Eighth Grade Science
Syllabus 2013-2014
Teacher:
Mr. Robert Tufts
Address:
P.O. Box 1319
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Telephone:
828-733-2932 ext.5521 (Day)
828-528-0074 (night)
E-mail:roberttufts@averyschools.net
Textbook:
North Carolina Science Grade 8
Publisher: McGraw Hill/Glencoe
ISBN# 0078617898
Course Description:
Eighth grade science builds on the concepts and skills acquired in kindergarten through seventh
grade. Connections to mathematics, technology, social science, and communication skills will be
an integral part of this course. The specific competency goals that are covered in eighth grade
science are: scientific inquiry, technological design, the atmosphere, motion and forces, body
systems, and genetics. A complete and detailed listing of the specific goals and objectives can be
found on the North Carolina Department of Instruction website at the following address:
http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/acre/standards/new-standards/science/6-8.pdf
Requirements:
Every student is expected to come to class prepared (MacBook charged, paper, pencils,
homework done) and ready to work everyday.
We will be using the learning management system “Haiku” where all assignments and grades
will be posted. Students will be required to use Haiku to get their assignments and also to turn in
their assignments.
In class, we will be doing a number of experiments throughout the semester. Some of the
experiments may be done as a class, some may be done in small groups, and some may be done
individually. At least one of these experiments will be done in a thorough manner and then
formally presented. This will be their Mini STEM project.
Attendance:
Attendance and participation in all classes is expected. However, life often has a habit of
throwing something unexpected in our paths. If you miss or are going to miss a class, please
contact the teacher as soon as possible. You will, of course, be responsible for completing any
missed work (check Haiku or a responsible classmate for what we did in class and what the
assigned work was). Much of the learning will be a result of participation, discussion, and inclass activities. Therefore your attendance in class is extremely important.
Assessment and Grading:
The purpose of education is learning. The purpose of assessment is for the teacher to evaluate
how much and how well you have learned the material as put forth in the NC standard course of
study.
Homework will be assigned most Monday through Thursday nights. Students will also do class
assignments. There will be weekly quizzes to assess what the student learned that week. And
finally, every student will do a Mini STEM project in the fall semester.
Your grade will be primarily based on weekly quizzes. These assessments indicate how well you
"know" the curriculum. Your grade is a reflection on your mastery of the curriculum. Your
homework, in class assignments, and the Mini STEM project will also be counted as a grade
because they also show your mastery of the curriculum. A complete and detailed listing of the
specific goals and objectives can be found on the North Carolina Department of Instruction
website at the following address: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/acre/standards/newstandards/science/6-8.pdf
Academic Integrity:
One of the goals of Cranberry Middle School is to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high
standard of academic integrity. The attempt of any student to present as their work that which
they have not honestly performed is regarded by the teacher and administration as a most serious
offense and renders the offender liable to severe consequences. We expect all students to act in a
manner that does not infringe upon the rights and responsibilities of others. It is crucial to the
development of a student that one has the right to learn and prosper in a society free from
fraudulence and dishonesty. It is the responsibility of each student to help maintain such a
learning society. The school expects that all students will refrain from the following behaviors:
cheating, plagiarism, collusion and lying.
General Timeline:
August
Start Mini STEM projects
October
Ecosystems
November
Molecular Biology
Mini STEM projects due
December/January
Structures and Functions of Living Organisms
March
Energy: Conservation and Transfer
Matter: Properties and Change
April
Earth History
Evolution and Genetics
May/June
Hydrosphere
EOG review and testing
*This is what I expect to be covering each month. Some changes will be necessary as our
schedule changes, especially inclement weather during the winter months.
The Mini STEM project:
Being that one of the main focuses of this course is scientific inquiry, each student is expected to
complete a quality Mini STEM project based on his/her interests. Each student will be
responsible for researching, designing, and completing a controlled variable science experiment
and then reporting his/her findings in a research paper and in a computer presentation. Details
for the Mini STEM projects will be given the first week of school. The completed projects will
be due on November 22, 2013.