Science at Pacific Middle School
Welcome to 8th Grade Science at Pacific! We have an exciting year ahead of us. We hope this guide will help
you and your family know what to expect of your Science class; what to expect of your Science teacher; and
what is to be expected of you.
Teaching & Learning
Science at Pacific is not about memorizing information and collecting facts, but rather about asking questions
and forming evidence-based ideas about the world around us. It is to be expected that students will come to
understand Science concepts in their own ways, and in their own time. For this reason, students will need to
be mindful and reflective of their own learning, and to acknowledge which concepts they have mastered, and
those they have not. In order to best access what is being taught, it is essential for students to actively and
intelligently engage in class activities and discussions. Students will be expected, on a daily basis, to practice
critical thinking, and to advocate for their own learning.
In order to meet the individual strengths and needs of our students, a variety of teaching methods will be
used. Instructional delivery methods include direct instruction, collaboration, Socratic discussion, use of
models and simulations, and laboratory investigations.
Students will be provided with a variety of assessment opportunities. Assessments will be designed to show
true understanding and critical thinking, and will include writing, drawing, and discussion. In addition, students
will be expected to complete frequent self-assessments of their own growth in learning.
Classroom Expectations:
In addition to the school expectations outlined in your planner, Science students are expected to contribute to
a positive, thoughtful learning culture. This includes:
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Engage and participate. Every student receives the same experience; it is up to you to be actively
involved in your learning. This includes participating in collaborative experiences and during class
discussions. There is no opting out!
Think for yourself, and do your own work. Copying is a form of academic dishonesty; disciplinary
action will be taken.
Stay on top of your work. Falling behind in your assignments results in falling behind in understanding.
Ask for help as soon as you feel like you might need it. Advocate for your learning, and ask for what
you need to be successful.
Help others learn. Encourage your classmates to do their best, hear their ideas and share yours.
Your Science teacher will model what it means to be kind, fair, and respectful. If you cause a problem, you will
be expected and trusted to find a reasonable solution. If you are unable to find a solution, your teacher will
come up with a solution that has a minimal impact on your learning, and on the learning of those around you.
Curriculum:
This year, 8th Graders at Pacific will study topics in Life Science, Ecology and Evolution, Astronomy, and
Physics. Here's the break-down of the year's units:
Micro-Life:
By exploring how infectious diseases affect human populations, students study microbiology; cell size,
structure, function, and permeability; and systems of classification. Students learn how to use a microscope to
gather data and they continue to build on their ability to conduct experiments.
Our Genes, Our Selves:
Students use what they learned about cell structure to understand sexual and asexual reproduction, and the
traits of offspring produced by both types of reproduction. Laboratory activities and simulations allow
students to examine the inheritance of traits through generations. Students investigate heredity among
various organisms. Students learn to predict the probability of traits in offspring.
Ecology & Evolution:
Students build upon their knowledge of genetics as they learn how mutation gives rise to natural selection and
evolution in a species. Students learn the impact a changing environment has on the survival of the organisms
within it, as well as the energy relationships among the living and nonliving components in an ecosystem.
Earth In Space:
Students investigate the relative sizes, motions, and positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. Shadows, phases,
eclipses, and seasons are used as evidence of these relationships. Throughout the module, students are
challenged to be critical, reflective learners as they work to dispel their own misconceptions.
Energy, Machines, & Motion with Robotics:
Students use NXT Mindstorms robotics kits to understand fundamentals of physical science, including forces,
speed and motion, and energy transfers and transformations within and among systems. Students also learn
the basics of coding as they program their robot to complete various tasks
Skill-building:
Throughout the year, students will develop a multitude of skills which will help them access and communicate
about the science content they are learning. These skills include writing, reading for meaning, data analysis,
developing models, and designing an experiment.
Making the Grade
We know your grades are important to you. They are a reflection of hard work, and they allow you to set
goals. At Pacific, student grades reflect mastery of content standards. Because we understand that students
learn in their own ways and at their own pace, our grading policies and procedures are set to encourage
students to continue growing and learning, and to advocate for their own success.
In this class, you can expect:
 Quarterly notebook checks
 Several exit tickets per month
 At least one summative writing assessment per month
Late Work
Late work will be accepted without penalty. We will work together to establish a deadline that is both realistic
for the student, and fair for the teacher. It is to be understood that habitually turning in work late negatively
impacts your learning, as all of our assignments and assessments will make the most sense to you while it is
still relevant.
Re-assessment
Students will be allowed the opportunity to demonstrate learning after an assessment by completing test
corrections. These test corrections will not demonstrate that the student “knows the correct answer,” but
rather that they understand the content. Instructions for test corrections will be provided in class, and will
involve considerably more effort than the test itself. Thorough, accurate test corrections can result in full
credit.
Students will also be allowed to re-do assignments on which they have received a low score. Notebook
assignments to be re-graded should be distinctly marked and placed in the designated “re-do” shelf or bin,
and will be graded at the teacher’s convenience.
In order to positively impact your grade, it is recommended that reassessments and re-do’s are submitted well
in advance of end-of-quarter grading periods.
Illuminate
Your Science teacher will do their best to make sure your grade in Illuminate is an accurate, up-to-date
indicator of your progress. In return, it should be your priority to check your grade regularly, and to take
opportunities to improve your grade in a timely manner.
In addition to numerical scores, we will be using the mark “R” to indicate an assignment that needs to be redone, and “M” to indicate an assignment that is missing. These custom marks will be stand-in grades, and will
be factored as a 50% until improvements are made.
Because mastering standards is a priority, 75% of your grade will be based on assessments; and 25% of your
grade will be based on other responsibilities, such as in-class work, notebook checks, and homework.
Absences
While attendance is not a part of your grade, it is your responsibility to make up missed work. Because so
much of what we learn in Science is based on collaboration and in-class experiences, frequent and extended
absences will create a hardship, and negatively impact your learning.
Need Help?
You are encouraged to recognize when you need help, and to advocate for yourself to get the help you need.
Your science teacher will be available before and after school, by appointment.
Contact:
If you know you will be absent, if you have a question about a grade, or if you need help with an assignment,
please get in touch with your Science teacher right away. Email is the best way to communicate, as we are
often busy or out of our classroom.
Ms. Sarah Ruppert (8th grade)
Mr. David Pixton (8th grade)
Ms. Kathy Onorati (8th grade)
Mr. Mike Garasi (7th grade)
Ms. Stef Stanley (7th grade)
Ms. Kristi Greenaway Cirignano (7th grade)
Sarah.ruppert@highlineschools.org
David.pixton@highlineschools.org
Kathy.onorati@highlineschools.org
Michael.Garasi@highlineschools.org
Stephanie.Stanley@highlineschools.org
Kristi.greenaway@highlineschools.org
206-631-5830
206-631-5800
206-631-5831
206-631-5829
206-631-5827
206-631-5867
******Please RETURN this page with your student to your science teacher by: (date) ________________________*******
By signing below, you acknowledge you have read and are willing to comply with the expectations as listed above on the
Science syllabus. Please write legibly and provide all information asked for.
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Every student has unique strengths and challenges. Please share anything that will help me better
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