1. Curriculum Night 2014 8 th Grade Science Mrs. Zuffante Room 105

2. Mrs. Dawn Zuffante Contact Information dawnzuffante@sd54.org 847-357-6769 Additional information can be found at my classroom website: frost.sd54.org/dzuffante Credentials Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology -National College of Education Master’s Degrees – – National Louis University – Master of Arts in Teaching – Dominican University – Educational Administration – Benedictine University – Reading and Literacy Licenses - Elementary Education, Reading Specialist, and Administrative – Endorsements in General Science, Social Science, and Language Arts – Coursework in Gifted Education

3. ` 95 Culture 95 Math 95 Reading

4. Science

5. Curriculum The Scientific Method Physics and Energy Astronomy Environmental Science - Human Impacts

6. Curriculum Topics in Detail Scientific Method Physics and Energy – Forces and motion – Friction – Gravity – Electricity and electromagnetism – Kinetic vs. potential energy Astronomy – Planets – Formation of the Earth, moon, sun, stars, asteroids, and comets – Seasons Environmental Science/Human Impacts – Natural resources (renewable vs. nonrenewable) – Energy forms and generation (fossil fuels and alternative energy) – Human impact on the environment

7. Balanced Science Instruction Daily Bell/Word Work – 5-10 min Content based with connection to sequence of literacy skills and/or word work Daily Shared Reading/Content – 15- 20 min Whole group skill and/or strategy instruction Teacher Modeling and/or Think Aloud Content Objective Instruction Informational Text Objective Instruction Daily Writing – 15-20 min Shared Independent

8. Support

9. Structure of the Course Bell Ringers/Learning Log Homework - http://sd54.org/Frosthttp://sd54.org/Frost Labs Quizzes Tests/Common Assessments Participation (Effort, Cooperation, Being Prepared for Class)

10. Grading System – Based on points Extra credit opportunities are offered throughout each trimester TaskPointsPercentage Tests (2-3 per trimester)100 points20% Quizzes (6-9 per trimester)25 points25% Homework and LabsHomework – 10 pts. Labs – 50 pts. 50% Participation50 points5%

11. Grading System – (continued) Common Assessments – Cut-off score is 75% – If a student needs to be retaught and retested, a score of 75% will be received after meeting or exceeding the cut-off score on the test. Reteaching and retesting will most often occur after school. Labs – If a student is absent on a lab day, he/she will be exempt from the assignment but they will still be responsible for learning the information. Assignments – All are due on the due date given!

12. Infinite Campus-Parent Portal Please check grades weekly to see how your child is doing and whether they are missing any assignments The grade under trimester will calculate into a final grade - this will change continuously as new grades are added

13. TEXTBOOKS A hard copy was given to each student on August 29 An on-line version is available at this website: – www.my.hrw.com www.my.hrw.com – User Name: dzuffante – Password: x9a8n The students received this information on Tuesday, September 2 nd on a blue card that should be taped into their assignment notebooks

14. TEACHER-PARENT COMMUNICATION Please feel free to email or call me with questions or concerns or to provide me with information about your child I will do my best to respond within 24 hours

15. Thank YOU! Your child and I appreciate your attendance this evening! Together, we can make this a wonderful year of discovery and learning!

16. Frost Strong: Our Best Selves