SUBJECT: Science TEACHER: Mr. Samudosky GRADE: 8

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The eighth grade science curriculum is part of an integrated science curriculum, grades 6-12. Students in grade eight will use human biology as the focus to integrate the following areas of science: Chemistry, Cells, Heredity, Evolution, Electricity, and Magnetism.

TEXTS USED:

Prentice Hall Science Series: Chemistry of Matter, Cells: Building Blocks of Life, Human Biology and Health, Heredity: The Code of Life, Evolution: Change over Time, and Electricity and Magnetism.

Science and Technology Concepts for Middle Schools: Properties of Matter.

QUIZ POLICY:

All “exams” in this class will be called “quizzes”. Some quizzes will contain more material/content than others and will require extra review and preparation by the students. Quizzes will be given upon the completion of a specific topic(s). An in-class review of material will often precede quizzes. There will never be pop quizzes in this class. Students will always know at least three days in advance of a quiz.

HOMEWORK POLICY:

Meaningful assignments related to course topics will be given during the week. No homework will be assigned on holidays or vacations (except the Science Fair Project). Students will usually have about 20-30 minutes of Science homework a night. Homework will be completed on time and to the best of the student’s ability. Students who do not have homework completed at the time it is due will receive a zero on that assignment. No exceptions! No excuses! (This work can not be made up) However, students will earn partial credit for any work that is completed. Also, students will have a limited number of days to make-up work that was missed because of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to come and see me for any missed work, and directions and a due date for these assignments. Students missing work from absence must come to me. I will not be chasing after any student who owes me work!! Again, students missing work from absence must come and see me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PROJECTS, RESEARCH PAPERS, OTHER:

All students will be required to complete unit-related writing exercises, Science in the News articles, and a science fair project. Also, students will conduct a laboratory investigation as practice and preparation for the C.A.P.T. (Connecticut Academic Performance Test) which is administered in grade 10. In addition, special work will be assigned as team interdisciplinary units are done.

LABORATORY / ACTIVITIES:

Using the scientific method and cooperative learning groups, students will investigate core topics through “hands-on” experimentation. Students have been informed of classroom / laboratory expectations, behavioral, and safety guidelines. Occasionally, students will be using products/materials (glass beakers, chemicals/solutions, scissors, etc.) that, if used improperly, may cause harm to themselves or others in the class. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that students understand and follow safety procedures at all times. Students who fail to obey classroom / laboratory rules and safety guidelines will be excluded from future labs and activities.

HOW REPORT CARD GRADES ARE DETERMINED:

Quizzes: 50% Homework / Classwork / Laboratory & Activity reports: 50%

*** Class participation is encouraged and often helps to boost a student’s marking period grade ***

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