Graham - Eighth Grade Science
Harrells Christian Academy
Course Syllabus
Course Title Science
Grade Level Grade Eight
Instructor Mrs. Lynn Graham
(910) 296-1717 Home
(910) 532-4575
Description
Science is a process to investigate the world. Developments in science and technology are ever changing. The Eighth Grade Science student will study life, earth, and physical science. Students are expected to attain a working knowledge of the application of the scientific approach to problem solving, and basic lab skills. The eighth grade science student will study the following:
- Earth’s Hydrosphere:
Students will study the structure, properties, and monitoring of the hydrosphere. We will study water distribution on earth. Focus will be given to surface and ground water. Students will study the water cycle in detail from the point of precipitation to the point of evaporation. We will discuss the importance of water quality and methods of monitoring.
- Introduction to the Periodic Table and Chemical Interactions:
Students will study the Periodic Table and learn how elements are classified. We will discuss the physical and chemical properties of elements. Students will learn how to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. The law of conservation of matter will be stressed. We will discuss the effects of chemicals on living organisms.
- Evolution:
Students will study evolution theories as an explanation for the distribution of living organisms on Earth. We will study land formations and discuss major geological events and the global impact. We will discuss evidence of evolution according to Darwinian theories as well as Biblical evidence.
- Cells:
Students will study the cell theory, and will learn that all living things are composed of cells. We will focus on the composition of plant and animal cells and the functions of organelles within the cell. Students will study the life functions of four protists: Euglena, Amoeba, Paramecium and Volvox.
- Microbes:
Students will learn about the natures of microbes, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, contagions, and mutagens. Focus will be given to the conditions necessary for microbes to grow and reproduce. We will discuss the impact of microbes on living organisms.
Textbook Glencoe/McGraw-Hill. Science Voyages: Exploring
the Life, Earth, and Physical. @2000
Required Materials Pens and pencils
3-ring binder
notebook paper
bound composition book
paper towels
access to a computer and the Internet
Major Course Objectives
Major course objectives as stated by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study can be located at www.ncpublicschools.org. Abbreviations of the goals for the eighth grade science student according to the NCSCOS are as follows:
- Design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
- Build an understanding of the hydrosphere.
- Build an understanding of chemistry.
- Build an understanding of evidence of evolution in organisms and landforms.
- Build an understanding of the cell theory.
- Build an understanding of microbiology.
Major performance expectations include the following:
- The student will maintain an organized notebook, and will include all notes, vocabulary, section assessment, chapter assessment and resource material assignments.
- The student will maintain a Science Journal as directed by instructor. Entries will be recorded by date. Journal entries will be directed for all demonstrations as well as laboratory activities.
- The student will be expected to give verbal as well as written support for all explanations and answers.
- Students are expected to participate in class discussions and in all lab activities.
- Complete cooperation during lab activities will be required in accordance with the Science Safety Contract.
As instructional methodology, the teacher will:
- Relate scientific methods and technologies to encourage an understanding of the learning goals for the eighth grade science student.
- Include real world examples, and demonstrations to simplify concepts.
- Encourage students to think and communicate critically, analytically, and encourage inquiry.
Course Requirements and Grading
- Daily Grades: The average of daily grades will count the equivalent to one chapter test grade at the end of each six weeks grading period.
Daily grades will be taken for all homework assignments, group activities,
lab activities and classroom assignments. The lowest daily grade will be
dropped at the end of each six weeks grading period.
- Science Journal: The Science Journal grade will carry twice the weight of one daily grade.
Students will be required to maintain a science journal. All entries must have the date recorded. The content of the journal will be directed by the instructor. Students will be expected to write in complete sentences and support answers to questions.
- Chapter Test /Projects/Reports: Averaged equally at the end of each six weeks.
- Exams:
Students will be expected to take a chapter test not a cumulative exam during exam times. The test or exam will be weighted like a chapter test.
- Class Participation: One daily grade
All students will be encouraged to participate during class discussions. Questions related to the subject matter will be welcomed. Participation by everyone will increase the opportunity for learning. Students will be expected to participate during all group and lab activities.
Classroom Policies and Procedures
The student is expected to comply with the requirements as stated in the Harrells Christian Academy Student Handbook at all times.
- Attendance:
Attendance is required. In the event that the student is absent or is leaving school early for any reason, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain all missed notes and information. All assigned work will be due before leaving or upon the student’s arrival after an absence.
- Classroom Conduct:
- Students should be prepared for class each day with required materials.
- Students are expected to be respectful to their classmates.
- Students should keep hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.
- There should be no inappropriate language, name calling, or racial slurs.
- Students are expected to be in class by or before the tardy bell.
- Science Safety Contract:
All students and a guardian will be required to sign a science safety contract. There will be group lab activities. Complete cooperation is necessary in order to participate and maximize these learning opportunities. This can be a fun, hands-on learning experience. Misbehavior such as horse-play, loud talking, or misuse of materials will not be tolerated.
- Sharpening pencils:
Pencils should be sharpened at the beginning of class. If a student’s pencil breaks during class, the student may sharpen their pencil. Please be respectful. This should not be an opportunity to disrupt the class.
- Using the restroom:
Students will be encouraged to use the restroom between classes. If a
student needs to go during class they will be expected to (one at a time) sign
out upon leaving the classroom (date, name, time out) and sign in upon
return (time in). It will not be necessary to ask permission.
Failure to Comply with Classroom Polices and Procedures
Consequences:
- First offense: Offense will be documented, and student will be given verbal warning.
- Second offense: Offense will be documented, and parent will be notified.
- Third offense: Offense will be documented, and Friday school will be assigned.
- Fourth offense: Offense will be documented, and student will be referred to administration.
Course Schedule
All assignments will be posted with due dates in a designated area of the classroom. Assignment, quiz, test, project, and report due dates will be posted in the class and on the class web page. Specific expectation requirements will be provided along with each project and report. |
