Grade 8 Science

SEMESTER SYLLABUS

Aug-Dec 2005

A. DESCRIPTION

This course will have 2 distinct segments. The fall semester will be a survey of physical science,

After winter break, a new semester syllabus will be given to the class. We will be studying earth science, in preparation for the desert adventure.

The format of the course will be mainly investigative. Students will be presented with specific content then given assignments that further develop and reinforce the topics studied.

B. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1 To introduce students to the basic characteristics of matter.

2 To develop and reinforce scientific observational and measurement skills, with an emphasis on accuracy and precision.

3 To understand the relationship between evidence gathered and solutions inferred by that evidence..

4 To introduce students to data analysis using tables to accumulate, and graphs to help analyze scientific data.

5 To investigate the causes for physical and chemical changes in matter

6 To establish relationships based on evidence and logical argument, and understand the nature of scientific explanations.

7 To introduce students to how matter is classified.

C. TEXT AND RESOURCES USED

1 Text used:

a. Holt Science and Technology, “Introduction to Matter”

b. Holt Science and Technology, “Interactions of Matter”

2 THERE ARE 2 CLASS WEB SITES:

a. http://www.cacegypt.org/Sinai/homework/GREG/neffwork.html (This site will have all assignments posted, with links to readings, and class pictures.)

b. nesa.blackboard.net (This site will have all the class documents, as well as the online tests and quizzes.)

D. REQUIRED MATERIALS

Spiral notebook (lined)

Calculator (use the same type required for math)

Pencil (NOT A PEN)

Binder

Text book

E. CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

1 It is important that everyone in the class feel free and comfortable to express their ideas. Disrespect for classmates or teacher will not be tolerated.

2 Writing on the desks, walls and equipment in class is vandalism. Vandalism will result in clean up, or community service assignments.

3 Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom. This includes plate lunches, drinks, candy, etc. whether opened or not.

4 Class lab time is expected to be spent doing lab work. Lab time and research time is not free time. Work on assignments is required, assignments not completed in class become homework.

F. GRADING PLAN Coursework will be weighted as follows:
1 Class Participation	20%
2 Projects and labs	30%
3 Tests and Quizzes	25%
4 Class preparation	10%
5 Assignments (HW and QoW)	15 %

1. Class participation involves taking part in group activities, class discussion, cleaning up materials used in class. This will be a cooperative work environment all students have the greatest success when all members of their work group contribute.

2. There will be several projects and laboratory activities offered during the semester, students will be choosing between specific content related activities.

3. Tests and quizzes will be given on a regular basis, to set the pace for the course and give students feed-back on the success of their investigations.

4. Class preparation involves coming to class with the requited materials and current due assignments.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Date	Topic	Related Assignments
Aug 17-18	Metric system Lab safety	Measurement stations Safety Contract
Aug 21-15	Measurement Accuracy, precision Observation (qualatative vs. quantative)	measurement stations data16^th Aug activity review measure w/ precision + Accuracy
Aug 28-29	Scientific Notation Data collection (ethics of scientific evidence)	Intro Tortoises How much a million Water on a Penny
Aug 30-Sept 1	Review Measurement Evidence and Inferring	Assessment (measurement) Volume Lab
Sept 4-8	Analysis of data Graphing Independent and dependant variables	How to Make a Data Table Sponge Bob variables
Sept 11-15	Evidence, scientific explanations, conclusions and reporting of results (see objective #6)	Gummy Bear lab
Sept 18-22	Density (derived units) Review Evidence and measurement	Assessment (Sci Inquiry) Dunkin for Density Density of Water
Sept 25-29	Properties of Matter Phases of Matter	TBA
Oct 2-6	Physical and Chemical change	TBA
Oct 9-13	Mixtures Compounds and elements	TBA

5. There will be a non-optional weekly Question of the Week, posted online at the class website. This is due the last day of every week, weather students have class that day or not. In addition there will be warm-ups posted on the board most days, students are required to complete (silently) this assignment, as it will be reviewed and used as a focus for the beginning of the class.

Student grades will be posted every 2 weeks in the classroom; in addition progress reports will be available on Ed-line.

F. Absence: It is impossible to duplicate on-line or outside of the classroom the experiences students gain as a part of a dynamic classroom. Students that have an excused absence will have 1 day per class missed to complete missing assignments. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire of the teacher what information and assignment they missed during their absence.