Course Title: Science
8
2007-2008
School year
Course Description
Science 8 begins with a study of earth sciences. The topics to be
covered include: plate tectonics, earthquakes volcanoes, and other areas of earth
science In addition, Science 8 introduces the students to personal health and
biology, including systems of the human body, reproduction, disease immunity
and substance abuse.
Textbook:
1st semester Inside Earth : Science Explorer, Prentiss
Hall; 2002
2nd
semester Human
Biology and Health, Prentiss
Hall: 2002
Notebook: For
class notes and assignments. All class notes, labs and assignments
are to be kept in a notebook for Science 8 class
only. Notebooks will
be collected on a regular basis and graded for
accuracy and
completeness.
Lab: Lined
paper and graph paper for assigned labs
Parents are encouraged to
contact Mr. Henry with any concerns or questions they have. The best way to
contact Mr. Henry is by e-mail (henry@palmahs.org). Parents may also contact Mr. Henry by calling Palma
High School @ (831) 422-6391 and leaving a message.
Mr. Henry will return calls at the earliest opportunity. Students are
encouraged to see Mr. Henry for help when they feel they need it. Most days Mr. Henry will be available immediately
after 8th period or by appointment for help or to meet with parents.
STUDENT OUTCOMES (including
Expected School-wide Learning Expectations and California State Educational
Standards): Upon completion of this course:
1.The student will demonstrate the skills
and understanding necessary to continue the study of his surroundings in a
scientific manner. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual, Social, CA STD 8th
grade 9a-e
2. The student will be able to follow a scientific
approach to solving practical problems. The student will be able to use the
International System of measurement and convert between the U.S. system and the
International System. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual, CA STD 9a-e
3.
The student will become familiar with basic geological processes,
including an introduction to astronomy. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual, CA STD
8th grade 4a-e, 7th grade 4a-g
4.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the systems
and processes of the human body. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intelectual, Social, CA STD
7th grade 1a-e
5.
The student will be able to demonstrate sound health and hygiene
practices. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual, Social, CA Middle school health expectations
1,6,7,9
6.
The student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of major groups
of licit and illicit drugs. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual, Social,
Spiritual/Moral, CA Middle school health expectations 3,5,6
7.
The student will be able to describe various forms of matter, energy and
laws that govern their interactions. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual, CA STD 8th
grade 3 a-f
8.
The student will demonstrate problem solving and experimental process
skills based on the scientific method. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual,
Physical, CA STD 8th grade 9a,c,e
9.
The student will be able to conduct research, and prepare written and
oral reports on topics of current interest in science. ESLRÕs Addressed: Intellectual,
Social , CA STD 8th grade 9e,
Evaluation:
|
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
First Semester Grade |
|
Tests/Quizzes 35% |
Tests/Quizzes 35% |
First Quarter grade 42.5% |
|
Classwork/Homework 25% |
Classwork/Homework 25% |
Second Quarter grade 42.5% |
|
Lab Reports 15% |
Lab Reports 15% |
Final Exam 15% |
|
Oral reports 20% |
Oral reports 20% |
|
|
Class participation and cooperation 5% |
Class participation and cooperation 5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3rd Quarter |
4th Quarter |
Second Semester Grade |
|
Tests/Quizzes 35% |
Tests/Quizzes 35% |
Third Quarter grade 42.5% |
|
Classwork/Homework 25% |
Classwork/Homework 25% |
Fourth Quarter grade 42.5% |
|
Lab Reports 15% |
Lab Reports 10% |
Final Exam 15% |
|
Oral reports 20% |
Oral reports 10% |
|
|
Class participation and cooperation 5% |
Paper 15% Class participation and |
|
|
|
cooperation 5% |
|
Grade Scale:
A 100%-90% Please
Note:
B 89%-80% Due
to the emphasis on the final exam,
C 79%-70% the
studentÕs semester grade can be lower
D 69%-60% than
the two quarter grades if the student
F 59%-0 does
not perform well on the final exam.
A test will usually be given
at the end of each chapter. Pop quizzes may be given, without any
notice, for each chapter and as determined by the teacher. Make up tests for
low scores will not be permitted, however the lowest test score per quarter
will be dropped. Make up tests for
excused absences will be done after school, not during regular class time. Class
assignments will normally be due by the end of the day that they are assigned.
StudentÕs names must be
on the top of all work. Work
submitted without a name, will not be graded, please note, this includes exams. Homework will be due at the beginning
of class meeting after it was assigned. Late work will not be accepted
(the only exception is for
excused absences). If a student misses class for an excused absence, it is his
responsibility to contact the teacher and make arrangements to complete missed
assignments or exams. Mr. Henry will
not seek out the student to discuss missed work or make arrangements for
make-up work/exams.
During each semester, several
oral reports will be given on current science topics. The reports will be
graded for content and for presentation quality. These reports will be short,
and more information will be give about the reports in class.
Class Paper
Each student will write a 3-5
page, referenced paper on a human disease or disorder. The student may choose
any disorder they like (with Mr. HenryÕs approval). Try and chose a
disease/disorder that you have an interest in, such as one that a family member
or friend has. The paper is
written in conjunction with the studentÕs 8th grade English teacher
and will be due in May. The paper will need to focus on one or two specific
parts of the disease/disorder, such as cause, symptoms, treatment, long/short
term effect, effects on familyÉ
Name____________________________________
Period ___________
Classroom expectations:
1) Students
will be prepared for class before the bell rings. This means sitting in your
seats,
with
your supplies out and being ready to start working.
2) Safety
is the number one concern in the Lab. Students will only handle equipment when instructed
to and will always follow all directions in the correct and safe usage of
science equipment, and lab procedures .
Any unsafe activities will
not be tolerated, and the student will be dismissed from class as a safety
hazard.
If a student is dismissed
from a lab period, he will receive a grade of zero for the work that day and
for the
lab write-up.
3) Respect
will be shown to all people at all times. This includes other students, the
teacher, or any other
person in the classroom.
Students will listen when other students are asking questions or the teacher is
talking, and will refrain
from any behavior that disrupts or delays class activities.
4) No food
or drink will be allowed in the classroom.
5) There
is zero tolerance for cheating or
plagiarism of any type in Mr. HenryÕs classroom. Such
actions will result in a
grade of zero for the assignment, notification of the studentÕs parents, and
notification of the principal
per the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Palma High School Student and
Parent Handbook.
Parent
Name ________________________
Parent
e-mail address ______________________ Daytime Phone ____________Home Phone
______________
Student
signature ______________________
Parent signature
___________________