8^th Grade Physical Science

Blackmon Road Middle School

2011-2012 Team 8-3

Ms. Rachel Brown

706-565-2998     Brown.Rachel.B@muscogee.k12.ga.us

Course Description

Physical Science is an eighth grade course designed to provide students with the skills necessary to aid them in making a smooth transition from the science standards of elementary school to the knowledge and skills expected of high school students.  In general, this course is an introduction to the concepts that will be covered in high school level chemistry and physics classes.  Five units of study will be completed with content covering matter, energy, motion and force.  This is achieved through small group and class discussion, hands-on activities, research projects, labs, and related reading.  Students will be encouraged to make clear and accurate observations, collect and analyze data, replicate investigations, and account for similarities and differences in result comparisons.  Correct lab procedures and safety precautions will be reviewed and reinforced with practice.  At the end of the course students should have an understanding of the broad concepts associated with physical science and how these concepts are related to the world in which we live.

The Georgia Performance standards (GPS) drive the curriculum. Descriptions of these standards and their accompanying elements will be provided for each student and can also be found on the Georgia Department of Education’s website: http://www.georgiastandards.org

Supplies

1.  Pencil and/or pen (black and blue only)

2.  Three-ring binder with three dividers

3.  Small spiral notebook (Science Journal for Smart Start and to log ideas/experiments/activities)

4.  Colored pencils/markers

5.  Loose-leaf notebook paper

When planning hands-on activities and laboratory experiments I will ask for donations a week or two ahead of time.  Please refer to my website if you’d like to help stock supplies for these lessons.  Paper towels, tissue, and hand sanitizer are always welcomed donations.

Expectations

All policies outlined in the BRMS Student Handbook will be observed. In addition, I expect certain behavior and conduct from all of my eighth grade students to ensure a successful year.

1.  Be prepared for class – supplies, attitude, ready to learn, etc.

2.  Be positive about yourself and others – respect one another.

3.  Be polite and cooperative – raise your hand for the opportunity to speak and be courteous to others.

4.  Always do your personal best – I expect you to push yourselves to learn more and grow as young adults during the year.

Classroom Procedures

Smart Start- Students should enter the classroom ready to learn with all necessary supplies. The essential question is always posted on the board and gives students a preview as to what we’re covering. At the beginning of each class students will have an activity to complete during the first ten minutes. This is always recorded in their Science Journal. These activities may include teacher-led mini-experiments, thought-provoking questions, review material or vocabulary.

Assignments – Graded assignments will be collected after sufficient time has been given to students for completion.  Assignments should be placed in the designated box. Assignments may be accepted late for half credit. Please utilize my Schoolnotes site to stay informed.

Tests, Labs, Quizzes: Weekly assessments to monitor student progress in the form of labs and short quizzes are used. Tests are typically scheduled every two weeks related to the current standard of study.  Unit exams conclude each standard and are usually scheduled every six to seven weeks. 

Projects: Projects are assigned throughout the school year. Due dates and detailed information will be provided as needed.

Classwork and Homework: Many times assignments begin in class and are completed as homework. Students should refer to my Schoolnotes as well as the board for updated assignments.

*I understand that it may be impossible to complete assignments on time.  If this should occur, students may submit an explanation on the date the assignment is due.  You should not expect approval except in rare circumstances.

Absence – When a student is absent a group member will fill in an “absence sheet” with the objectives for the day (essential question, science journal activity, to do, and homework) and collect any handouts.  Missed work is then placed in their group folder.  In the event of an absence, it is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to complete the assignments missed.  You, the student, must retrieve the work and complete it within three days.

Evaluation and Grading

Each nine weeks grade will be based on the following:

50% – tests, projects, labs         30% – classwork, homework          20% – quizzes

A = 100-90

B =  89-80

C =  79-70

F =  69 or below

Progress reports are emailed each Friday.  If you have not provided the school with an email address you will be unable to receive these updates. I strongly suggest that every parent has their email address registered; you may contact the front office to do so. You will always be aware of your child’s academic and behavioral performance in my classroom with the weekly reports – let’s work together to ensure that your child has a successful 8^th grade year!

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Each student is responsible for their own work.  Cheating includes, but is not limited to: direct copying of in-class work or assigned homework; any cheating on an exam/quiz (including inappropriate use of notes, copying another’s test, cell phone use); copying from any print or internet source without proper citation; allowing another student to copy your work. The first violation results in a 0 on the particular assignment and parental contact (email) with all subsequent violations resulting in Friday School referral.

Schoolnotes and Online Textbook

Each teacher on the team will keep an updated SchoolNotes or Wiki account.  You can assess these pages through the “Homework” link on the Blackmon Road website (Blackmon.mcsdga.net). My account will provide you with information related specifically to homework, assignments, due dates, etc.  I update my agenda on a weekly basis. 

We also have an online textbook that students may utilize.  Every book page is accessible through this site.  There are tutorials, videos, online activities, self-assessments, links, and general resources that are extremely useful.  I encourage you to register for the online text, taking time to become familiar with the site. Many times I will use the assessments as extra credit opportunities for students.  Username: brms2011     Password: eagles

Website: www.pearsonsuccessnet.com

Class access code: E772B5DDB6D055EC936B

8^th Grade Physical Science          Blackmon Road Middle School          Team 8-3

Parents and students, please sign to indicate that you have read and understand the syllabus and guidelines provided. The signatures will count as a daily assignment due Friday, August 12.

__________________________               _________________________                ______________________

Parent name (please print)                                     Parent signature                                        Date

__________________________               _________________________                ______________________

Parent name (please print)                                     Parent signature                                                      Date

Movie Permission

I would like to show films on occasion related to our curriculum.  Please complete and sign in order for your child to watch the films.  Students not having permission on file will be given alternate work to complete in lieu of the movie as it relates to the topic of the film.

____ Yes, I give my son/daughter permission to view curriculum and school appropriate film/videos related to classroom content and subjects.   I understand that any movie shown will have an MPAA rating of G, PG, or PG-13.

____ No, I do not give my son/daughter permission to view curriculum and school appropriate film/videos mentioned in this letter. I understand alternate learning experiences will be provided for my child while the movie is being watched.

__________________                           _______________________                    _______

Parent name (please print)                                     Parent signature                                                      Date