SUBJECT:  Science                           TEACHER:  Mr. Samudosky                             GRADE:  8

 

COURSE  DESCRIPTION  (Include the overriding themes, concepts or topics)

 

            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.

 

STUDENT  EXPECTATIONS  (Outcomes/essential learnings- concepts and skills) 

 

·        Understand and apply all steps of the Scientific Method to problem solve.

·        Use creative, critical thinking skills, communication skills.

·        Demonstrate safe appropriate behavior while working with peers in laboratory setting.

·        Relate science to their everyday lives and to the real world.

 

MULTIPLE  FORMS  OF  ASSESSMENT  (Opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning and understanding of concepts and skills)

 

·        Quizzes                                               

·        Class work / Homework

·        Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4 writing

·        “Science in the News” articles

·        Laboratory / Activity reports

·        Science Fair Project

·        C.A.P.T. Performance lab

 

LEARNING  ACTIVITES  (Activities that facilitate learning for all students)

 

·        Classroom / Laboratory investigations

·        Individual and group projects (in class)

·        Classroom discussions

·        Science Fair Project development

·        C.A.P.T. practice lab

 

INTEGRATION  OF  TECHNOLOGY  (Technology is a tool to enhance the learning process)

 

·        Computer/Television connection for displaying web sites of interest.

·        Probes for accurate measurement and data collection.

·        Internet research for science fair projects.

·        V.C.R. / D.V.D.

 

RESOURCES  (Textbooks, equipment, instructional supplies, etc.)

 

·        Prentice Hall Science Series

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

·        Laboratory materials

·        Newspaper articles; current media articles

·        Internet / Videos / D.V.D’s

 

STANDARDS  FOR  ASSESSMENT  (How 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***