SCIENCE in the 8 th Grade: Focuses on the student becoming the “scientist” Uses the inquiry process to investigate and solve problems in an orderly way Applies the newly acquired knowledge to the world around us

EARTH SCIENCE The study of the Earth The earth functions as a whole and all it parts operate together in meaningful ways to make the planet work as a single unit. As we work through the science curriculum we will discuss how each topic of study connects to the Earth as a whole and incorporate related current events.

Why is Earth Science Important? Helps us to understand how natural forces shape our environment. Helps us forecast potential disasters. Provides clues to the past. Helps us to access resources and understand how to use them wisely.

4 TEXTBOOKS  DYNAMIC PLANET  ROCKS & LANDFORMS  CLIMATE & WEATHER  ENERGY RESOURCES (TEXTBOOKS DO NOT LEAVE THE CLASSROOM)

Class is

Students will complete a lab activity with an assigned group

Critical thinking questions will be answered based on the activity

Groups must work well together

You must DISCOVER solutions TOGETHER

Presentation of material & reinforcement is primarily DURING CLASS

There is a after each lab activity

TEST after each book

3-ring binder (Do Now-Classwork-Test Prep) Folder (with pockets) Loose-leaf paper

This must be AS ORGANIZED AS POSSIBLE!! Notebook pages from class will be NUMBERED These pages must be kept in CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER and brought to class every day SURPRISE notebook checks WILL be given

TEST PREP EVERY TUESDAY & THURSDAY due the following day (short answers, multiple choice, open-ended questions)

Assigned every MONDAY due the following MONDAY - Complete each assignment ONE TIME ONLY (no matter what the score)

is written on the front whiteboard in the classroom and on the website

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES LOCKDOWN Everyone must be out of view from the door AWAY FROM DOOR

LOCKOUT Continue regular classroom procedures until instructed further All doors closed & locked Shades closed No one enters the building due to an external danger

When instructed, exit the building Silent Fire Drill quickly & quietly Procedures & await will be followed: further instruction EVACUATION REMBEMBER to be SILENT !!!

*external environmental hazard* SHELTER IN PLACE Continue regular classroom procedures until instructed further All doors closed & locked, shades closed