8 th Grade Honors Physical Science Course Syllabus Mr. Alejandrino

Transcription

1 8 th Grade Honors Physical Science Course Syllabus Mr. Alejandrino Course Description Eighth grade science will emphasize Physical Science topics. The primary focus will be on Physics and Chemistry. Curriculum will be based on the Next Generation Science Standards which include: matter and its interactions, motion and stability (forces and interactions), energy, waves and their applications, science and engineering practices. Course Standards 1. Matter and Its Interactions Structure and Properties of Matter Chemical Reactions Definitions of Energy 2. Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions Forces and Motion Types of Interactions 3. Energy Definitions of Energy Conservation of Energy and Energy Transfer Relationship Between Energy and Forces 4. Waves and Their Applications Wave Properties Electromagnetic Radiation Information Technologies and Instrumentation Science and Engineering Practices 1. Asking questions and defining problems 2. Developing and using models 3. Planning and carrying out investigations 4. Analyzing and interpreting data 5. Using mathematics and computational thinking 6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions 7. Engaging in argument from evidence 8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

2 Instructional Materials Textbook: Hewitt, Conceptual Physical Science Required Materials: Composition Book (provided) 1 Binder w/ dividers (exclusively for science) Folder Binder Reminder (provided) Calculator Flash drive Pencil / Pen / Highlighter Pouch with Art Supplies **See attached for a complete list of recommended supplies Methods of Assessment Formative Assessment: Students will be required to participate in classwork, activities, labs, group discussions or practice quizzes on a daily basis. Formative activities and assignments are an important part of the students learning and practice. These assignments will also be reflected in a student s effort grade. Formative work guides my teaching and student learning. Homework is intended to provide further practice and reinforcement of skills and concepts learned in the classroom. Homework will be posted in class and on the class website. Students are expected to write their homework in their binder reminder. Completing and turning in the homework on time will be part of a student s effort grade. Late homework is accepted. Summative Assessment: Student s academic grade will be based on summative assessments. This will include labs, projects, quizzes and tests. Unit Plans with Learning Targets will be given to students at the beginning of each unit. Rubrics will also be used for projects and assignments so that students know what is expected and how it will be measured. Due Dates Please turn in projects by the assigned due date. Time management and planning are key to finishing long term projects. Make Up Work It is so important for students to be on time and at school every day. However if absences do occur, students are responsible for the material covered in class and to make arrangements to make up any labs or missed assessments. Extra time will be provided for homework.

3 Grading: Standards Based Grading will be used to communicate and improve student achievement by focusing instruction and the alignment of curriculum and assessment with the essential standards. SBG measures the mastery of the learning objectives, or how well students understand the material in class. It is based on the specific set of standards that students need to meet for the grade level. In this way, grading and reporting will provide better communication and feedback on what each student knows and is able to do as they make progress towards proficiency in the standards. 4 (A): The student demonstrates mastery of the grade level standard through in- depth understanding of the material, application of the concepts learned, and making connections across content areas. 3 (B): The student demonstrates proficiency in the grade level standard, performing consistently and accurately in the concepts learned. 2 (C): The student is approaching the grade level standard, demonstrating a basic understanding of the foundational material and concepts learned in class. 1 (I /F): The student is performing below the grade level standard, only demonstrating an understanding of the foundational material with help from the teacher and struggles when working independently. **Effort and Citizenship grades are determined by the Arden rubric. (See attached and in the binder reminder) What does an I mean? An I represents an incomplete mark. When a student is performing below grade level and/or has missing or incomplete summative assessments (graded standards- based assignments or learning targets), this will be communicated on their progress report. What can I do if I get an I? Meet with your teacher o identify areas of need o make an improvement plan o establish a timeline Study/prepare for your re- take or complete missing work. Students will have the opportunity to re- take assessments to demonstrate their new level of understanding and improve their score. Complete tasks required from your improvement plan Tardy Procedure: Tardiness interferes with the learning process for all students. Students are expected to be in their class and prepared to participate before the bell rings. Arriving to class after the bell constitutes a tardy. Lunch detention and Community Service may be assigned for excessive tardies.

4 Character Counts!!! Character traits will be emphasized throughout the year to instill teamwork and motivate students to do their best. My goal is to keep all students actively engaged in learning. A safe, learning environment involves a nurturing, positive atmosphere with firm and fair expectations within a structured classroom. I use praise in promoting appropriate behavior, while firm and fair in enforcing the rules. I stress the values of maturity, independence, teamwork, responsibility, and learning from mistakes. Arden Core Expectations 1. Be RESPECTFUL: Honor self and others. 2. Be RESPONSIBLE: Know and do what is expected. 3. Be SAFE: Free from physical and emotional harm. *************DO YOUR BEST*************BE A TEAM*************USE SELF- CONTROL Consequences: Verbal warning Behavior Intervention Form (BIF) Sent to a Buddy Room Parent communication Detention Referral to office **In the event of severe misbehavior or disruption of class, students may receive an immediate detention or office referral. Rewards: Endless supply of praise and positive reinforcement!!! Arden P.A.W. s Parent communication Science Donation Please see the attached letter regarding the science donation to support our hands- on science program. Communication Q (previously Zangle) student and parent portal By galejandrino@sanjuan.edu By website: By phone: (school) By Remind Text (see instructions to follow text alerts)

5 Syllabus Signature Sheet I have read and understand the material in the 8 th Grade Honors Physical Science Course Syllabus. I understand what my expectations are to be successful and am willing to try my best each day. Student Name (Print) Per Student Signature Date Parent Name (Print) Parent Signature Date Parent e- Mail Parent Phone Please sign and return to class by Monday, August 22. The syllabus must remain in your binder throughout the school year. Syllabus Signature Sheet I have read and understand the material in the 8 th Grade Honors Physical Science Course Syllabus. I understand what my expectations are to be successful and am willing to try my best each day. Student Name (Print) Per Student Signature Date Parent Name (Print) Parent Signature Date Parent Parent Phone Please sign and return to class by Monday, August 22. The syllabus must remain in your binder throughout the school year.