READ: Welcome to Integrated Science 8

Welcome to Integrated Science 8

Welcome to Integrated Science 8! The major theme of the 8th grade science curriculum is change and how it helps us understand matter and energy. We will be learning about changes in the chemical and physical properties of matter and how energy changes as it moves through ecosystems. We will also learn how energy can change from one type to another and how the earth has changed over time.

Office Hours:

I will hold office hours four hours each day, Monday thru Friday. These office hours will be posted weekly on the course page. I am also available to help students by appointment outside of the posted office hours. Please feel free to leave a message or email me if you need to make an appointment or if you have any questions or concerns. 

Coursework:

There are several different types of assignments in this course. Some of the types of assignments are described below:

Assignment Type	Description	Typical Points
BrainPop Assignments	BrainPop assignments involve watching video clips and then completing a worksheet, activity, or quiz. Be sure to follow directions carefully to make sure you turn in the correct assignment.	10 points
Labs	Involve either online simulations or projects you complete at home.	10-20 points
Projects	Larger projects such as presentations will periodically be assigned.	20-30 points
Quizzes	Quizzes will be given in the middle of each unit. You have unlimited attempts on quizzes. This means you should retake the quiz until you have 10/10.	10-20 points
Tests	Each unit will have a final test. You only have one attempt on tests.	50 points

Course Overview:

We will be learning about a wide range of topics this year in science. Each quarter will have several units. Each unit will include assignments, labs, discussions, review and a test. There will also be opportunities for projects. It may be helpful for you to have a general idea of what we will be learning about. The outline below shows what topics we will be learning about each quarter. 

Quarter 1:

• • • Unit 1: What is Science? 
    • Unit 2: Chemical and Physical Properties and Changes - What properties materials have and how those properties can change.
    • Unit 3: Energy in Chemical and Physical Changes - How phase changes work and how heat plays a role.

Quarter 2:

• • • Unit 4: Energy in Living Things - How plants and animals obtain and use energy.
    • Unit 5: Relationships Among Living Things - How organisms interact in an ecosystem and how energy moves through ecosystems.
    • Unit 6: Human Influence on the Environment - Pollution, climate change, and recycling.

Quarter 3:

• • • Unit 7: Gravity, Energy, and Machines - Gravity, types of energy, and how machines work.
    • Unit 8: Transfer of Energy - Waves, heat, light, and color.
    • Unit 9: Organisms and Energy - How organisms sense and use energy.

Quarter 4:

• • • Unit 10: Geology - How rocks, minerals, and fossils form.
    • Unit 11: Earthquakes and Volcanoes - How earthquakes and volcanoes work and why they happen.

Grading Policy:

Grades in this course will be determined based on assignments, tests, and quizzes. Assignments are worth 70% of the final grade. Tests and Quizzes are worth 30% of the final grade. 

Grading Scale:

93.0 % - 100%	A
90.0 % - 92.9 %	A-
87.0% - 89.9 %	B+
83.0% - 86.9 %	B
80.0% - 82.9 %	B-
77.0% - 79.9 %	C+
73.0% - 76.9 %	C
70.0% - 72.9 %	C-
67.0% - 69.9 %	D+
63.0% - 66.9 %	D
60.0% - 62.9 %	D-
0% - 59.9%	F

Due Dates:

The course is organized in weekly modules. Each week students will watch videos, read information, and complete activities. They will also complete several assignments and will have periodic quizzes and tests. Work is due on the Friday of the week it was assigned. All assignments and tests will be due by 6:00 pm on the listed due date. Due dates will be posted well ahead of time.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit may be offered periodically. Students should take advantage of these opportunities when presented. Students may not make up more than one letter grade with extra credit.

Makeup Policy and Absences: 

If you plan to be absent for an extended period of time such as a vacation, please email me and let me know in advance. You will be expected to finish your work early so that you don't fall behind in the course. If you have an emergency or unexpected absence please email me and let me know as soon as you are able so we can make arrangements.

Classroom Rules:

1. Be prepared and check in to class daily.

2. Follow instructions at all times.

3. Respect the opinions and ideas of others.

Cheating and Plagiarism:

When completing assignments in this class, it is expected that answers to questions be written in your own words. It is not acceptable to copy and paste directly from the reading or any other source.  

Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses. Consequences will result in the loss of all points for assignments or tests. Plagiarism and cheating includes copying written or verbal work from a website or other source without citing that source, copying or turning in another student’s work, asking other students to share quiz or test questions, and having someone other than you complete assignments, quizzes or tests. The complete policy on cheating and plagiarism can be found in the Student Handbook.

Parents and students should frequently check the school Genius SIS system to stay informed about missing scores and grades.

After you have completed this part of the lesson, you can check the associated box on the main course page to mark it as complete