Griffin Middle School Eighth Grade Physical Science 2012-2013 1st Nine Weeks

Unit 1: The Nature of Matter - Topic 1: Classification of matter. Students will distinguish between atoms and molecules and describe the difference between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures. Topic 2: States of Matter. Students will describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and plasma states. Topic 3: Properties and changes of matter. Students will distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as physical (i.e. density, melting point, boiling point) or chemical (i.e. reactivity, combustibility), distinguish between changes in matter as physical (i.e. physical change) or chemical (development of a gas, formation of a precipitate, and change in color) and identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter. Topic 4: Periodic table. Students will recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have similar properties as shown on the Periodic Table of Elements. Grading Tests/Projects Classwork/Homework Quizzes/Checkpoints Participation 40% 30% 20% 10% Grading Scale A B C D F 90-100% 80-89% 74-79% 70-73% 69% and below

Requirements: Parents please initial that you have reviewed the requirements with your child. 1. Each day students must bring a separate spiral notebook and a two-pocket folder with fasteners and loose-leaf notebook paper. This notebook and folder must contain only Science materials. Students will need a total of 2 spiral notebooks, 70 pages, or a two subject notebook and 5 pocket folders, one for each unit. ______ 2. Students must have blue or black pens and pencils. No gel pens please! ______ 3. Students must have highlighters and markers. ______ 4. Students must make up all work when he/she is absent. It is the students responsibility to check Mrs. Hart-Cheatum's blog during homeroom or at home for missed assignments. ______ 5. All makeup quizzes and tests are to be scheduled with the teacher before school or after school. The teacher reserves the right to provide alternate tests or assessments for those who miss a scheduled in-class test. ______ 6. All assignments must be turned in on time. The grade deduction for late work is 5% per day. ______ 7. Students will be allowed a second opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the standards on any summative assessment. However, a student must complete a study contract and an alternative assessment will be given. The maximum value for a re-test is 90%. The study contract and re-test must be completed within 10 days of the return of the original

assessment. Re-tests will be administered in the morning prior to homeroom in order that class time is not missed and there are no disruptions. ______ 8. Students must use their agendas to record homework assignments. Agendas are also used for passes. Lost agendas can be purchased at the front office for $5.00. ______ 9. Technology is used frequently in the classroom. Students must remain on websites that relate to the assignment that is being worked on in the Science class. Noncompliance will result in a ban of technology use in the classroom. ______ 10. Cell phones and IPods are not permitted during class time. If a student is sick they may use the telephone in the clinic. If a student has their cell phone out, it will be taken up and locked up in the front office for a parent to pick it up. ______ 11. Students have the option to complete an assignment, without using technology (ex. PowerPoint, MovieMaker, MS Word, etc.). Technological problems are not an excuse for late work. ______ 12. Plagiarism, which is stealing a writers words without crediting the source, will result in a grade of zero. ______ 13. Food and carbonated drinks are not allowed in class. Students are allowed to drink water during class. ______ This syllabus is a guide and is subject to change. Please sign and return this form by the next class meeting. ____________________________________________________________________ I have read and I understand the syllabus and course requirements for Science.

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Email: Suzanne.Hart-Cheatum@cobbk12.org Text: Holt Science & Technology Physical Science Replacement Cost: $70.75