Printable Syllabus        8thgrradesciencesyllabus.docx
        

 

     Mathematics, Civics, and Sciences Charter School of Philadelphia, Inc. 

8^th Grade Science

2011-2012

Mrs. Watson

 

 

E-mail: cwatson@mcscs.org

Class website: http://websites.pdesas.org/cwatson2/

Small Group: EVERY Wednesday and Friday, Room 212 (unless otherwise noted)

 

Objective

            In this school year’s Science class, students will be exposed to and gain knowledge of a myriad of topics ranging from the components of an experiment to atoms to fossil fuels to force and motion. The curriculum for the year follows the Pennsylvania state standards for eligible content in 8^th grade science. These are the standards and content used for creating the PSSA Science Test, which students will also be taking this school year. Instructional practices will include methods that will encourage students to think critically and analytically while preparing them for the questions they will encounter on the PSSA Test. The activities in the curriculum will include projects, mini projects, field trips, hands-on experiments, and lab reports.

 

Curriculum

 The curriculum given in this syllabus is the basic content for the school year. Specific dates and timelines or each concept are not given because coverage of material will vary from class to class and also depends on students’ mastery of concepts. In other words, we don’t move on to the next topic until the current topic is mastered at an 80% level of mastery. Small group sessions, tutoring after school, and tutoring during prep periods is provided to give students as much opportunity as possible to get assistance with assignments and concepts.

 

UNIT 1: The Nature of Science

            A. Scientific Investigations

            B. Laboratory Tools & Safety

            C. Experimental Design

            D. Collecting Data                                                             

            E. Analyze, Interpret & Communicate Data

            F. Systems and Patterns

            G. Models & Technological Design

            H. Science & Society

 

UNIT 2: Physical Science

            A. Physical & Chemical Properties

            B. Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

            C. Chemical Reactions

            D. Forms of Energy

            E. Energy Transformations

            F. Heat Transfer

            G. Force & Motion

            H. Work, Simple Machines & Mechanical Advantage

 

UNIT 3: Earth & Environmental Sciences

            A. The Dynamic Earth

            B. Rocks, Fossils, and the Geologic Timescale

            C. Landforms & Geological Processes

            D. Soil

            E. Energy Resources

            F. Waste

            G. Human Environmental Impact

            H. The Water Cycle

            I. Earth’s Water Systems

            J. Weather and Climate

            K. Ecosystems & Biomes

 

UNIT 4: Space Science

            A. The Solar System

            B. The The Universe

            C. The Earth, Sun, and Moon

 

UNIT 5: Introduction to Chemistry

            A. History of the Atom

            B. Atomic Structure and Parts

            C. The Periodic Table

            D. Isotopes

            E. Acids and Bases

Classroom Expectations & Procedures

 

            Our class will follow the expectations put in place by the school, which are posted in the front of each classroom. Students are expected to be on time for school and class (If late, have a pass) and be in complete uniform at all times. During class, we follow the rule of one voice at a time, side conversations between students, random comments and outbursts are not permitted. If a minor discipline issue occurs, I will speak to the student about it and this is considered a warning.  If a second discipline issue occurs, parents may receive a phone call and/or may be sent out of the class depending on the severity of disruption. The consequence for further disciplinary measures will be a referral to Mrs. Joyner and a request for a parent conference.  Severe behavior problems will result in immediate removal from class and parent contact.

             

Experiments and Lab Safety

 

            In order for students to fully experience Science, we will have several experiments throughout the course of the year. On these days,

• There is to be no eating or drinking in the classroom (Homeroom breakfast only)
• Long hair should be tied back
• Students must wear goggles (personal goggles may purchased and brought in)
• Students must adhere closely to lab safety procedures

Projects and Lab Reports

            There will be at least 4 projects this year pertaining to each of the first 4 units of the curriculum. They will be assigned at the beginning of each unit and will due near the end of each unit. These projects will be graded based on rubrics that will be given to students and posted on the class website.

            After each experiment a lab report will be due where the student must use the scientific method to explain the experiment and their outcome. These will also be graded based on a rubric that will be posted on the class website.

 

Class Website

            The class website will be a useful tool where students and parents can get updates on the class, see assignments that are due, get missed class notes and find additional resources to help students learn the material for the class.

     Let’s Work Together to Make the Year Prosperous!