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8th Grade Science Syllabus

Ms. Dean A-110
Prep Hour: 1:25 2:15p.m.
Email address: Kelly.dean@southfieldk12.org
8800 ext.6286

School phone#: 248-746-

Course Description: Eighth grade students should be versed in many key

concepts and principles. They should be progressing to the ability to think
scientifically. Therefore, the curriculum will focus on challenging and expanding that
knowledge base to critical thinking, problem solving and real-world solutions.
Students study earth and physical science concepts. They identify and describe
forces and motion of objects and make everyday application of concepts such as
velocity, acceleration and work in relation to Newtons Laws of Motion. They study
the earth, its major spheres, the sources of energy and how human interactions
impact the environment and the conditions of those spheres. Students compare and
contrast surface water and groundwater systems and describe interactions between
the oceans and atmosphere, global and regional climates. They explore the various
conditions associated with the formation of severe weather, seasonal variations in
severe weather, social impact and human industrialization. Students will also
examine the mechanisms and major gases associated with the Greenhouse effect,
consequences of significant changes in climate and the global warming controversy.
Classroom Requirements: Students will be on time, prepared and have their
spiral notebook and folder /binder, pencil/pen with them at all times. No one will be
permitted to go to his or her locker. Students are expected to work during class time
since some work cannot be done at home. Students are expected to work together
in groups in a cooperative manner. Misuse of materials during labs will prohibit a
student from participation in future labs. Materials that are broken during labs will
be charged to the student at the teachers discretion.
Materials needed: (*additional suggested supplies)
Spiral notebook
* Elmers glue *Colored pencils * Loose-leaf paper
Science Folder
* Scissors *Markers *Earbuds (optional) *USB
Drive (optional)
Science Binder
**Kleenex and/or hand sanitizer = Extra Credit
Pencils
Blue or Black (only) ink pens
Make-up policy: Make-up work is allowed for absent students only. Students
attending school approved functions/ fieldtrips are still held accountable for
requesting and completing their work. Failure to do so will result in the assignment

being late. Students who do not complete their assignment for any other reason will
be considered late. All late assignments must be submitted no later than one week
from the day issued and will receive up to 65.5%. Any assignment turned in after
the one week period will not be accepted.
Behavior Policy: Respect for the teacher, classmates and classroom are highly
expected in this classroom. This would include following the Student Code of
Conduct, Classroom expectations, and common courtesies as well. Misbehavior in
the classroom will first result in a verbal warning. The second offense will result in a
phone call home. The third offense will result in an after school detention. The
fourth offense results in a referral to administration. Parents will be contacted often
to help in the discipline of their child.
Textbooks: Students will use the Glencoe/McGraw Hill: Physical Science with Earth
Science . It is their responsibility to find a safe location to store and use at home. A
class copy is available for daily use. We also will use Pearson: Force and Motion &
Science Technology texts. They can be accessed online for student use:
Go to https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/login.jsp
8th Grade: username: 8Birney password:Science8
Grading policy:
Classwork/homework
20% of total grade
Quizzes
20% of total grade
Tests
30% of total grade
Projects/Notebooks/Binders
30% of total grade
*All grades are posted in MiStar
District-wide grading scale
Students will receive a grade for each card marking. At the end of the year the four
card-marking grades will be averaged to determine a final grade.
94-100 A
90-93 A-

88-89 B+
84-87 B
80-83 B-

78-79 C+
74-77 C
70-73 C-

68-69 D+
64-67 D
60-63 D-

0-59 F

During the course of the year we watch different movies to bring to life the
information we are learning in class. Students review the information they have
already learned as well as learn the new information the films present. In addition,
students are asked to identify the science and science fiction in these movies with
the intention of making them more aware of how science is often distorted in
modern media. At this time we have the following movie scheduled during the
course of the year.

Finding Nemo
Indiana Jones and Raiders of the Lost Ark

The Day After Tomorrow

Superman
Twister
Impact Man

Please indicate if you have any objection to your student watching this movie. If no
objections are written I will assume your student is free to watch the movie listed
above. Thank you.

Please return this agreement to Ms. Dean by Monday, September

15th.

I have read the policies and procedures for Ms. Deans Science class and agree to
follow them.
Class Hour:_____________
Students Name
Printed:__________________________________________________________________
Students
Signature:____________________________________________________Date:_____________
Parent/Guardian
Signature:___________________________________________Date:_____________
Parent/Guardian Name Printed:
_________________________________________________________
Home Phone:________________________________ Cell Phone:__________________________
Work Phone:________________________________
Parent Email:_________________________________________________________________