Delta Woods Middle School
Science 8 Physical Science
Course Syllabus
Instructor- Mr. Tyler Dykes
Plan Period- 1:35-2:20 (Seventh Period)
Email- tdykes@bssd.net
Room Number- 809
A. Course Description
This course emphasizes the fundamental concepts of both chemistry and physics. Areas of study and
activities will include laboratory skills and problem solving, scientific measurements, basic atomic theory,
periodic table relationships, chemical reactions, as well as simple machines, forces, motion and waves. A
general knowledge of mathematics is required throughout the course.
B. Evaluation/Assessment
Grades in this class will be calculated by using a weighted system. Coursework will constitute fifty
percent of the class grade while assessments will make up the other fifty percent.
Coursework (50% of Grade)
Class Participation
Students will answer a warm-up question at the beginning of every class. This question will either be a
review or a preview question and the answer will be identified so students can check and, if necessary,
correct their answers. Warm-ups will be turned in on the last day of each week.
Assignments, Labs, & Projects
Students will also complete an assignment following each set of objectives that are covered. Assignments
will ask students to show an understanding of content as well as skills that were covered. Assignments
will occasionally be homework, in-class assignments, labs, and projects.
Assessments (50 % of Grade)
Quizzes/Tests
Quizzes will be given every 1-2 weeks to show an understanding of content and skills and will always be
for a grade. Students will always have advance notice of quizzes and will know what information and
skills are to be tested. Tests are given at the end of each unit and a study guide will always be provided.
Students will also complete a district-wide semester test in both December as well as June. Again,
students will be provided a study guide prior to completion of a semester test. Finally, students will
participate in a science portion of the MAP test in the spring which will test knowledge that was obtained
during sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science. However, the score that is earned on the MAP test will
not be reflected in their semester grade.
C. Late Work
Work is expected to be completed and turned in on its designated due date. Work that is not turned in at
the specified time will be considered late, will be indicated as late in the online grade book, and receive a
score of “0” until the assignment is turned in. If the assignment is turned in at a later time, then the
student will earn 60% of the points that he/she would have earned if the work were turned in on time. For
example, if a student turns in a late assignment and earns 20/20 points, then a score of 12/20 will be
recorded.
D. Units of Study
Semester 1
1. Scientific Inquiry
A. Hypotheses, Testable Questions, &
Variables
B. Observations
C. Data Collection & Analysis
D. Graphing
E. Metric Measurement
2. Atomic Structure
A. The Periodic Table
B. Atoms, Elements and Compounds
3. Properties and States of Matter
A. Physical and Chemical Properties
B. States of Matter
C. Changes in States of Matter
4. Chemical Bonds
A. How and Why Atoms Bond
B. Types of Bonds
Semester 2
4. Reactions, Solutions, Acids, & Bases
A. Reactants
B. Law of Conservation of Mass
C. Comparing Acids, Bases, and Neutral
Solutions
5. Force and Motion
A. Newton’s Laws
B. Speed, Velocity, Inertia, Momentum,
& Acceleration
C. Friction
D. Gravity
6. Power and Energy
A. Kinetic and Potential Energy
B. Types of Kinetic and Potential Energy
C. Effects of Energy
7. Electromagnetic Spectrum
A. Different Type of Light Energy
B. Organization of Light Energy
E. Behavior
Students are expected to treat others, the instructor, and class materials with respect. Failure to do so can
result in a misconduct slip, which will be sent home, as well as kept on file by the instructor that assigned
the slip, and finally a copy will be presented to the student’s “Gator Time” teacher. More severe behavior
issues could receive an office referral, assigned detention, and/or parent notification.
F. Attendance
Student attendance is vital to the overall success and retention of knowledge by a student. Many activities
that are conducted in class require specific materials and some activities may not be able to completed
when the student returns to school. In case of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to initiate a
conversation between him/her self and the instructor to find out what information the student missed,
what work was turned in, and what work was assigned. The student will be allowed two days to complete
work for every day that the student missed. For example, if a student was gone on a Monday and returned
on Tuesday, then the student would have until Thursday to complete the assigned work that was given.
G. Supplies
Students are expected to come to class with all necessary materials on a daily basis. On some occasions,
students will be asked to bring in additional supplies which will be used for activities in class. Materials
that are requested are done so with the understanding that they may/may not be altered, modified, or in
some cases destroyed. Information in regards to how materials will be used will be given by the
instructor during material requests and prior to use.
H. Technology
Students will be required to access different websites and web-based programs outside of the regular
school day throughout the year. This can be done via home access, mobile devices, public access (such as
a public library), or before/after school on student computers with adult supervision. If there is an issue
with accessing these types of technologies, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.