Renaissance Middle School

7155 Hall Road

Fairburn, Georgia 30213
Ms. Creseda Hawk, Principal
Priscilla Branch, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
School Phone: (470) 254-4330 Fax: (470) 254-4338

Physical Science: 2017-2018

Instructional Syllabus

Teachers: Mrs. Fletcher, Mrs. Telfort, Mrs. Hicks, Mrs. Goggins

Contact: fletcherc@fultonschools.org, Telfort@fultonschools.org, hickst3@fultonschools.org;
gogginsc@afultonschools.org

I. Course Description for 8th Grade Physical Science:

The 8th Grade Physical Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to
transition from elementary physical science standards to high school physical science standards (see
Fulton County System-wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to
provide students with an introductory overview of the common concepts in physical science including but
not limited to the nature of matter, laws of conservation of matter and energy, motion, forces, and energy
transformation. These concepts are investigated through observing, collecting, summarizing, analyzing,
and presenting, results of scientific investigations and fieldwork designed for students to develop the
appropriate skills in science as inquiry.

II. Georgias 8h Grade Physical Science Georgia Standards of Excellence:

By the end of the eighth grade, students will understand the following concepts:

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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 III. Textbook and Materials: Textbook: Holt Physical Science

Students must bring to class daily: textbook, notebook (3 ring binder), pencils, and paper.
As teachers, we expect the students to come to class prepared and ready to learn.
In the event the textbook becomes destroyed, lost, or stolen; a payment of $70.75. (cash or money order
only)

Online Textbook access site: https://my.hrw.com/

IV. Grading Scheme: This class will adhere to Fulton County Grading Policy that consists of the
following grading scale:

A 90 And above
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
F Below 70*
NG No Grade
INC Incomplete

**by state rule any grade below 70 is failing.

V. Grades are determined using the following formula/criteria:

Tests 25%
Quizzes 20%
Classwork 25%
Homework 10%
Performance tasks (formal writing, projects, or labs) 20%

Homework: It is the policy of Renaissance Middle School to assign homework as a reinforcement of

concepts learned in class; however, it is up to the discretion of the individual teacher as to whether it
is assigned daily or over the weekend. Evaluation of homework may consist of detailed grading,
generalized checking, or a combination of both techniques.

Recovery Process. FCBOE policy on Grading and Reporting (IHA) provides for the recovery
process at the middle school level.

B. Provision for Improving Grades

1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative
grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student
has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may
improve their grades.

Teacher/Parent Communication: An open line of communication is encouraged between teachers

and parents. E-mail is a great tool for communication between your home and our classroom. Please feel
free to contact us using the email addresses above. Parental visits are encouraged as well; however, it

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is the policy of Renaissance Middle School that all visitors must report to the office before going to
other parts of the building. A Visitors Pass will be issued as evidence that this procedure has been
followed.

Absence/Make-Up Procedures: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the students

responsibility to contact the teacher(s) to request make-up work. Make-up work must be completed
by the student within the time specified by the teacher. At Renaissance Middle School, the student
will be given the same amount of time to make up the work as the student was absent unless other
arrangements are mutually agreed upon. The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up
work if the absence was excused. Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero. (FCBOE
Policy JBD)

***Teachers may include notes, interactive labs, work or instruction on their individual sites. It is
imperative that students check these resources during an absence to prevent regression in the students
knowledge of the curriculum and seamlessly integrate into the new lessons upon return.

Special Projects: Students may be expected to complete research and/or design projects during each
semester. The annual Science Fair is mandatory for all 8th grade TAG students; however, each 8th grade
student has the option to participate.

Students are expected to adhere to the rules and policies of Renaissance Middle School and
Fulton County as stated in the RMS Student Handbook/Agenda and the Fulton Countys
Guidelines for Student Behavior.

Discipline/Expectations: In order to maintain an environment conducive to learning, students must

follow behavior guidelines of Renaissance Middle School and Fulton County Schools as stated in the
Renaissance Middle School Code of Conduct. Should a student not follow these rules, teachers will use a
combination of the following methods: nonverbal and verbal reprimands, conference between teacher and
student, seating change, time-out/isolation, lunch and afterschool detention, communication to parent via
telephone, email, referral to guidance counselor, conference between parent, teacher, student, and
administrator, and office referral. In addition to behavior concerns, cheating/plagiarism in any form will
not be tolerated. Any assignment that is found to be a product of cheating/plagiarism will be assigned a
grade of 0 and the student will be given a referral.

NOTE: This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; Deviations may be necessary.

Please detach and return

Please print and sign your name below indicating that you have read and understood the expectations
within the class syllabus. I look forward to working with you and your child this school year. If you have
any questions or concerns; please call or email.

Students Printed Name: ______________________________________________

Parents Printed Name: _______________________________________________

Parents Signed Name: _______________________________________________

Parents Email address: _______________________________________________

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