Hyde Park Middle School
Science 8 - Mr. Pineda
Room 901
Phone: 702-799-4260
E-mail: ipineda@interact.ccsd.net
Course Scope:
Physical Science is designed to introduce eighth grade students to general concepts of physical science,
related technologies, and career choices. Students will participate in an activity-oriented course which
utilizes writing, cooperative learning, and problem solving. Foundational skills will be reinforced
throughout the course. While topics are shown here as discrete units, interdisciplinary instruction will be
utilized as appropriate.
Introduction
• practice problem-solving skills using the scientific method
• use the appropriate metric measurement for length, mass, volume, and temperature
• practice safety measures in the laboratory
• understand the interrelationships among history, science, and technology
Matter
• describe the properties of matter
• describe the states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma
• distinguish between physical and chemical changes
• use the periodic table to determine the properties of elements
• explain that a change in energy can change the molecular structure of a compound
Energy
• identify different forms of energy
• distinguish between kinetic and potential energy
• give examples of conversion of one form of kinetic energy to another
• evaluate the pros and cons of nuclear energy
Force and Motion
• explain the relationship between distance, time, and speed
•analyze Newton’s three laws of motion • relate gravity to the motion of falling bodies
Work and Machines
• describe how machines perform work
• calculate mechanical advantage and work when given the appropriate formulas
Waves/Sound/Light
• identify the parts of a wave
• relate the motion of a wave to the transfer of energy
• analyze the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave velocity
• identify various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
• describe various characteristics of sound
• describe events related to the Doppler effect
• Identify various properties of light and its interactions with lenses and mirrors
Student’s Expectations:
Available Hours for questions or concerns:
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Before school
During Lunch
After School
Required Materials:
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Science binder (3-ring binder)
Loose-leaf paper
Dividers (4 or 5 should be fine)
Pencils
Pens
Colored pencils (optional but recommended)
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Calculator (optional)
Additional Materials needed for the Classroom (not required, but appreciated):
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Tissues (a little more enjoyable than the rough ones provided by the school)
Hand Sanitizer (Science labs tend to get messy sometimes)
Disinfectant Wipes (Just in case things get a little too messy)
Printer Paper
What you can expect from me
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Everyone will be treated fairly
I believe in the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated
I will bring a sense of humor to class, it’s no fun to be serious all the time
I will always try and greet every single person as they walk into the classroom
You can always come to me for help with any classwork
What I expect from you
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Participate in class discussions and labs
Be ready for class when the bell rings (have your pencil/pen, notebook, lab materials,
etc. out and ready to go)
Respect everyone’s thoughts and ideas, you are all learning the same material and are
not experts, yet.
Lab safety will be followed, if not, you will receive a zero for the lab and be disciplined
according to your actions
Bullying
Bullying will not be tolerated in my classroom at all. If I see any bullying going on in my class,
you will be disciplined immediately. Bullying is defined, but not limited to the following
definition and explanation.
1. Under NRS 388.122, “bullying” means written, verbal or electronic expressions or physical
acts or gestures, or any combination thereof, that are directed at a person or group of persons,
or a single severe and willful act or expression that is directed at a person or group of persons,
and:
a. Have the effect of:
(1) Physically harming a person or damaging the property of a person; or
(2) Placing a person in reasonable fear of physical harm to the person or damage to the
property of the person; or
b. Interfere with the rights of a person by:
(1) Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the person; or
(2) Substantially interfering with the academic performance of a student or the ability of the
person to participate in or benefit from services, activities or privileges provided by a school;
What is this class about?
This year long class is for eighth grade students and provides physical science explanations that
extend understandings developed in previous science courses. Students will use scientific
processes, protocols and tools, including inquiry, to build understanding of structures, patterns,
and relationships explained through the physical sciences. Critical thinking, collaboration,
accuracy, and communication skills will be emphasized.
Grading Policy
A cumulative final will be administered at the completion of each semester in each course.
Grading Scale
Quarter Grades
Semester Grades
90-100% A
Assessments 75%
Quarter 1/3
45%
80-89% B
Homework/Class Work Projects 25%
Quarter 2/4
45%
Final Exam
10%
70-79% C
60-69% D
Below 59% F
Citizenship Grades
Citizenship grades will be given based on behavior, actions, work ethic, and participation in the
class.
Late Work Policy
Late homework and classwork (not projects) can be turned in at any time during the quarter. All
missing work MUST be turned in at least one week before the quarter is over.
Extra Credit
There will be times during the semester when extra credit will be offered. This extra credit will
go towards homework and classwork. Do not expect it to help your grade too much, but it may
help raise it enough to get closer to a grade you desire.
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating is never okay. If you are caught cheating on a test you will receive an F for that test
and will have to make it up by scheduling a day and time to retake it. You will receive an
“unsatisfactory” citizenship grade as well. No excuses.
If you are caught copying homework or class assignments you will receive an F on them, be
unable to make them up, and have your parents called and notified them of the reason as to
why you received an F.
Attendance Policy
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Regular attendance is expected and necessary if you expect to receive an A or B in class
YOU are responsible for all missing work. Make arrangements with your classmates or
come see me for your missing work.
If there is a reason you miss class please bring a note or have your teacher or parent
email explaining why you missed class.
Please get to class on time, being late is highly disruptive to the class.
Make-up Procedures
In accordance with CCSD policy, makeup work must be turned in within 3 days of return to
school after and absence.
Pre-arranged Absences
Please call the office. I will make an effort to get as much of the work you will be missing to the
office in order for you to be able to complete it while you are absent. Please try and give me at
least 24 hours to get everything together for you.
Extended Medical Absences
Please notify the office. They will notify all your teacher and have us arrange your missing
assignments for you.
Classroom Rules
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Be on time
Follow directions
Raise your hand to be called on
No gum, food, or drink in the classroom
Wait in your seat to be dismissed
Follow all district rules
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Stay on task
Have fun!
Consequences for not following Rules
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Warning
Parent phone call
Detention Before/After School
Parent/Teacher Conference
Counselor Referral
Dean’s Referral
Tardy Policy
A student must be entirely in the classroom when the bell rings. School wide consequences will
be administered.
Classroom Procedures
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All assignments must contain the following information on the top right corner to be
given credit for the assignment:
o First and Last Name
o Date
o Name of assignment
Use a pencil or pen (blue or black ink) for work, do not use marker, crayon, or colored
pencil
When working in groups, use your indoor voices, you are next to each other
If you have work to turn in after it has been collected, please put it in the box located
near the front of the classroom
Don’t Understand Something?
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See a classmate during lunch, passing time, or after school
Check out your online textbook. Use the index, glossary, etc. to help you out
Come in for help! I am available before and after school per request, you need help, let
me know!
Please sign below showing you have read and understood all the rules and procedures for the
class. This document is viewable at www.hydeparkms.org under my personal page.
Mr. Irais Pineda
Student:
Name__________________________________
Date _______________
Period ______
Parent:
Name____________________________________
Date _______________