Mrs. Leslie Blue
Leslie.Blue@spps.org
Last updated: 8/28/13
8th Grade Science
8th Grade Earth Science Syllabus
Welcome to 8th grade Earth Science! I am very excited to spend the school year working with you
to learn all about Earth Science. This syllabus is intended to give you a general overview of what we
will cover this year in science as well as a few of my classroom expectations.
Good communication between home and school is necessary to ensure a positive learning environment
and a positive, enjoyable experience in science. Please feel free to contact me at school with any
questions, comments, or concerns.
Contact Information
Mrs. Leslie Blue
Leslie.Blue@spps.org
Capitol Hill phone: 651-325-2500 (calls will be forwarded to my classroom during non-instruction
times)
Website and classroom phone number will be shared with students and families when they become
available.
Course Description
Accelerated Science 8 is a yearlong comprehensive earth and space science course that integrates
basic high school physics and planetary motion concepts with an emphasis on astronomy and geology
along with the history and nature of science. It introduces basic science concepts and skills
through science inquiry, laboratory investigations, and scientific models. This course is designed
for students with a strong interest in science and who desire a more in-depth science experience.
Accelerated Science 8 prepares students for Accelerated Biology or Accelerated Chemistry.
Students taking this course will receive one semester of high school science credit.
The standards addressed in this course are the Minnesota Academic Science Standards for 8 th
grade Earth Science, selected Nature of Science and Engineering Standards, selected 9-12 Earth
Science standards, and all 9-12 grade Physical Science standards.
Units Covered in this Course

Nature of Science and Engineering (3 weeks plus additional embedded throughout the year)

Matter (about 3 weeks)

Rocks and Minerals (about 4 weeks)

Earth Structures and Processes (about 8 weeks)

Astronomy (about 6 weeks)

Force and Motion (about 6 weeks)

Energy – parts may be embedded or reinforced in other units (about 4 weeks)
Mrs. Leslie Blue
Leslie.Blue@spps.org
Last updated: 8/28/13
8th Grade Science
Instructional Materials
Science Explorer: Earth Science, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009
Science Explorer: Motion, Forces, and Energy, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009
Science Explorer: Electricity and Magnetism, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009
Science Explorer: Chemical Building Blocks, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009
Middle School Inquiry Science: Investigating Earth Systems, Herff Jones – It’s About Time, 2007
Concepts and Challenges Life, Earth, & Physical Science, Pearson/AGS, 2009
Materials Required for Each Class
Planner
One folder exclusive to science (orange)
One composition notebook
Pencils/pens
Textbook
Completed assignments
Grading Policy
I have high expectations for all students and expect everyone’s personal best. I believe all
students can reach their desired grade through hard work. The grading scale is as follows:
A: 90-100%
-Exceeds Proficiency (4)
B: 80-89%
-Proficient (3)
C: 70-79%
-Developing (2)
D:60-69%
-Emerging (1)
N: 59% and below
Students are encouraged to check their grades at least every other week on Campus Portal.
Students use their Active Directory (s123456) login and pass code to access Campus Portal.
Science grades will be updated within 3 days of notebook checks, quizzes, and tests.
I do not give extra credit opportunities. However, students may correct any errors they have on
labs and other assignments to improve their score on that assignment. These corrections may be
done anytime during the related unit. Test retakes may be offered after remediation and a
teacher conference.
Homework
Students will be given class time to complete most labs and other assignments. If a student is
unable to complete the work during the allotted class time, the assignment will be considered
homework. All homework is to be turned in at the beginning of the class period on the due date.
Late assignments may have point deductions.
Mrs. Leslie Blue
Leslie.Blue@spps.org
Last updated: 8/28/13
8th Grade Science
Absence / Make-up Policy
When you return after being absent, you will need to check your “We Missed You” pink sheet to get
the agenda, warm-up, and any assignments you missed. You will be given two days to make up any
work that was assigned when you were absent. It is your responsibility to check on any missed work
and to make-up all learning and assignments on time.
Technology
When appropriate, technology will be utilized in the science lab. This may include computers, iPads,
measurement/data gathering equipment, electronic sensors and probes, computer simulations, and
more. These technologies will be provided by the school. Per Capitol Hill Middle School policy, I ask
that all personal electronics (including cell phones, iPads, mp3 players, Kindles, Nooks, etc.) be left
at home or in the student’s locker unless myself or another teacher or administrator has granted
prior approval. Calculators are allowed, and students will be encouraged to bring them when
appropriate for classwork.
Tardies
Students are expected to be inside the classroom and in their seats when the bell rings and the
door closes. 2 tardies in a day will result in lunch detention.
Classroom Expectations
Be kind and respectful to all others and equipment
Always do your best
Be prepared to learn: on time, all materials, good attitude
Abide by all school and classroom policies and procedures
Accept appropriate consequences for inappropriate actions
Have a great year!
Mrs. Blue
__________________________________________________________________________
Please fill out completely and return ONLY this bottom portion to the teacher. Students, put the
rest of the syllabus in your science folder.
I, _________________________________, have read Mrs. Blue’s entire syllabus.
(Print student’s full name)
________________________________________
Date: __________________
(Student’s signature)
________________________________________
Date: __________________
(Parent/Guardian’s signature)
Yes/No: My child has internet access at home for academic purposes.
NOTE: Please return the bottom section of this page by Tuesday, September 10, 2013.