8th Grade Science Mrs. Andria Macdonald amacdonald@lejardinacademy.com

Text:  Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Motion, Forces, and Energy
          Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Chemical Building Blocks
          Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Chemical Interactions
          Current Science magazine

Eighth grade curriculum focuses on physical science.  The year begins with a review of metric measurement, safety in the science classroom and the nature of science. Units of study include the following topics:

• Energy
  • What is work?
    Forms of energy
    Energy transformation and conservation
    Electricity
    Thermal energy and heat
    Alternative forms of energy and sustainability
• Forces and Motion
  • Newton’s Laws of Motion
    Friction and gravity
    Speed, velocity and acceleration
• Chemical Building Blocks
  • States of matter
    Changes of state
    Elements and the Periodic Table
• Chemical Interactions
  • Atoms and bonding
    Chemical Reactions
    Acids, bases and solutions
• Forces in Fluids
  • Pressure
    Density
    Buoyancy

As part of the eighth grade health curriculum, students complete an abstinence-based unit on sexually transmitted disease and birth control as well as a drug awareness unit.

Students are required to keep an organized notebook with a section for science containing tests, quizzes and handouts.  In addition, students will be keeping a science journal and need a marble composition book. These journals will be used to take notes, for recording labs, journaling and reflecting on information learned in class. This journal will contain a table of contents and will be checked throughout the year.  Once each semester, the student journal will be assessed for organization and content as a project grade.

In order to become scientifically literate citizens, students are required to read and summarize science-related articles during the year in addition to regular reading and comprehension activities in Current Science magazine.

Students are encouraged to write their assignments in their planners, complete their daily work and check their grades on K12 Planet regularly.
Students are expected to bring the following materials to class daily:

• 3 ring binder with a section for science
• Science notebook (composition book)
• Paper
• Textbook
• Pen or pencil
• Students will also need colored pencils, graph paper and a calculator for some assignments

Supplies for in-class projects and activities will be provided by the school.  Any materials or supplies needed for homework projects will not be provided.

Students who come to class unprepared will lose points in the “Responsibility” category of their report card.

Grading
Grades are based on the following percentages:
            -  Homework                                       20%
            -  Tests/quizzes                                  35%
            -  Projects                                          35%
            -  Responsibility/Participation              10%

After an excused absence, students will have two days per day missed to complete assignments.  It is the student’s responsibility to find out what assignments need to be completed. Please refer to the parent handbook for policies regarding absences due to trips.

All homework is due at the beginning of the class period. Homework not completed by the due date will not receive full credit and will affect the student’s “Responsibility”grade. Late assignments will be docked 10% each day and will not be accepted for credit after two consecutive school days.  Some homework will be corrected in class and receive a “completion” grade.  These assignments are normally worth 10 points with less credit for incomplete work.

Classroom Behavior Expectations
The expectations for classroom behavior are based on the 4 school-wide agreements: Mutual Respect, Attentive Listening, Appreciation/No Put Downs, and Right to Pass/Right to Participate.  Any student who compromises the teacher’s right to teach or classmate’s right to learn will first be issued a verbal warning.  A second disruption will result in counsel by the teacher and a possible level and/or being sent out of the classroom. Classroom behavior and participation are reflected in the “Responsibility” category of the science grade.

Please use the contact information listed below if you have any questions or concerns.