American International School Egypt
2012-2013
Earth Science – Grade 8 - Mr. Will Hurst
Course Overview:
Earth Science is a required year long course designed to introduce eight grade students to basic
concepts of earth, environmental and space science. We will accomplish this through a hands-on,
inquiry based approach to research, experimentation and problem solving.
Course Goals:
1. Develop and use an experimental design in scientific inquiry.
2. Use the language of science to communicate understanding.
3. Investigate phenomena using technology.
4. Apply scientific concepts, skills, and processes to everyday experiences.
5. Experience the richness and excitement of scientific discovery of the natural world through the
collaborative quest for knowledge and understanding.
6. Make informed decisions regarding contemporary issues, taking into account the following:
 Public policy and legislation;
 economic costs/benefits;
 validation from scientific data and the use of scientific reasoning and logic;
 respect for living things;
 personal responsibility; and
 history of scientific discovery.
7. Develop scientific dispositions and habits of mind including:
 Curiosity;
 demand for verification;
 respect for logic and rational thinking;
 consideration of premises and consequences;
 respect for historical contributions;
 attention to accuracy and precision; and
 patience and persistence.
8. Develop an understanding of the interrelationship of science with technology, engineering and
mathematics.
9. Explore science-related careers and interests.
Proposed Curriculum Time Line (subject to change):
Term 1
Weather and Climate
Chapter 1 – scientific evidence for atmospheric composition changes over geologic time; current
theories related to the effects of early life on the chemical makeup of the atmosphere; atmospheric
regulation mechanisms including the effects of density differences and energy transfer; and potential
changes to the atmosphere and climate due to human, biologic and geologic activity.
Chapter 2 – observation and collection of weather data, prediction of weather patterns; severe weather
occurrences, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and major storms;
Chapter 3 - weather phenomena and the factors that affect climate including radiation, conduction, and
convection.
Term 2
Astronomy
Chapter 1 – position of Earth in the solar system; sun-Earth-moon relationships (seasons, tides, and
eclipses); cosmology including the Big Bang theory and; the origin and evolution of stars, star systems,
and galaxies
Chapter 2 – characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids
Chapter 3 – the history and contributions of space exploration; characteristics of the sun, planets and
their moons, comets, meteors, and asteroids
Term 3
Earth’s Water
Chapter 1 – physical and chemical changes related to tides, waves, currents, sea level and ice cap
variations, upwelling, and salinity variations
Chapter 2 – importance of environmental and geologic implications; system interactions;
Chapter 3 – Skip
Chapter 4 – features of the sea floor as reflections of tectonic processes; and economic and public policy
issues concerning the oceans and the coastal zone including the Chesapeake Bay.
Term 4
Earth’s Changing Surface / Inside Earth
Chapter 1 – geologic processes and their resulting features; and tectonic process
Chapter 2 & 3 – earthquakes and volcanoes; select sections are needed
Chapter 4 minerals – hardness, color and streak, luster, cleavage fracture and unique properties; and
uses of minerals; mineral identification techniques; resources - fossil fuels, minerals, rocks, water and
vegetation; various energy sources; resources found in Egypt; environmental costs and benefits
Chapter 5 rocks – igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks; and metamorphic rocks
Internationalism:
Throughout middle school, students will be learning how humans impact the environment in various ways.
We will not only focus on how these behaviors and their consequences manifest themselves in Egypt, but
in cities comparable to Cairo and in cities or countries that represent models for the world in terms of
positive, sustainable human interaction. It is our goal to provide students with a local AND global
understanding of the responsibility that humans have for conserving our precious natural resources. We
hope this in turn leads to life-long individual habits that support this effort in Egypt and any country in
which they may live in the future. In earth science we will focus on air quality, weather & climate, rock
composition and renewable/nonrenewable resources.
Classroom Procedures:
Beginning of Class – Class will begin the same way each day while I take attendance:
1. Enter the class quietly and on time
2. Be seated in your assigned seat by the sound of the tardy bell
 Look to the board where you will find the reflection of the day. In your notebook write
the question and one paragraph about your thoughts on the subject.
Materials – You will be expected to come prepared with a pen or pencil each day. We will need 2
notebooks for science. They are to be 165x220mm only.
End of Class – You will be excused in the same way each day. I will let you know when there are a few
minutes left in class to tidy up your area and make sure the class is in order. I will then dismiss the class
(not the bell) once the room is neat and quiet.
Absences – If you are absent, you are responsible for finding out what was covered in class and making
up any missed work. All assignments will be posted on the chalkboard. Missed work will be made-up
during tutoring sessions on Sunday and Monday after school.
Bathroom/Hall Pass – Your student planner will also serve as your bathroom/hall pass for the year so
make sure you don’t lose it! You will be given 3 bathroom/hall passes per term (total of 12 for the year)
which will be reserved in a special spot in your planners. Take your planner with you as your pass and
return quietly to class and resume classroom activity when finished.
Remember you only have three passes per term so use them wisely.
When you are done – Once an assignment is competed during class, please do one of the following:
1. Review and organize science notebook
2. Read a book
3. Work on other assignments
4. Homework – Homework will rare and be assigned as projects such as science fair or large
projects. Most work for science should be done in class and contained in the notebooks as
instructed.
Both course work and homework must be completed in blue or black ink or in pencil.
Cheating – There is zero tolerance for cheating. This includes plagiarism and copying. The consequences
for cheating will be a zero grade for the assignment (this includes tests and quizzes). Allowing a
classmate to copy your paper is also considered cheating and will result in a zero as well.
•
Principled -September- They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness,
justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for
their own actions and the consequences that accompany them
·
Citizenship & Patriotism –October- It is their responsibility to be good examples of the country or
countries that they represent. Taking pride in the things ones country has done that are good and seek
to correct or change things about the country that are bad. They do not judge others based on their own
citizenship.
·
Open-Minded –November- They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal
histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.
They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view and are willing to grow from
the experience.
·
Reflective –December- They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience.
They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning
and personal development.
·
Inquirers –January- They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to
conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this
love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
·
Risk-Takers – February- They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and
forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are
brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
·
Caring –March- They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of
others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives
of others and to the environment.
·
Communicators –April- They understand and express ideas and information confidently and
creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively
and willingly in collaboration with others.
·
Knowledgeable –May- They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global
significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad
and balanced range of disciplines.
·
Thinkers –June- They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to
recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Classroom Discipline Procedures
Classroom Rules – The following rules will be followed to create a successful learning community.
 Be respectful
 Be Prepared
 Be on task
 Speak only in English
 Clean up after yourself
Tardy Policy – You will be considered tardy if you are not in your assigned seat when the tardy bell
sounds and you do not have a pass excusing your late arrival.
After reading the above Course Outline, please sign below and keep this form in your binder.
I have read, understand, and agree to follow the procedures and expectations for this course.
Print name
_____________________________ Signature_________________________ Date______________