Introduction:
Listed below is the curriculum for 8th grade Science instruction in the Lincoln Public Schools. The selection of topics and corresponding chapters is based on the National and State Standards for Science for 8th grade students. These standards establish what a student, like you, should know about, as a minimum, by the time you finish 8th grade. In this classroom we will always do more than the minimum requirements.Instruction and Testing:
We will use 4 different textbooks. We will cover each topic with a combination of reading, discussion and notes, demonstrations and labs, and videos and multimedia presentations. There will usually be a test at the end of each chapter. The tests are a combination of multiple choice, short answer, true/false and matching. Computational problems are often included when they are necessary to see what you have learned. There will also be Criterion Referenced Tests (CRTs) written by our school district. CRTs will be given 3 times during the school year. One CRT covers the Astronomy and Sound and Light Units and will be given toward the end of the 1st semester. Units 3 and 4 have their own CRTs and will be given towards the end of the 3rd and 4th quarters.The results of these unit tests will be an important part of your grade and will be reported to our district office. The district will keep the results of these tests until you are graduated from high school. Grading is based on the standard Irving Middle School Science Department scale shown below.A = 100% - 94% C = 81% - 78%
B+ = 90% - 93% D+= 77% - 74%
B = 86% - 89% D = 73% - 70%
C+ = 85% - 82% F = 69% & Below
Your grade will be based on the total number of points you have accumulated at the end of each grading period. You will get a grade every 4.5 weeks based on all your work up to that point. Roughly 40% of your semester grade will be based on your daily work. Another 40 % of your grade will be based on tests and quizzes and the remaining 20% will be based on your lab work. Extra credit may or may not be offered during the semester so you must keep up with your daily work and pass your exams to pass this course.
Unit One: Light and Astronomy
Objective: You will investigate the relationships between the earth, moon, and sun and develop an
understanding of the Earth in the Solar System.
Chapter 1: Earth, Moon and Sun..........................................All Sections
Chapter 2: The Solar System................................................All Sections
Unit Two: Sound and Light
Objective:
Science CRT Project: Scientific Contributions of Women and Men of Other Cultures.
Unit Three: Forces, Motion and Energy
Objective:
Chapter 1 Motion.....................................................................All Sections
Chapter 2 Forces....................................................................All Sections
..........Chapter 4 Work and Machines..............................................All Sections
..........Chapter 5 Energy and Power................................................Sections 1-3
.........Balloon Car Project
Unit Four: Cells and Heredity
Objective: You will investigate cells, their functions and processes and the basics of modern genetics.
Chapter 1 Cell Structure and Function...................................All Sections
Chapter 2 Cell Processes and Energy...................................All Sections
........Chapter 3 Genetics.....................................................................All Sections
Tardy: You
will not be counted tardy if you are in the room when the bell rings.
When the bell rings go to your seat.
If you are tardy for 1st period you must go to the office first to get a "Tardy Pass".
Leaving: The
bell does NOT dismiss you from class; only the teacher can dismiss you
from class. You should remain
in your seat until you are dismissed.
Posted agenda:
A weekly agenda will be posted on the black board and on this website each Monday.
You will
always know about upcoming test dates several days in advance.
Notebook: You
should keep a separate section in your notebook for science. It is
best if you keep a separate
notebook for science, but it is not required. Papers I give to you will be 3-hole
punched so you can easily keep
them in your notebook.
Materials should be placed in your notebook so that the newest "stuff" is on top.
Materials:
Bring your textbook, notebook,
paper, assignment book and writing instruments to class every day.
Occasionally I will do
a "Materials Check" to see how well you are doing.
Textbooks: You
will receive your own textbook each quarter.
Please put a cover on the book. Sorry, no "stretchy" covers.
Grocery sacks are best (and they are free!)
Grade Posting (ID numbers): Grade printouts will no longer be posted in the class room . Printouts showing missed
assignments may be posted periodically in the classroom. Grades may be checked on the grades section of this website.
Your ID number is based on the last four digits
of your student number.
Missed assignments: Missed assignments are your
responsibility. I will not
chase you down to remind you of a
missed assignment. The table in the back of the classroom will contain a file folder for
each day of the week. Extra copies
of assignments will be placed in the
appropriate day folders.
When you miss a day of class your first stop
should be at this table to
collect your missing assignments.
Privilege Passes:
You will have 6 passes for the semester. These must be used if you want to leave the room.
Exceptions are visitsto the nurse, office or counselors.
Telephone use: Ask permission and you may use the classroom telephone before or after class.
Be Ready to Work:
Keep a Science Notebook and come to class prepared. Have your reading
assignments
done as well as your homework.
Stay on Task:
Learning is easy if you pay attention and ask questions.
Please do not carry on side
conversations, do homework for other classes, read your personal reading books
or write notes to your
friends during science class.
Be Polite: Donít disrupt the learning environment for others.
Raise your Hand: Give everyone a chance to speak.
Leave a Clean Room: Demonstrate your respect for the property of others.