Ms. Stilfield 8 th grade Rm. B-1

Purpose of this class Physical science is the study of matter, energy, and the changes they undergo. This class is designed to provide basic coverage of physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Students will do hands-on investigative labs and activities.

Textbook The textbook is Focus on Physical Science by Prentice Hall. There will be a class set of textbooks and each student will receive a textbook and science workbook for their use.

What will students learn about this year? Investigation and Experimentation (August and all year) –Scientific Method –Scientific measurement, lab equipment, and lab safety

Chemistry (September-January) Structure and properties of matter Elements and the periodic table Chemical reactions Chemistry of living systems

Physics (January-April)   Energy and matter   Motion   Forces

Density and Buoyancy Density and Buoyancy (April) - Why things sink or float -Calculating the density of objects _Forces related to buoyancy - Why things sink or float -Calculating the density of objects _Forces related to buoyancy Sample problems:

Astronomy (May-June) The solar system, galaxies, and the universe The solar system, galaxies, and the universe Moon phases Moon phases The sun and star life cycles The sun and star life cycles

QUESTIONS

What is the most important part of your child’s grade? Tests and quizzes Tests and quizzes Interactive Scientific Notebook (ISN) Interactive Scientific Notebook (ISN) Lab reports Lab reports Class participation Class participation

Grade Scale GradeMarkPercent ExemplaryA90-100% OutstandingB80-89% SatisfactoryC60-69% No Mark/ Unsatisfactory NM0-59%

QuizzesStudents will have 1-4 quizzes per unit; about once per week. TestsStudents will have 1 test at the end of the unit. FinalsStudents will have 5 finals this year covering several units

Interactive Scientific Notebook Students will keep worksheets, notes, and most classwork in a spiral notebook. Study GuidesStudents complete and turn in a study guide for every test/quiz. LabsLabs will be graded on the following: participation in lab ability and willingness to follow directions and work cooperatively the student’s “good” use of lab time, observance of safety rules and procedures successful completion of the lab report. CalendarStudents must write the homework in a calendar. Other WorkTest/Quiz corrections will be used for every exam. Students will reflect on why they missed a question. Any other class work or homework.

What is this Interactive Science Notebook all about? AVID strategy Most class work goes into the ISN. Reinforces learning Helps students to stay organized so they can study easily. Graded once every unit. Approximately every 3 weeks.

What is the class website? om/ om/ om/ om/ Website for students to access class assignments, PowerPoints, and current events. Website for students to access class assignments, PowerPoints, and current events. Go to the school website. Go to academies. Click on Ms. Stilfield class calendar. Go to the school website. Go to academies. Click on Ms. Stilfield class calendar. Class Website Class Website

What do I do if my child is absent? 1.Check my website (you can download most assignments and PowerPoints) 1. me if your child will be absent for more than 1 week. 2.If your child is absent for a test, he/she may make it up within 1 week of returning.

What happens if my child fails a test? Test grades are generally final; however, exceptions can be made for special circumstances. There are no quiz re-takes. Students must do a test correction for each test that will be signed by parents.

What should my child bring every day? Interactive Scientific Notebook! Something to write with Good attitude Inquisitive mind

What about homework? Class work that is unfinished Study guides Lab reports Projects Weekly ISN reflection

What if the homework is late or not turned in? Late work is accepted with a 10% deduction in points each day it is late. If work is not turned in, students will receive a zero. No names are not accepted. Look in their student planner or on the class website to find their homework assignment.

Why is this class important? Students will learn state standards to prepare them for the CST at the end of the year. Preparation for science in high school and college. Learn to think scientifically Learn proper lab techniques and technical writing. “True learning is experience, everything else is just information” - Albert Einstein

How to contact me… CONTACT ME : a link is on the class website I am available to students at lunch, during advisory, or after school. Students may also contact me by after school hours and I will try to respond by the next day. I am available to students at lunch, during advisory, or after school. Students may also contact me by after school hours and I will try to respond by the next day.

8 th grade Science Wish List