2011-12 Course Syllabus Grade 8 Physical Science: Ms. Trudie Pan Room 16, Voice mail: 510.351.

4957, extension 4541; trudiepan@ccs-rams.org Class webpage: https://sites.google.com/a/ccs-rams.org/pan/ * Ms. Trudie Pan is teaching on both Alameda and San Leandro campuses. She is available on San Leandro campus after school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 4pm. Please make an appointment prior to your visit. Course Description The year of eighth grade science consists of three parts: the study of matters (physics), how matter changes (chemistry) and the study of astrological bodies (astronomy). Students will be able to measure, calculate, and describe physical properties such as distance, speed, acceleration, velocity, mass, weight, density, buoyancy, etc. Students will be introduced to concepts in conservation of matter and energy, and to represent chemical changes in symbols. There will be great deal of time spent in lab experiments, where students sharpen their skills in collecting data, making measurements, exercising careful observation skills, formulating hypothesis, and analyzing data. Students success in the class also depends on their ability to read and write in grade level, especially in lab format. Students will be guided with hands-on activities, demonstrations, lectures, open-ended labs and group work. Textbook and Supplies Textbook: Focus on Physical Science: California Edition (Prentice Hall Science Explorer) [Student Edition]. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2001. ISBN# 013044345X (Hardcover) New copies may be purchased through MBS or CCS resale, available for resale.

Lab Gear: bring goggles and lab coat from last year; students are responsible to purchase disposable nitrile gloves; new pairs of goggles and lab coat may be purchased in class if needed General Supplies: 3 ring binder with 5 dividers that may be shared with other subjects, composition book, college ruled binder paper, pencils, eraser, green pen, metric transparent ruler, and calculator (Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS calculator is strongly recommended since it is required for high school math and science classes) Computer Technology: On a regular basis, be able to access Internet connected computer with word processing program (Microsoft Word strongly recommended, as most school computers are not compatible with .wps or OpenOffice files)

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Grading for Each Quarter Class and Homework - 40% Notebook will be checked periodically and graded based on completeness, data accuracy, organization, and neatness. Students are responsible to keep track of a complete table of contents, class notes, lab assignments, vocabulary, and chapter review assignments. There will be 3 to 4 entries per quarter. Around 3 to 4 workbook pages (WB) are assigned after class, which are aligned with textbook reading. There will be 7-10 entries per quarter. The monthly Science News is designed to enhance students scientific reading and writing skills. Students are required to read one article in Science News magazine each month and write summary and reflection based on the reading. Magazines can be checked out from CCS library. Science news assignment will be collected at the beginning of each month via email. Test Correction: Students need to make correction of each chapter test. There will be 1 entry per chapter, which adds up to around 3 to 4 per quarter. Labs and Projects 25% Laboratory reports include Cover Page, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Figures and Tables. There will be around two to three lab reports each quarter, either partial report with selected sections or complete report with all sections. Students will be working on individual science fair project in first semester and additional projects in second semester. See science fair packet for checkpoint dates and requirements. Tests - 35% Tests are given in format of multiple-choice questions and short answers. There will be 3 to 4 tests per quarter. Grading for Each Semester Q1 = Quarter 1 = 40% Q2 = Quarter 2 = 40% E1 = Semester Final (Cumulative Exam) = 20% Q1 (40%) + Q2 (40%) + E1 (20%) = S1 Q3 (40%) + Q4 (40%) + E2 (20%) = S2 Routines & Procedures Class Rules - Respect others. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of the classroom. - One-Voice Rule. Do not speak during instruction time, or when are speaking.

others

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Use a private voice when working in small groups or in pairs. Uphold all school rules. No hats, hoodies, MP3s, any electronic devices such as cell phones OFF. Consequences for Rule Violations - Verbal warning - Name recorded on board - Change seats - Parents will be contacted - Meet with administrator - Writing assignment - Referral Entering the Classroom - Enter in a quiet manner, there will be seating assignment. - Textbook, workbook, lab and general class supplies need to be readily accessible when the bell rings. Obtain all required materials before bell rings. - Sit down quickly and start working. - Wait for further instructions. Turning in work - Heading (follow the format on the papers upper right corner) - At instructors notice, turn in completed work to the person at the right of each row. Missing and Late Work Policy - Assignments are checked for completeness in class. Late work will receive up to 90% of total points, up to 2 days after due date. Late work turned in after 2 days will be accepted, but will receive up to 70% of total points. No late work will be accepted after last day of quarter. - Missing work will receive 40% of points and will be marked as M on Powerschool. The minimum score for any turned-in work is 50% of total points, if effort is being made. Such score is indicated on Powerschool as FT for failed test. - There are no retake exams or extra point assignments. Students need to turn in high quality work on time. The best way to get good grade is to keep track of assignments due dates and turn them in on time. It is a students responsibility to make sure assignments are complete, turned in, and recorded. Check Powerschool at least once every week. - Parents will be contacted via email or phone if student is missing more than 5 assignments, or receive lower than C- grade. Group Competition and Reward - In groups of 3 or 4 people, students will earn points through participation in class. - Points may be deducted for rule violations. - At the end of quarter, students have the opportunity to spend points as dollar amount on gifts. - Group scores are not recorded on Powerschool, but are used only as informal assessment for the teacher, and a tool to establish effective learning communities. -

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Restroom and Water Fountain - Raise hand. - Teacher acknowledges request. - Quickly take care of the business and return to seat. - Restroom use is limited to 5 times per quarter. - Never turn in work, stand up to use hole-puncher, stapler, or attempt to work on homework during instruction time. - Students can quickly and quietly use tissue paper or sanitize hands during class without interrupting class. Tardiness - Students who are more than 10 minutes late need to obtain tardy pass from the office or other teacher. Give pass to teacher upon entering classroom. - Follow procedures for entering the classroom. - Students who are not excused for tardy are in violation of class rule and will be given detention each time if they are tardy for more than twice a quarter. Absenteeism - Students with excused absences are allowed two days to complete assignments, weekends not included. Nevertheless, they are responsible to find out what they missed and make up work before notebook checks or assignments are due. Students need to arrange time with the instructor to make up tests during lunchtime or after school. - If an absence is to be expected, turn in work BEFORE class, or arrange work to be turned in before class. - Work is expected to be turned in on due dates if a students absence is unexcused. Unexcused absences will be recorded for school record and may impact students grade. Lab Work - Come with all lab gear. - Be ready to work. - Follow all safety guidelines. - Clean up after yourself, and help others as well. Emergency - STOP Stop, turn, and look - FREEZE Dont move a muscle - GO Line up outside the classroom Quarter Overview Quarter 1 1. Velocity, Speed, Acceleration, Slope, and Graphing 2. Forces, Newtons Laws of Physics 3. Friction 4. Gravity 5. Pressure Quarter 2 1. Work and Efficiency 2. Machines and Mechanical Advantage 3. Kinetic vs. Potential Energy 4. Conservation of Energy 5. Power

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

6. Density Quarter 3 1. Introduction to Matter 2. States of Matter 3. Behavior of Gas 4. Physical and Chemical Changes 5. Elements in Periodic Table 6. Describing and Controlling Chemical Reactions

6. Energy transfer Quarter 4 1. Atom 2. Chemical Bonding 3. Solutions 4. Acids and Bases 5. Biochemistry (Carbon Bonding) 6. Solar System 7. Galaxies

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

School Activities
Science Bowl (School-wide competition) Students will answer multiple-choice questions verbally The competition will be held at San Leandro campus in December. Competition is intense. Students will practice during lunch periods. Students will be recommended for the Regional Science Bowl. Regional Science Bowl Recommended students from the school-wide competition will attend the Regional Bowl. Science Bowl will be held on a Saturday in January/February. Students will be competing with other schools in the region. Competition is intense. Students will prepare during lunch periods. Science Fair (School-wide competition) 6th to 8th graders will join. Students will perform an approved experiment of their choice. Students will write a report and display the results at the San Leandro campus in January (judging will take place at that time). There will be one winner in each category and 3 winners across all categories in both Alameda and San Leandro campus. Regional Science Fair (San Francisco) First and sometimes second place winners from the school-wide fair in each category will have the opportunity to go to San Francisco. Winners from this competition have the chance to win scholarship money toward college (up to $50,000). Science Placement Students who participate in regular college track will be placed in Science 9 in freshman year. However, exceptions can be made for students who do exceptionally well across the board (especially in science and math classes). As a general guideline, students who wish to be placed in either biology or chemistry classes in freshmen year must earn at least an A- in this class in all quarter and semester grades. However, placement to biology or chemistry class is NOT guaranteed even with teachers recommendation. The decision will be based on recommendations from students every teacher, which is based on teachers understanding of students academic grade, willingness and ability to handle heavy workload.

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Letter to Parents
Dear parents/guardians, Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year at CCS! I will be your childs 8th grade science teacher. This year we will be studying a variety of exciting topics related to physical science. In order to help your child to be successful in science class, I encourage parents/guardians to be involved, too. The best way to do that is to do the following: - Review the course syllabus with your child. - Check your childs planner and Powerschool regularly, to verify that all assignments are completed, and to be prepared for any upcoming tests/projects. - Help your child find a quiet place to study. - Help your child stick to a schedule when tackling big projects. - Review for all tests / quizzes with your child and encourage he/she to come and ask questions if there is something that is still not completely understood. - Call or e-mail me (e-mail is preferred) in order to ask any questions. I look forward to meeting all of you soon. Thank you for your support! Sincerely Ms. Pan

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Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

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Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)

Parent/Guardian Name (print) ________________Parent Signature________________ Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone ________________ E-mail______________________

Grade 8-science-syllabus (9/5/11)