Mrs. DeShazer
8th Grade Science Syllabus
Lathrop Intermediate School
Course Description: The 8th grade science program is a process oriented, performance based, approach to
physical science which encourages the ability to think critically, to solve problems and to demonstrate an
understanding of physical science concepts. The middle school physical science course is designed to give all
students an overview of common strands in Physical Science including but not limited to the function of
Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy. STD’s and the effects of drugs will also be covered in the Physical
Science program.
Content will follow the California State Science Standards.
The textbook is Physical Science, California Edition, Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 2007.
The workbook is Interactive Reader and Study Guide, Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 2007.
Students participate in hands-on science inquiry labs. Supplementary materials including science videos,
newspaper and magazine articles, and internet resources will be used in all units of study.
Materials Needed for Class
Agenda
Lab Notebook
Notebook paper
Three-ring binder with dividers
Pencils, erasers, sharpener
Colored pencils
3 x 5 index cards
Graph paper
Tests will be announced one week in advance. Quizzes will be given as needed in the chapter to assess student
understanding. Vocabulary quizzes will be given on a weekly basis. Lab work and class notes are to be kept in
the Lab book. Lab books will constitute part of the 45% class work component of student grade.
Classroom Expectations
It is the responsibility of everyone in the classroom to help create and maintain a positive learning
environment. Students are expected to be respectful to classmates, teachers, and staff personnel, be present and
on time for class, and have the needed materials.
Science classes strictly adhere to the rules and regulations of Lathrop Intermediate School published in the
school agenda, pages 5 and 6. This agenda is distributed to all students.
Compensatory Assignments
Students are expected to be in class every day that school is in session. When a student is not in class,
he/she will have equal number days to make up the work as the number of days missed. Expectation is that
students will turn in work on time. Late work will not be accepted five school days past the end of the
appropriate unit.
Grading Policy
Students earn grades based on the following percent scale:
A = 100-90%
B = 89- 80%
C = 79- 70%
D = 69- 60%
F = 59 and lower
Assessments (Formative and Summative) 55%
Student Work (Class work, homework and labs) 45%
8th Grade Curriculum
Unit 1
Unit 2
Structure Chemical
and
Reactions
Properties
of Matter
Unit 3
Energy
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Unit 7
Forces and
Space
Waves and
HIV
Interactions Systems Electromagnetic Preventions
Radiation
Ed.
Contact information
I am available to meet with students and/or parents before and after school and during fifth period. Email
contact: Nicole.deshazer@sausd.us if you would like to set up an appointment to discuss any questions or
concerns. You can also check your child’s grades through the Aries Grading program on the district’s web site:
http://www.sausd.k12.ca.us/sausd/site/default.asp