TH

San Jose Middle School

Grade Physical Science Course Syllabus

Mrs. Santamorena dsantamorena@nusd.org

(415) 883-3203 Room B-1

Dear Parents and Students!

I would like to welcome you and your child to 8th grade physical science. I am looking forward to
getting to know your child this year as they learn more about how our world works in regards to
foundational level chemistry and physics. This course will include a variety of learning strategies
including hands-on discovery, open-ended labs, project based learning, independent projects, and
Socratic seminar. Students will be challenged to think deeply with complexity throughout the year.
In preparation for high school, eighth grade students will achieve much in science this year in terms of
academic growth, greater independence, and increased responsibility. Good communication between
parent, teacher, and student is very important for your childs academic growth. As such, to facilitate
communication between the classroom and home, you can see what your scholar is learning in class on
the class website at www.scienceconnection.weebly.com. Please do not hesitate to contact me anytime
regarding your childs progress in science this year.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Santamorena, M.Ed.
8th Grade Science Teacher, Department Chair
MfA UC Berkeley Master Teacher Fellow
Class Materials:
Below is the suggested/recommended supply list that your student will need for physical science.

Independent reading book (must be kept in backpack everyday for every class)
Several #2 pencils (sharpened before class)
Hand held pencil sharpener (no electric or battery operated sharpeners allowed in class)
Lined loose leaf binder paper (no spiral notebooks)
3 ring binder get one sturdy, BIG binder for all classes (2 or 3 inches!)
Subject dividers for binder, label one divider SCIENCE
Self-adhesive reinforcement labels (to repair holes in binder paper)
****Helpful to also have calculator and colored pencils

Curriculum Materials:
Students will have access to an online state adopted textbook. The textbook will primarily be
used as a resource. Optionally, a hardcover textbook is available to be checked out and kept at
home. It is the students responsibility to keep this book for the year and in good condition. A
fee will be assessed for missing or damaged textbooks at the end of the year.
Focus on Physical
Science. (2008).
Pearson PrenticeHall; Boston, MA.

Grading Policy:
Grades are weighted at 50% formative (practice) and 50% summative (mastery). Progress reports will be
accessible online approximately every five/six weeks. Whenever a student science grade falls below a C- after the
second Progress Report for either semester, a parent/teacher conference will be arranged and/or a written report
will be sent home. Grades will be posted periodically in the classroom for student view. Grades can be checked at
any time through Aeries at http://eweb.nusd.org/abi/defaulthome.htm.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS

Student Responsibilities:
Students are expected to be RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE at all times. You are to be seated and ready to
work before the second bell rings. You must come prepared with materials and completed homework, engage in
class appropriately, and work hard to prepare for college.
Behavior Policy:
See the SJMS planner for the school behavior policy. Poor behavior in the classroom may result in the loss of lab
privileges in science.
Homework:
Completing homework is not optional! Homework is posted in the classroom and written in the science section of
the classroom binder daily. It is part of the class routine to write the homework in your science binder daily.
A student who has done his or her homework is prepared in class to hear explanations of what he or she has had
trouble with at home. A student without completed homework loses twiceboth in learning through reinforcement
and in listening to explanations in class. Homework that is not completed on time may be completed in Credit
Recovery before the next science class for full credit. After that time, the maximum credit available for late
homework is 75%.
Projects:
In class or at home projects will receive a maximum of 75% if turned in past the assigned due date.
Absence Policy:
Students are held accountable for all missed work. Upon return to school, it is the STUDENTS
RESPONSIBILITY to take the initiative to find out what work was missed. Missed work can be found by checking
the Classroom Binder (where assignments are written daily) and the Lost and Found crate (where handouts
are filed). An alternate assignment is available for missed labs. The same number of days as absent is available to
make up any missing assignments. After that time, the maximum credit available for late missed work is 75%.

Tips for Success:

Keep track of your assignments in your agenda. Plan ahead and organize your free time
accordingly.
Do all assignments! This is not optional! Much of the material in this class builds on prior
material. You will understand current work if you have completed prior work. Dont let
yourself get behind!

If you need help, ask! Im available before school, during lunch, and after school by
appointment. Please dont hesitate to come see me! I want you to be successful and will
do whatever I can to help you achieve success.

Keep this page in your binder for reference.