Mrs. Jeanmarie Anicito
janicito@fairlawnschools.org
janicito@fairlawnsds.org-Google Apps for Education
Grade 8 Science
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Course Outline & Expectations
Overview
Students in grade 8 enriched science will be exposed to an in-depth study of the physical sciences which
will focus on developing science skills as students learn content. Students will be expected to conduct
inquiry-based laboratory activities and complete homework assignments, tests, quizzes, and projects.
Course Content
Unit 1: Properties of Matter
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical & Chemical Changes
States of Matter
Parts of the Atom
Classifying Matter
Unit 4: Forces & Motion
Forces & Motion
Motion, Speed
Forces, Mass, Weight, Friction
Newton’s First Law
Unit 2: Interactions of
Matter
Periodic Table
Chemical Bonding
Chemical Reactions
Chemical Compounds
Acid & Bases
Unit 3: Forms of Energy
What is Energy?
Electricity
Magnetism
Potential & Kinetic Energy
Heat & Conduction
Unit 5: Magnetism/Electricity
Magnetism/ Magnetic Field
Law of Magnetism
Electricity/ Electric Field
Circuits
Unit 6: Energy Transfer
Light Energy
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Convection, Conduction &
Solar Energy
Waves & Sound
Science Safety
Lab safety is an extremely important aspect of the science classroom. Safety rules issued by the district will
be reviewed with all students. Both students and parents/guardians will be required to sign the sheet of
safety rules. Students will also be required to pass a written safety test. Students that violate safety rules
will receive a detention. Students that repeatedly violate safety rules will not be allowed to participate in
labs and be required to complete written assignments on the content.
Classroom Daily Expectations
1. Be prepared for class*
2. Be respectful
*Prepared for Class
=
AGENDA BOOK
3. Follow directions 4. Be on time for class
Students must come to class daily with the following materials:
FOLDER
NOTEBOOK
PEN/PENCIL
Suggested materials: calculator and hand pencil sharpener.
Course Expectations
·
Any evidence of plagiarism, copying, or cheating will result in a zero.
·
If you are unable to use online resources at home, you must do this during extra help.
·
Computer problems cannot be used as an excuse for late work. Please contact me before the due date.
·
All assignments must have a proper heading. Assignments without a heading will not be graded.
·
All assignments should be neatly presented (typed or written on lined paper).
·
Assignments are given almost daily and are worth a range of points.
·
Assignments may be accepted late, but 10% per day will be deducted from your total grade.
·
If you miss homework, lab assignments, or projects due to absence it must be completed ASAP.
·
Your textbook should be primarily kept at home and must be returned at the end of the year.
Grading Policy
The course grade will be based on a variety of assessments including quizzes, tests, lab reports, projects, in-class
work, homework assignments, and class participation. A total points grading system will be used. In this system,
each assignment/task will be given a point value depending on the difficulty of the assignment/task and the length of
time needed to complete it. Marking period grades will be based on the student’s achieved points divided by the total
possible number of points.
Note: Individual assignment grades will be posted online, which is available through the Genesis portal. It is UP TO
THE STUDENT to check it and make sure it is accurate.
All 8th grade science students will be expected to complete a midyear assessment in January and cumulative final in
June.
Placement into High School Science Classes
Placement into your high school science class will depend on your grades in science and math this year. Please see
your guidance counselor for more information.
Extra Help
After school additional help will be available at least once per week throughout the school year. The schedule will
change depending on other school commitments, planned assessments, and project due dates. Students must sign up
at the start of the week.
Online
The starting point for students online is http://fairlawn.schoolwires.net/Domain/844 which is my school web page.
This will be used as the portal to access the online textbook (http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com) and Google Apps for
Education (http://start.fairlawnsds.org). Ample time and opportunity is provided for students to complete online
assignments even if they do not have access at home. Many online assignments cannot be made up after their due
dates.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Electronic Signatures
Please go to http://tinyurl.com/MRSA-FORM1 to access an online form to agree to the guidelines above, to agree
to science safety and assessment policies, and sign up for technology use including Google Apps for Education and
BYOD.
If you CANNOT access the Internet, please provide contact information below:
Student Name:
____________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:
____________________________
Telephone Number:
____________________________