In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and
parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term.
2015-2016 Course Syllabus for 8th Science Term 3
Teacher: Elizabeth McLeod
E-mail: Elizabeth.mcleod@biloxischools.net
Teacher’s Web Site: http://biloxischools.schoolwires.net/Domain/1052
Phone: 435-1421
Objectives: This is a general overview of what the teacher will teach and what the student is expected to master.
Ecology and Biomes
3a Analyze how adaptations to a particular environment (e.g., desert, aquatic, high altitude) can increase an organism’s survival and
reproduction and relate organisms and their ecological niches to evolutionary change and extinction. (DOK 3)
3e Explain energy flow in a specified ecosystem (DOK 2)
3e1 Populations, communities, and habitats
3e2 Niches, ecosystems
3e3 Producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem
*Continue to discuss and review the following: conservation of resources, human impact on the environment, chemical formulas for
common substances, balanced chemical equations of photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Cells, Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Parasites
3b Compare and contrast the major components and functions of different types of cells. (DOK 2)
3b1 Differences in plant and animal cells
3b2 Structures (nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondrion, and nuclear membrane)
3b3 Different types of cells and tissues (e.g., epithelial, nerve, bone, blood, muscle)
3h Describe how an organism gets energy from oxidizing its food and releasing some of its energy as heat. (DOK 1)
3c Describe how viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites may infect the human body and interfere with normal body functions. (DOK 1)
3g Research and draw conclusions about the use of single-celled organisms in industry, in the production of food, and impacts on life.
(DOK 3)
*Continue to discuss and review the following: chemical formulas for common substances, balanced chemical equations of
photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Genetics
3d Describe heredity as the passage of instructions from one generation to another and recognize that hereditary information is
contained in genes, located in the chromosomes of each cell. (DOK 2)
3d1 How traits are passed from parents to offspring through pairs of genes
3d2 Phenotypes and genotypes
3d3 Hierarchy of DNA, genes, and chromosomes and their relationship to phenotype
3d4 Punnett square calculations
3f Develop a logical argument for or against research conducted in selective breeding and genetic engineering, including (but not
limited to) research conducted in Mississippi. (DOK 3)
The 8th Grade Science Department incorporates College and Career Readiness Reading and Writing Standards into each unit of study.
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RST/6-8/
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/8/#CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.8.1
Tests and Grades
Grading: A=90-100 B=80-89 C=70-79 D=65-69 F=below 65 I=incomplete
Grading follows the policies of Biloxi Public Schools. A mid-term progress report and a report card following the end of each term
are issued.
Tests: Tests are announced in class, written on the board, on class syllabus, sent by email, and posted on the teacher's website. It is
essential that students maintain unit notes, worksheets, and materials to assist in final exam preparation. The CTA will be
comprehensive. Students absent on test day are expected to take the test on the day they return to school. An alternate test may be
given if the class has already reviewed the results of the original test. Tests and quizzes must be completed within the class period.
(Tests-55%; Activities--35%; Term Test--10%)
Biology requirements -----To qualify for biology in 9th grade, the student must earn an 85 or higher in 8 th grade science for the year
and score advanced on the Mississippi Science Test for 8th grade.
Materials needed daily: binder section for science, pencils, highlighter, and class worksheets/assignments
Important Dates:
Progress Reports: February 15
CTA Window: March 7-11
http://www.biloxischools.net
Report Cards: March 24
In order to focus on student success, provide quality instruction, and communicate openly and honestly with students and
parents, secondary teachers will publish a course syllabus each term.
Retesting: Anyone may retest if they meet the following criteria:
1. Must have turned in an after school form by the end of 1 st period the the counselor’s office. The student must notify the teacher
they will be staying after school.
***Student athletes must also have an after school form turned in if they plan to attend reteach/retest.
2. Complete all missed unit assignments prior to the reteach date.
3. Students must attend the reteaching session on the date assigned by the teacher. Students must complete reteach during the session.
Students must bring notes to the reteach session.
4. Did not cheat on the original test.
5. Refusal to take the original test will automatically disqualify the student for retesting.
6. Students must take the retest on the scheduled date. The retest will be a different style test covering the same material. The higher
test grade will be recorded.
Homework/Assignments/Projects: Assignments and quizzes are listed on the board, class website, and weekly newsletter.
Homework is due at the beginning of class. Students are expected to turn in all assignments on time. Students will receive a reduction
in points for late work. If the student is absent on the day an assignment is due, the student must turn the work in on the day the
student returns to school. Alternative assignments may be required if the assignment answers have been discussed in class. It is the
student’s responsibility to find out what they missed and to make up all their work. There may be a minimum of one major project per
term.
*Cheating: If a student is caught giving or receiving answers on any science material or test, the student will be given a zero.
*Labs: For safety reasons, we have high expectations of our students on lab days. We expect students to have appropriate behavior.
Students with inappropriate behavior on lab day will result in the student being removed from the lab activity, receiving detention,
sent to the office, and /or a failing grade.
* Reading and Writing Assignment---Students will select an Accelerated Reader book (1-pt. or higher) each term from the library.
Students will read their book selection, take the computer based quiz, and write a 3-paragraph book report.
Course Requirements: Students are required to maintain a notebook with all science handouts, notes, and returned graded
papers. Students should be responsible, neat and organized. Students need to have all their supplies each day in order to complete
their work as assigned. When in the class, students are required to be on task and contributing relevant information to the lesson.
Students will be given a book assignment each nine weeks.
School-Wide Classroom Discipline Plan--Be prompt!
 Be in the classroom when the bell rings.
 Come to school.
Be prepared!
 Have all needed supplies.
 Turn in work on time.
 Come prepared to learn.
Be productive!
 Participate in class.
 Remain on task.
 Do not eat, drink, or chew gum in class.
 Do not pass or write notes.
 Do not groom during class.
 Follow instructions the first time they are given.
Be polite!
 Respect yourself, others, and property.
 Bring a positive attitude.
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Consequences---Warning
Student Conference
Parent Contact (email, phone call, or written notification)
Behavior Reflection (parental signature required) OR After School Detention
Office Referral
http://www.biloxischools.net