SCIENCE 8
"Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination"
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Course Overview
This course provides students with a rigorous exploration of the universe. We will take a constructive approach to learning, where students construct their own knowledge from scientific investigations, multimedia lessons, internet research, and in-depth class discussions. Students will strengthen their inquiry skills by designing experiments and communicating their results. As we move towards a project-based proficiency curriculum, students will be the drivers of their education and given choice on topics and presentation styles that best fit with their learning style and interests. Students will become reflective learners that understand how they learn best thus promoting life-long learners. We begin the course by cycling back through major Astronomy and Earth Science topics covered in sixth grade but this year we dig deeper into gravity, the search for the goldilock planet, and terraforming other planets. We will explore the theme of Water from many perspectives and discuss Earth's carrying capacity and wide use of natural resources. We then explore introductary Chemistry and Physics topics and focus on chemical vs physical changes, conservation of mass, force, and motion. Stay tuned for a complete course outline and assignments Course Materials Students should bring the following materials everyday: Composition notebook Pen/pencil Folder to hold loose papers Course Texts and Media: Science Explorer, Pearson Prentice Hall (Various multimedia sources including online science journals, magazines, newspapers, videos, and movies). **Our understanding of the world is constantly changing so we try to keep up on the most current information out there** Grading/Assessment Grading breakdown 50% Labs/projects/assignments 25% Quizzes/Tests 25% Habits of work - Participation/attitude/preparedness/organization Students are given ample time to complete class assignments, however some students work better at home or after school, so homework will be relative to each student and how they learn best. Students are always encouraged to resubmit work till proficiency is reached. Grades are posted weekly on Web2School and available to view at any time. (Grades from the previous week are usually posted on Monday of the following week.) Parents can get log-in information from the office. Assignments are posted daily on the classroom board. I encourage students to use a planner but a quick picture on their phone is another strategy that works for students. I will be maintaining a class website this year so parents can see what we are up to in class. Unit overviews and assignments will be updated as needed. Extra Credit/Enrichment Extra credit is always available for students that are putting forth effort and want to bring up their grade or explore a scientific topic for enrichment. Extra credit is not available for students with incomplete classwork, or for those who are not putting forth effort in class. Gain teacher approval before beginning your extra credit project. Assistance I am always available to students and parents before, during, or after school. Due to various school meetings and personal obligations, prior arrangement is the best way to guarantee a face to face meeting, however I can always be reached by email or school phone. |