Mr. Hand’s 8th Grade Science Overview
Welcome to 8th Grade Science! Be
prepared to work hard and have a lot of fun this year! In each unit, you will
practice using science process skills (observation, experimentation etc.). Most
of the time, you will be learning by performing hands-on experiments and by
creating projects. You may create a few science movies, as well. At other
times, you will be learning by listening, writing and reading. The year breaks down as follows:
Units:
◊
Chemistry:
Properties
of matter, mixtures, pure substances, periodic table, atomic structure,
covalent bonding, ionic bonding and chemical reactions.
◊
Forces and
Motion: Inertia,
Fnet = MA, Newton’s 3rd Law, force, average speed,
centripetal force, gravity, momentum, acceleration, friction, energy
transformations, and equations.
◊
Genetics: Mendelian genetics, punnett squares, human
genetics, pedigrees, disease, DNA, genes, alleles, mitosis, meiosis, mutations,
natural selection and evolution.
◊
Energy: Energy transformations, roller
coasters, Work = Force x Distance,
power, weather, seasons, kinetic theory of matter, heat and temperature,
conduction, radiation, convection, and evaporation.
◊
Flight: Forces and
motion, energy, forces of flight, Bernoulli's principle, centripetal force,
model building, and the scientific method.
◊
Reproduction: The basic
structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems.
Class Expectations (25%): Work diligently. Go to your locker and the bathroom before class. Come
prepared with a notebook, a plan book and a pencil or a pen. A science notebook
is required for every class. Sit after you enter the room. Do not touch science
apparatus in the room until you are given permission. Listen carefully to all
directions. This is a lab safety issue! Your
notebook should be reviewed and studied daily. Compare your class notes to the
notes on Mr. Hand’s science site.
Quizzes (15%) Make-up
quizzes are often available. You may correct your mistakes and complete some
extra work to earn a better grade. Do not be satisfied with a low grade.
Homework (20%): Most of
our work will be done in class and therefore there will be relatively few
homework assignments. When you do receive homework, you will need to practice
skills and/or finalize observations made during class. For example, you may
need to complete a review guide for an upcoming test. It usually takes 20 to 45
minutes to complete an assignment. We will give you a couple of nights to
complete an assignment; this allows you the freedom to decide when to do your
homework. You will have up to a week to complete a bigger project. If you don’t
have any assigned work, take the time to compare your notes to the notes on the
science website.
It is your
responsibility to get any missed assignments if you are absent. Homework
completion affects your effort grade and it is taken into account when we make
high school science recommendations.
All work
must be handed in on time! If you have 2 or more missing
assignments, your Effort Grade will be no higher than Fair. For larger assignments, you may receive
partial credit depending on the assignment. Extensions must be arranged ahead
of time. In the case of an emergency, you may bring in a note from your parent
or guardian. For information about homework assignments, check the homework link on the science web page: mmsnet.org. Worksheets
and assignments can be printed from the website.
Tests (40%): Tests are
closed-notebook. Make up tests are sometimes available for online tests. Save
and study your quizzes! Review your Quia quizzes. Each unit test is derived from the quizzes.
2-3 quizzes are given before each unit test.
If you do well on the quizzes, you are bound to do well on the unit
test.
All units are cumulative. (You can’t
forget what you will have learned.) The mid-year exam is also cumulative. The
final exam is cumulative too, but it focuses mainly on the second half of the year. You will need to save your tests for
the midyear and final.
Behavior: Participate
and ask good questions! Raise your hand if you wish to speak. Listen politely
when others are speaking. Treat the science room, the furniture, and science
materials carefully. No horseplay.
Grading
(example): Weight Total points earned
Class work 25% 180/200
Quizzes 15% 92/100
Homework assignments 20% 85/100
Chemistry Final 40% 80/100
= 86% or B
A+ = 100%-98%, A = 97%-93%, A- =
92%-90%, B+ = 89%-87%, B=86%-84%, etc.
Website:
mmsnet.org Use the science
website to play Quia review games and to read information about the current
unit. Many quizzes and tests are similar to the review games. Look for mistakes
on the website for extra credit.
To check homework assignments: Check out information posted on the science
web site: Homework
If you are absent: It is
your responsibility to find out what you missed. You must check the science
website for Homework information (mmsnet.org). Worksheets
and assignments can be printed from the website.
Extra credit: Extra
credit and challenging alternative assignments will be available for every
unit. Take advantage of every opportunity.
Website Extra Credit: You can
receive extra credit if you notice an error on the website, or notice that some
information is missing. In either case, you should alert us in writing. You may
also email us. Email:
handj@mansfieldct.org
If you need help:
Play the
“QUIA” review games or read the notes at the science webpage—everything we do
is on there for you. We are always happy to help during x-block or after
school.
How to reach me:
Jon Hand
Leave a
message: 429-5004, extension 304
Email: Handjc@mansfieldct.org (remove
the c before mailing)