Welcome to 8th grade physical science. I hope to have a fun and exciting year with all of you. In this
class you will be able to learn about the world around you. This syllabus contains the vital
information you need to have a successful school year. Please read carefully, sign the last page, and
keep this as the first page in your binder.
Course Description
Students in the 8th grade are enrolled in a year-long science course in which they explore and use
cognitive processing skills to discover physical science concepts. Students will develop and apply
their inquiry and questioning abilities by performing a variety of lab investigations. Students will
develop their science literacy in preparation for the 8th grade STAR test that focuses on 8th grade
content standards.
Course Content
1. Chemistry
a. Matter
b. Elements and the Periodic Table
c. Chemical Reactions and Bonding
d. Chemistry of Living Things
2. Physics
a. Motion
b. Forces
c. Fluid Forces
3. Astronomy
a. Solar System
b. Stars and Galaxies
Materials
Each student is expected to arrive at class well rested, on time, and prepared to learn. Toward this
end, a student must have the following materials with them every day:
➢ a section of a 3 ring binder for classwork and homework
➢ 2 Composition Books (9.75” x 7.5”) for Starters, Notes and Labs
➢ lined paper
➢ their 8th grade Science Workbook
➢ their completed homework
➢ several sharpened pencils, with erasers, or pens
Materials should be in class by Thursday, September 2nd so we can set them up in class.
Grading
The grading in my class is based on the following categories:
Homework 25%: finishing class assignments, workbook, enrichment worksheets
Tests/ Projects 35%: Tests, quizzes, quarterly projects
Notebook 35%: labs, notes, starters, classwork
Participation 5%: verbal participation in classroom, blogs on my website
Classroom Rules and Guidelines
Our goal at Creekside is to provide each student the best education possible. In order to fulfill that
goal each student is to behave in a way that that contributes to a positive learning environment.
Class Rules
• Students come to class on time and prepared with paper, writing materials, and books.
• Students treat all members of the school community and materials with respect.
• Students do not interrupt the teacher’s ability to teach or students’ ability to learn.
The following guidelines for behavior are also used in class:
• Refrain from eating or drinking anything other than water.
• No using distracting items during class or grooming.
• The teacher not the bell dismisses the class.
• Students may not use disrespectful language.
Discipline
In addition to class rules, all school rules and policies will be strictly followed. You can find an outline
of these in the school handbook online:
http://www.creekside.cv.k12.ca.us/assets/CrkStudentHandbook2009.pdf
In class, if there are behavior issues students will be given one verbal warning before they will be sent
out to fill out a refocus form, and then invited back to class. If the behavior continues or becomes
habitual detentions will result and parent contact will be initiated. Extreme discipline infractions will
result in a referral to the assistant principal.
Homework/Late Work
I assign homework most nights of the school week. Please look for your child's homework everyday.
Homework is posted on the board in the front of the class for the week and should be written in the
assignment book at the beginning of the period. Late work is not accepted. Students have one day for
every day they are absent to turn in late work. Any assignment not turned in on time is to be turned
in with a homework pass. Students are given 2 homework passes at the beginning of each quarter. If
they are unused they may be turned in for extra credit.
Notebook
Students are to maintain a three ring binder for classwork and homework along with a composition
book for starters, notes, and labs. These will be graded at least once a quarter.
Bathroom Use
Students are given 2 bathroom passes at the beginning of each quarter to be used for emergencies. If
they are unused they can be turned in for extra credit. Additional trips to the bathroom will cost 5
minutes after school.
Tardies
Students need to be in their seats and working on the starter when the bell rings. If the student
walks in to the class when the bell rings or after they will be marked tardy. Consequences for
tardiness are as follows [on a quarterly basis] :
1st tardy: warning
2nd tardy: teacher/team detention.
3rd tardy: one-hour detention issued by the teacher.
4th tardy: Referral to Assistant Principal, which may result in Saturday School, or loss of next activity
Absences
It is the student’s responsibility to find out what they have missed when they are absent either in the
absent folder or by asking the teacher. It is also the student’s responsibility to show the teacher
missing work with in the allowed time frame in order to get credit.