School Year __2017- 2018__________

Course Name 8th Grade Physical Science Course Code Team 8B

Salem Middle International
School Name Teacher Name Mr. Kyle Jarvis
Baccalaureate World School
Mrs. Maya Jones

School Phone (678) 676-9402 Teacher Email kyle_jarvis@dekalbschoolsga.org

Number maya_keen@dekalbschoolsga.org

School Website http://www.salemms.dekalb.k12.ga.us Teacher http://sciencewithjarvis.weebly.com

Website http://keenmaya.wix.com/scientist-site

Course Description
This course will allow students to explore and expand their knowledge and understanding in common domains of Physical
Science including the Nature of Matter, Forces and Motion of Objects, Energy & its Transformations, and the Nature of
Waves. Once students gain knowledge and understanding of concepts related to these domains, learning activities target
the application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the concepts learned. This course is designed to integrate creativity,
cooperative learning, and critical thinking with student awareness and ownership of learning. The Characteristics of Science
(Scientific Method & Process Skills) is practiced and applied throughout the course.

Curriculum Overview
The following academic concepts will be covered. THIS IS ONLY A GUIDE AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Unit 1 Structure and Properties of Matter

S8P1 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structure and properties of matter.

Unit 2 Principles of Energy and Matter

S8P2 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments that
energy can transform from one form to another within a system.

Unit 3 Motion
S8P3 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about cause and effect relationships between force, mass, and the
motion of objects.

Unit 4 Waves
S8P4 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to support the claim that electromagnetic (light) waves behave
differently than mechanical (sound) waves.

Unit 5 Force
S8P5 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about gravity, electricity, and magnetism as major forces acting in
nature.

BOARD-APPROVED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Title
Georgia Science-Glencoe
ISBN
978-0078778469
Replacement Cost $67.75
Online book and/or resources
Georgia Science-Glencoe
http://connected.mcgraw-hill.com
Online student access code (school specific)
Student Access Code: 1HJX-8PF5-J4MQ

GRADING SYSTEM: The DeKalb County School District believes that the most important assessment
of student learning shall be conducted by the teachers as they observe and evaluate students in
the context of ongoing classroom instruction. A variety of approaches, methodologies, and
resources shall be used to deliver educational services and to maximize each students
opportunity to succeed. Teachers shall evaluate student progress, report grades that represent
the students academic achievement, and communicate official academic progress to students and
parents in a timely manner through the electronic grading portal. See Board Policy IHA.

GRADING CATEGORIES *GRADE PROTOCOL

A 90 100 ~P (pass)
Formative Assessment (Pre-Assessment) 0%
B 80 89 ~F (fail)
Assessment During Learning 25%
C 71 79
Guided, Independent, or Group Practice 45%
D 70
Summative Assessment or Assessment of Learning 30%
F Below 70

Notes:
*English Learners (ELs) must not receive numerical or letter grades for the core content areas in
elementary and middle school during their first year of language development. A grade of CS or
CU must be assigned. This rule may be extended beyond the first year with approval from the EL
Studies Program. English Learners must receive a grade for ESOL courses.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS

Semester progress reports shall be issued four and a half, nine and
thirteen and a half weeks into each semester. The progress of students
shall be evaluated frequently and plans shall be generated to remediate
STUDENT PROGRESS
deficiencies as they are discovered. Plans shall include appropriate
interventions designed to meet the needs of the students. See Board
Policy IH.
Students will not engage in an act of academic dishonesty including, but
not limited to, cheating, providing false information, falsifying school
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY records, forging signatures, or using an unauthorized computer user ID
or password. See the Code of Student Conduct - Student Rights
and Responsibilities and Character Development Handbook.
Homework assignments should be meaningful and should be an
application or adaptation of a classroom experience. Homework is at all
HOMEWORK times an extension of the teaching/learning experience. It should be
considered the possession of the student and should be collected,
evaluated and returned to the students. See Board Policy IHB.
When a student is absent because of a legal reason as defined by
Georgia law or when the absence is apparently beyond the control of the
MAKE-UP WORK
DUE TO ABSENCES student, the student shall be given an opportunity to earn grade(s) for
those days absent. Make-up work must be completed within the
designated time allotted. See Board Policy IHEA.
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS FOR SUCCESS
1. Come to class prepared with your agenda and materials.
2. Remain seated and prepared for learning.
3. Listen and follow directions the 1st time given.
4. Turn in work on time (this includes make-up work).
5. Keep up with your belongings (including books and other supplies).
6. Show respect for yourself and others through your words and actions.
CLASSROOM 7. Raise your hand to ask/answer questions.
EXPECTATIONS 8. Cell phones must be powered off and kept in students backpacks or lockers
throughout the school day. Salem Middle and teachers are not held
responsible for lost or stolen electronics (iPods, cell phones, cameras, etc.).
9. Adhere to school dress code.
10. Allow your teachers or parents to help you solve conflicts before
consequences become serious.
11. Keep your work area clean.

2 Spiral 100 Sheet One Subject Notebook (for Science Only)

2 Three Prong Folder with Packets (for Science Only)
2 Glue sticks
Pencils
Pens (Only blue or black ink)
MATERIALS AND 1 Pkg. of Index Cards
SUPPLIES Scissors
Loose Leaf Paper
Colored Pencils
Multi-Colored Highlighters
Headphones
1 USB Drive (Can be used for all classes)
 Any opportunity afforded to students to ensure mastery of required standards.
EXTRA HELP Suggested safety nets may include but are not limited to: before and after school
tutorial, special projects, teacher tutorials, technology based projects, research and
other extended learning opportunities.
PARENTS AS PARTNERS

PLEASE SIGN BELOW AND RETURN

I have read and understand the syllabus.

Student Name (Print):_____________________________________________________________

Student Signature:___________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (Print):____________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________________________________

Date:_____________________________

Additional information to support continued contact:

Information Parent/Guardian
Day Time Phone Number

Cellular Phone Number

Home Phone Number

Email Address