Joel C.

Harris Academy
8
th
Grade Science Syllabus, 2014 2015
Mrs. S. Kelly [email protected]
1. 8
th
Grade Science General Requirements
One credit for successful completion of this course; Prerequisite: None.
The 8
th
Grade Science STAAR Test will be administered in April 2015.

2. Course Goals
Science, as defined by the National Academy of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to construct testable
explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this
process." 8
th
Grade Science students will demonstrate the following science practices:
The student can use representations and models to communicate scientific phenomena and solve
scientific problems.
The student can use mathematics appropriately.
The student can engage in scientific questioning to extend thinking or to guide investigations within
the context of the course.
The student can plan and implement data collection strategies in relation to a particular scientific
question.
The student can perform data analysis and evaluation of evidence.
The student can work with scientific explanations and theories.
The student is able to connect and relate knowledge across various scales, concepts, and
representations in and across domains.

3. Course Outline -
First Semester Second Semester
Nature of Science
The Atom
The Periodic Table
Chemical Formulas & Equations
Density
Force & Motion
Newtons Laws
Plate Tectonics
Topography
Climatic Interactions
Origins of the Universe
Components of the Universe
The Universe Distances and Sizes
Earth-Moon-Sun
Environmental Interactions
Environmental Changes
Human Interactions on Oceans
STAAR Review & Readiness
STAAR Testing
Biology Readiness
High School Readiness


4. Grading Categories Grading Scale
ASSIGNMENTS 60%
Daily Assignments
Homework
Lab Reports
Journaling
Assessments 40%
Projects
Science Fair (Pre-AP and/or GT students)
Quizzes
Unit Assessments
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
75-79% = C
70-74% = D
69% and Below = F

5. Late Assignments - All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period. Other than excused
or prearranged absences, assignments handed in at any other time are considered late.
Penalties for late work: Deduction in grade with a maximum of 70%. After 5 days, late work will not be
accepted and the student will receive a 0% for that assignment with a comment entered into
gradebook. Students will demonstrate responsibility by turning in assignments on time every day.

6. Make-Up Assignments and Tests - Classwork missed due to an excused or prearranged absence
will be due within 5 days of the absence per district guidelines. There is a Make-Up Work station
located near the entrance of the classroom. It is the students responsibility to check the Make-Up Work
station (organized by day of the week) and complete any work that was missed. Make-up work will
become unavailable after the 5-day period. Students will be held accountable for completing make-up
work in a timely manner. Labs missed due to an excused absence must be made up within 5 days,
either in person or via virtual lab on the computer. It is the students responsibility to check with the
teacher in order to schedule a time to make up the lab before or after school. Quizzes or tests missed
due to an excused absence must be taken as soon as possible. Schedule a time before or after school
to take the test. Make-up tests will not be given during class time.

7. Assignment Requirements - All assignments must be completed on the paper specific to that
assignment. Only one copy of each assignment will be provided to each student. Lost assignments will
receive the same penalties as late assignments. Stay organized and keep your papers in your
Interactive Science Notebook or AVID binder. All assignments must be written in legible handwriting. All
work must be shown on assignments with attention to quality. Quality entails writing in complete
sentences, using scientific vocabulary, showing all calculations and steps, and following the proper
format for that assignment (for example, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning).

8. Science Fair Science Fair is a wonderful experience and is open to ALL students. All Pre-AP
Science and/or GT Science students will be required to participate in Science Fair as part of their
curriculum as well as their grade (it will fall under Projects). Parents, please note that if your child
participates in Science Fair they will be expected to meet all deadlines. Students will receive advanced
notice of these deadlines. They may need to spend time after school to work on their projects. They will
also need your continued support and encouragement. Participation in the campus Science Fair can
lead to participation in Junior Academy of Science and/or Alamo Regional Science & Engineering Fair,
as well as a deeper appreciation for science.

9. Expectations In order to be successful, students must study and bring school supplies to class
every day! These supplies include: Interactive Science Notebook (a composition notebook that will be
used on a daily basis), pencils with erasers, AVID binder, and other materials listed in the schools
supply list. Parents, it is your responsibility to maintain the required school supplies for your child
throughout the year. Students are expected to participate in class activities and collaborate with other
students, complete all assignments in a timely manner with attention to quality, follow the classroom
rules, and STUDY. Tutoring is available for any student who needs help. A tutoring schedule will be
posted in class with the topics being covered.
I will be reaching out to parents (via email, phone call, or surveys) throughout the year in regards to your
child. I encourage an open line of communication and you are welcome to contact me with any questions,
concerns, or suggestions for how we can collaborate. My expectations are high because I know our
students are capable of meeting or exceeding those expectations. Lets have a great year!
I have read and understand the requirements and expectations of this class.

Student Signature __________________________________________________ Date _____________

Parent Signature ___________________________________________________ Date _____________





Joel C. Harris Academy
School of Scientific Inquiry
Linking Together For Student Success
Mrs. S. Kelly
Room 135


1
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Period Science 8
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2
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Period Science 8
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3
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Period Science 8
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4
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Period Science 8
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5
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Period Science 8
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6
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Period Science 8
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7
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Period CONFERENCE



Every Student Valued