Grade 8 Math & Science Syllabus

Instructor name:
    
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Course Title: Science 8
    
Course Description
During the school year, the eighth graders are taking Physical Science in which they will be learning about motion, forces, basic chemistry, and astronomy.    

Grade level: Eighth grade
    
Textbook
    Prentice Hall Focus on Physical Science
    
Materials
•    1 3-ring binder (minimum 2” rings) or accordion portfolio
•    5 subject dividers
•    1 70-page spiral notebook (ONLY 70 pages)
•    12 colored pencils (ONLY 12)
•    2 pens (dark blue or black)
•    1 different colored pen (red, green, pink etc.)
•    2 pencils (NOT automatic or lead pencils)
•    1 SMALL, inexpensive ($2-$3) calculator
•    1 pencil sack to carry the materials listed above
•    loose-leaf paper
    
    
Lab Safety
Instructors are to review with students the safety policy in the science classroom.  A  Science Safety Contract must be signed by students and parents.  Instructors reserve the right to exclude from laboratory work any student who does not abide by the safety policy of the school.
    
Missed Exams or Assignments
(at the discretion of each instructor)


Grading Scale
Standard Academic grade scale:

Departmental Grading Policy
Grades are earned based on a total point system, i.e. the total points that you earned is divided by the total possible points to give your percentage.*

e.g.     You have earned a total number of 850 points.  The total number of points possible is 1000.

850 ÷ 1000 = .850 X 100 = 85%

*6th Grade science teachers will adhere to the 6th Grade department grading policy.
* Special Day Class students will receive differential grading criteria (i.e. Curved grade, participation and class assignment)

Criteria for Marks in Work Habits & Cooperation

Effort
E - Consistently tries to understand the purpose of his/her classwork pays close attention and follows quickly.
S - Usually tries to understand the purpose of his/her classwork, generally is attentive, and follows directions.
U - Seldom tries to understand the purpose of his/her classwork, is inattentive, and generally disregards directions. 

Responsibility
E - Consistently assumes responsibility for having the necessary tools and materials and immediately goes to work. 
S - Usually assumes responsibility for having necessary materials and goes to work with little urging.
U - Seldom has the necessary tools and materials and rarely works, with urging. 

Attendance
E - Maintains an excellent attendance record by consistently avoiding unnecessary absence or tardiness. 
S - Maintains an average attendance record by generally avoiding unnecessary absence or tardiness.
U - Maintains a poor attendance record by rarely avoiding unnecessary absence or tardiness.

Evaluation
E -  Carefully evaluates or rechecks his/her work and willingly revises it to achieve maximum accuracy and efficiency. 
S - Generally rechecks his/her work and makes minor revisions to assure increasing accuracy and efficiency.
U - Seldom bother to recheck his/her work.