics. Effort must be given for students to be successful. An attempt is better than giving up. Points will be deducted if you are late/unprepared/incomplete work/etc.

 

 

Overall Evaluation

 

Tests/Quizzes  30%

Labs Reports/Activities    30%

Class Effort/Organization/Participation  20%

Homework/Classwork/Warm-ups           20%

 

If you are absent you will have one day to make up missed work. It is your responsibility to ask the teacher for missed work or access the class website for specific details.

 

You earn the grade you want. Success depends on your effort!

 

Binder organization and homework will be gone over in class.

                     

The Path to Success

The path to success lies with you. Hard work, positive attitude, asking questions and receiving help are the keys to success.

 

Looking forward to a successful science year!!!