Teacher:
Room:
Website:
Email:
Mrs. Cole
816
http://my.ccsd.net/megancole/
mcole@interact.ccsd.net
Mr. El-Khoury
809
http://my.ccsd.net/rselkhoury/
rselkhoury@interact.ccsd.net
Mrs. Hallman
823
http://my.ccsd.net/amhallman/
amhallman@interact.ccsd.net
Ms. Saunders
814
http://my.ccsd.net/saunders/
dmsaunders@interact.ccsd.net
Del Webb Middle School- Science 8 Course Expectations
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A. Course Scope:
This year-long course for eighth-grade students provides the physical science explanations that extend
understandings developed in previous science courses. Students will use scientific processes, protocols, and
tools, including inquiry, to build understanding of structures, patterns, and relationships explained through the
physical sciences. Critical thinking, collaboration, accuracy, and communication skills will be emphasized as
students refine their scientific literacy. This course is required for eighth-grade students.
B. Course Goals:
1. To demonstrate scientific literacy and content knowledge of physical science.
2. To safely engage in structured and original exploration of scientific questions.
3. To understand the nature of scientific endeavors.
4. To understand the nature, properties, and classification of matter.
5. To describe structures and functions of physical systems.
6. To use models of atomic structure to explain reactions, properties of matter, the periodic chart,
electricity, nuclear energy, and genetics.
7. To understand the dynamic interactions in living and physical systems.
8. To explore the relationship between force and motion.
9. To differentiate among forms of energy, energy transformations, and uses of energy.
10. To explore the history and use of various energy sources.
11. To explore the relationship between magnetism and electricity.
12. To apply knowledge of wave characteristics and behavior to sound and light.
13. To use knowledge of properties and characteristics of light to understand movement, distance, and
locations of celestial objects.
14. To explore physical science concepts used in genetics, space exploration, energy consumption, and
technological applications.
15. To develop awareness of career opportunities in science and related educational requirements.
C. Performance Outcomes:
Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Work collaboratively with their peers to complete investigations.
2. Name and describe the functions of pieces of lab equipment, and demonstrate the ability to safely use
them.
3. Understand and work with the SI (Standard International) system of measurement.
4. Use the scientific method to help analyze data and develop potential solutions to a problem.
5. Construct appropriate charts, graphs, and tables to display data, or analyze data from a chart, graph or
table.
6. Understand different components of light and sound.
7. Apply the laws of motion to describe gravity, speed, velocity and acceleration.
8. Explain all of the components of matter and be able to describe the phases of matter.
9. Understand the organization of the periodic table of the elements.
10. Investigate energy as a property associated with matter, and understand the different types of energy.
11. Understand the codependence of electricity and magnetism in relation to energy.
D. Textbook and Supplementary Books:
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1. BSCS Science & Technology: Investigating Physical Systems (3rd Edition)
a. *Note: Students should have a copy of this textbook to keep at home. A classroom set will also
be provided for student use at school.
2. Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Physical Science (Supplementary text – Classroom use only)
3. Notebook – Students will be strongly encouraged to keep a 3-ring binder with five tabs just for science.
Organization of the notebook will be facilitated by the classroom teacher.
II. Course Outline
Quarter
1st Quarter
(8/29-10/27)
2nd Quarter
(10/31-1/20)
3rd Quarter
(1/23-3/23)
4th Quarter
(3/26-6/7)
Unit
Lab Safety
Metric System
Waves – Light and Sound
Physics – Forces & Motion
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Atomic Theory & Structure
Periodic Table of Elements
Chemistry –Bonding & Reactions
Types & Sources of Energy
Magnetism
Electricity
Important Science Testing Dates
* Interim Science Test Q1: TBA
*Semester 1 Exams: 1/18-1/20
*CRT Science: 4/19
* Interim Science Test Q3: TBA
*Semester 2 Exams: 6/5-6-7
A. Testing
1. The teacher will administer unit tests and quizzes throughout each of the units to determine the
individual student’s development throughout the year.
2. Various cumulative exams will be administered throughout the year to note a student’s overall progress.
Interim tests will be given at the end of each quarter as mandated by the Nevada State Department of
Education, as well as the Criterion Reference Test (CRT) in the third quarter. These tests will help
measure what a student understands, knows, or can accomplish in relation to the CCSD Power
Standards.
3. Additionally, final exams will be given at the end of each semester.
B. Assignments
1. In class, students will actively participate in daily classroom discussions, labs and other hands-on
activities.
2. Assignments may be given any day of the week. Time will be given in class for students to work on and
complete these assignments so that any necessary guidance may be given. Any work not completed in
class must be finished for homework, and be handed in by the start of the class period in which it is due.
C. Across the Curriculum Activities
1. Writing Process – Students will put into practice writing techniques which they are currently developing
in their English classes. The assignments will include, but not be limited to, writing assignments, journal
entries, lab reports, daily Bellwork and essay questions on exams.
2. Technology – Students may be required to use a word processor, PowerPoint, and the Internet during
the year to complete projects, type lab reports, and conduct research via the Internet.
3. Learning/Reading Strategies – Writing notes, labs, vocabulary words, note cards and other
learning/reading strategies will be extensively employed.
4. Problem-solving strategies – Strategies will be employed by students as presented by the teacher.
III. Hours of Availability
Your science teachers will gladly and willingly help any student who requests assistance. “Open Lab” help will be offered
as noted in class. This time may be used to receive extra help with class concepts and to make up missed labs, tests or
quizzes. Please be sure to sign up with your teacher before the end of the school day if you plan to attend Open Lab.
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IV. Grading Policy:
A. Grading Scale: A = 100-90.0%, B = 89.9-80.0%, C = 79.9-70.0%, D = 69.9–60.0%, F < 59.9%
*Our grading system does not round percentages
B. Parentlink: For up-to-date information about grades and assignments, visit the Parentlink website. Your teacher
will upload grades every Thursday by 4pm.
C. Description of Grading Practices
1. Quarter Grade Determination: Each student’s quarter grade will be weighted as follows:
a. Classwork/Homework
25%
b. Projects/Labs
25%
c. Tests/Quizzes
50%
Total
100%
2. Semester Grade Determination:
Semester 1
1st Quarter = 40%
2nd Quarter = 40%
Final Exam = 20%
Semester 2
3rd Quarter = 40%
4th Quarter = 40%
Final Exam = 20%
D. Citizenship Grade: Citizenship will be recorded on each student’s quarterly report card.
1. Citizenship Demerits: Students can receive citizenship demerits for the following: missing assignments,
coming to class unprepared (no supplies/materials/planner), tardiness, chewing gum, possessing
nuisance items (mp3 player, cell phone, social notes etc.), disrespectful behavior, cheating/plagiarizing,
not listening/being off task, disrupting class, using lab materials in ways they were not intended to be
used or talking out of turn.
2. Citizenship Codes:
a. O = Outstanding – (0-2 demerits)
b. S = Satisfactory – (3-6 demerits)
c. N = Needs Improvement – (7-9 demerits)
d. U = Unsatisfactory – (10+ demerits)
E. Absent and Make-Up Work Procedures:
1. After an absence, it is the student’s responsibility for obtaining and completing any make-up work
within three school days. Upon your return, check the daily objectives and homework written on the
Weekly Agenda Board. All homework and in class activities should be noted. Your teacher has a folder
system in place that holds all handouts distributed in class that will be available for pick-up to students
at any hour of the school day. Any work turned in after four days will be graded in accordance with the
Del Webb Late Work Policy.
2. If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz, you must complete the test or quiz within three days of
returning from the absence.
3. Absolutely no student will be permitted to make up any tests or quizzes after the test or quiz has been
returned to the students. Additionally, no late work will be accepted for a completed unit once the unit
test has been taken.
F. Homework Policy:
Homework may be given on any day of the week. The Del Webb Late Work Policy will be followed regarding
homework assignments.
1. 1 day late – Two letter grades will be dropped
2. 2 days late – No credit will be earned for the assignment if it is two or more days late
3. “Oops!” Pass – You will have one “Oops!” pass per quarter
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a. If you have forgotten to complete your homework or you accidentally left it at home, you may
use your “Oops!” pass one time per quarter – USE IT WISELY! 
1. On the day the assignment is due, you must fill out your “Oops!” pass with your
“name,” the “assignment’s title” and the “date due” and turn it in, in lieu of the
assignment.
2. When you turn in your assignment to the teacher, they will complete the “date
handed in,” and grade you as follows:
1. If you have successfully followed all directions and turned in the assignment one
day late, your teacher will initial the Oops! pass, and staple it to the front of
your assignment. You will then be graded as though you handed the
assignment in on time.
2. If you do not turn in the assignment when it is then due to you, you will lose the
Oops! pass, and then be graded as though you had not used it.
b. This means that you have an extra day, not a free pass, to complete your work and turn it in one
day late, without penalty to your assignment’s score.
c. If at the end of the quarter, you have no missing assignments, and you have not used your
Oops! pass, you may hand in your unused pass for 5 extra credit points that will count towards
your “Classwork/Homework” score.
G. Code of Honor
1. All students are expected to abide by Del Webb’s Code of Honor. Using another student’s work to
complete one’s own, talking during any type of formal assessment, plagiarizing, or copying another
student’s assignments, tests or quizzes, will not be tolerated. A student found to be cheating will forfeit
any points on that test or assignment.
2. Any student allowing another student to copy off of their work will also forfeit any points on the test or
assignment.
V. Classroom Behavior Expectations
A. Classroom/Lab Rules
1. Respect others and their property.
2. Bring appropriate materials to class every day.
3. Be in your assigned seat before the tardy bell rings, and remain there unless otherwise instructed.
4. Absolutely no food or drink in the science laboratory.
5. Be cautious in the laboratory and abide by all safety rules.
6. During a lab, the above rules apply. If you are removed from the lab, you will receive a zero and will not
participate in the following lab. An alternative assignment will be given to make up for the missed lab.
B. Discipline plan
The eighth grade science classes will follow a progressive discipline plan for any student that causes a disruption
to the learning environment. *Note: This progressive discipline plan will vary depending on the severity of the
infraction.
1. First offense – Verbal/written warning
2. Second offense – Student/Teacher conference
3. Third offense – Phone call home
4. Fourth offense – Teacher intervention
5. Fifth offense – Dean’s referral
IV. Students and parents will receive an addendum to these course expectations if the instructor deems it necessary to
make any modifications during the school year.
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Name of Student:
_________________________ ____________________________
First
Last
Contact information for parents/guardians (or any other individuals that the student lives with)
Name
Relationship to Student
Email Address*
Home Phone**
Cell Phone**
Work Phone**
□
□
□
* It is my aim to create a teacher-parent email list so I am able to inform you of important dates in class (project due dates,
unit exams, guest speaker requests, etc.) and increase overall communication between us.
**I will generally make my phone calls between 7:30am and 3:30pm. Please indicate if there is a number at which you
would prefer to be contacted by checking the box next to the number above.
If English is not spoken by the parents/guardians, what is the primary language spoken? This information will help if I
need to contact you. Is there someone who can translate at home?
_____________________________________
Primary language spoken
______________________________
Name of translator (If necessary)
I have read the Science 8 Course Expectations and understand that I must take responsibility for my academic
advancement, as well as my classroom behavior.
_____________________________________
Student Signature
___________________________
Date
I have reviewed these expectations with my child and we understand the information included.
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________
Date
_____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________________________
Date
PLEASE USE THE REST OF THIS PAGE TO DISCUSS ANYTHING I NEED TO KNOW TO
HELP YOUR CHILD BE SUCCESSFUL THIS SCHOOL YEAR.
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