1. Science 8 (Physical Science) Dr. M. Qafaiti

2. First Semester

3. Unit 1: Structure and Properties of Matter (10 weeks)  Physical and chemical properties of matter.  States of matter.  Atomic structure.  Molecular structure.

4. Unit 2: Chemical Reactions (5 weeks)  Regrouping of atoms to form new substances.  Signs of chemical reactions.  Chemical formulas.  Writing simple chemical equations, and balancing them.

5. Unit 3: Energy (3 weeks)  Potential energy (mass, height, and gravitational force).  Kinetic energy (mass, and velocity or speed).  Changing energy from one type into another (potential to kinetic, electrical to heat, etc.)

6. Second Semester

7. Unit 4: Forces and Interactions (10 weeks)  Forces; balanced and unbalanced.  Net forces on an object.  Gravitational forces, friction, elastic and compression.  Newton’s laws of Forces.

8. Unit 5:Space Systems: Earth’s Place in the Universe (3 weeks)  Earth’s motion, gravity, seasons, eclipses.  Galaxies, stars, solar system, planets, moons, meteorites, comets.  Formation and evolution of the universe.

9. Unit 6: Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation (3 weeks)  Characteristics of mechanical and electromagnetic waves.  Relationship of amplitude and energy of a wave.  Reflection, absorption, and transmission of waves through materials.

10. Unit 7: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Prevention Education (2 weeks)  Causes and consequences of HIV and other STD infections.  Effect of these diseases on human body.  Resisting pressure and avoiding risky behaviors.

11. Grading Categories  1) Homework 10%  2) Classwork 60%  3) Tests 30%

12. Grading Policy Classroom assignments, homework, chapter and unit assessments  A 100-90%  B 89-80%  C 79-70%  D 69-60:  F 59% and below Classroom Behavior : participation, readiness to learn, cooperation, following class rules, attendance and punctuality O Outstanding S Satisfactory N Needs Improvement U Unsatisfactory

13. Communication:  1) Send me a note with your child.  2) Call the school (714-480-4100) and leave me a message.  3) Email me at: mike.qafaiti@sausd.us