8th Grade Science
General Information 2011/2012
Mrs. Hui
Course description
Eighth grade science will emphasize Physical Science topics. The
primary focus will be on Physics and Chemistry. All curriculum will
be based on the California Science Content Standards which include:
motion, forces, structure of matter, Earth in the solar system,
reactions, chemistry of living systems, periodic table, density and
buoyancy, Investigation and Experimentation.
Course Standards
1. The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position.
2. Unbalanced forces cause changes in velocity.
3. Each of the more than 100 elements of matter has distinct properties
and a distinct atomic structure. All forms of matter are composed
of one or more of the elements.
4. The structure and composition of the universe can be learned from
studying stars and galaxies and their evolution.
5. Chemical reactions are processes in which atoms are rearranged into
different combinations of molecules.
6. Principles of chemistry underlie the functioning of biological
systems.
7. The organization of the periodic table is based on the properties of
the elements and reflects the structure of atoms.
8. All objects experience a buoyant force when immersed in a fluid.
9. Investigation and Experimentation: Scientific progress is made by
asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.
Instructional Materials
Glenco, Focus on Physical Science (Grade Level)
Methods of Assessment of Student Achievement of Standards
Individual and Group Projects
Performance tasks/Labs
Discussions
Quizzes
Tests
Academic prompts
Informal observations
Materials:
Required: 1 inch width(or larger) binder (must have by August 30th),
blue or black ball point pens, pencils (non-mechanical preferred),
lined writing paper, notebook dividers (4). MATERIALS MUST BE
BROUGHT TO CLASS EVERY DAY!
Highly Recommended: calculator, metric ruler, pencil sharpener,
colored pencils.
Various project materials will be required throughout the year. A
donation is requested to help cover the cost of the projects and
experiments. A science donation letter will presented to you at a
later date.
Grading Scale:
100% + = A+ 84-87.9% = B 70-73.9% = C-
94-99.9% = A 80-83.9% = B- 60-69.9% = D
90-93.9% = A- 78-79.9% = C+ 0 - 59.9% = F
88-89.9% = B+ 74-77.9% = C
Behavior Standards:
In order to maintain a positive classroom environment where I can teach
and you can learn, the following standards will be maintained.
Successful students…
Show RESPECT for themselves and others.
Are SELF-DIRECTED.
Demonstrate SELF-CONTROL.
Are appropriately INVOLVED in class activities.
Discipline Consequences:
Step 1 Warning + may include drop in citizenship grade
Step 2 Time out + follow up talk
Step 3 detention + contact with parents
Step 4 Office Referral + drop in citizenship grade
Severe Cause: In the event of severe misbehavior such as fighting,
vandalism, defying teacher, verbal abuse or stopping the class from
functioning, the result will be an immediate referral to the office.
Tardy Procedure:
You must be in your seat when the bell rings.
Unexcused tardies (per Quarter):
1st tardy Free
2nd tardy Warning
3rd tardy Lunch Detention with Vice Principal
4th tardy Lunch Detention with Vice Principal
5th Tardy Further consequences as determined by Vice Principal
Communication:
The absolute best way to communicate with me is through e-mail
mhui@sanjuan.edu. Telephone communication is awkward in this setting and
often difficult to make private.
In addition, attendance and grade information is available to you through
the district’s Zangle system. Please contact our registrar if you have
any questions regarding accessing the Zangle system.
How do I keep up with assignments and grades?
In general, barring Monday holidays or absences on my part, you will
receive a grade report every Monday. This report will show you if you
have any missing assignments. You have three “grace days” to turn in
missing assignments, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday before school starts.
Regular, daily assignments can be turned in on the grace days without a
loss of credit. Work is returned on Wednesdays and as a result, no
regular daily late work is accepted after school starts on Wednesdays.
Grade reports can be signed by a parent or mentor and returned on the
Tuesday or Wednesday after they are passed out for extra credit.
Assignments and daily work will be posted weekly on my website. Please
use this resource to track assignments and due dates.
Project deadlines
Special project deadlines are firm. To receive full credit for a project,
the project must be turned in on the due date. Projects turned in up to 5
days after the due date will receive a loss of credit. PROJECTS TURNED IN
MORE THAN 5 DAYS AFTER THE DUE DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Makeup labs/tests and extra help
I will be available before and after school most days for help with
makeup work labs or tests. You must let me know you’re coming in so I can
make myself easy to find.
Extended absences
If you are going to be absent from school for more than 3 days, it is
always a good idea to let me and/or the school know so we can work
together to help you with makeup assignments.
Passes from class
You may not leave class unless you have your binder reminder. I reserve
the right to determine whether you may leave class or not. If you become
a “frequent flyer” you will not be allowed to leave class at all unless a
pass arrives for you from the office.
Extra Credit
Extra credit is usually given as a reward for positive academic habits
such as using class time wisely (not going to your locker or restroom) or
turning in a signed grade report (communicating with parents or mentors).
It can also be rewarded when a student goes above and beyond an
assignment’s or project’s expectation. Extra credit is not offered for
students as a substitute or make up for missed assignments. Good academic
habits are the only habits that will be rewarded.
Hints for success
1. Bring something functioning to write with to class every day. You
will be required to write within the first five minutes of class
every day. Sharing a pen or pencil with another student will not
work. Have your pen or pencil out immediately at the beginning of
class.
2. Bring your science notebook to class with you every day.
3. Read the board every day. On it will be posted assignments and due
dates.
4. Turn in your work on time.
5. Use the weekly grade reports handed out every Monday to help you
track assignments and make up work.
6. Put your name on your papers that you turn in. In fact, put your
name on all your papers so that if you accidently leave a paper
behind it can be returned to you.
To start out the class right, you must bring a 1 inch or wider 3 ring
binder to class on August 30th. We will organize our binders on that day
and you will be graded; this is your first test. If you do not have a
binder on that day, you will fail the first test. If you have any
problems acquiring a binder by August 30th, please see me or contact me
through email (mhui@sanjuan.edu). I have a limited number of binders
available for purchase for a small fee.
I look forward to working with you and your parents or guardians.
THANK YOU,
Mara Hui
DO NOT DETATCH THIS PART OF THE FORM
I have read the course outline and expectations
Parent/guardian signature
Due back on August 30th. This paper will be returned to the student. Do
not detatch!