Sandpoint Middle School
8th Grade Earth Science
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 Course Description  - Eighth grade science curriculum is now called “Earth Science.”   We believe that students should have a balance between textbook learning and hands on activities. On average, students will experience several labs or demonstrations per month. Students will be involved with making models, lab write ups that include the scientific procedure, study skills from the text book and other outside reading material, drawing conclusions from lab experiences, using a journal to process new concepts, and experiencing demonstrations.

 

 Course Outline  -

Unit 1  The Ins and Outs of Science

Unit 2  Inside the Earth

Unit 3  The Periodic Table of Elements, Rocks & Minerals

Unit 4  Energy

Unit 5  Meteorology

Unit 6  Astronomy

 

 Student Expectations  - Your grade in science is determined by weighted points, with tests and quizzes being weighted more heavily. There are no retakes or remakes, as students are expected to do well the first time. The way to assure yourself of a passing grade in this class is to hand in all your work, completed and on time.  The following is a list of expectations for this class. 
 

 Daily Work  - This includes worksheets, vocabulary and any book work that we do in class.

 

 Tests & Quizzes  - Tests will be given at the end of each unit; Quizzes will be given periodically.  There will be a vocabulary quiz every Friday.

 

 Labs and Activities  - We will do as many labs this year as possible. I believe you learn best by doing hands on activities. The labs are the best part of science, and the number of labs will depend on you! The first couple of labs will tell me if you are able to handle lab situations. There are many safety issues and lab procedures that you will need to follow in order to participate in labs.

 

 Notebooks  - I will have periodic notebook checks throughout the year. The purpose of a notebook is for organization, and to have information at your fingertips. You will receive a grade for your notebook organization.

 Homework  - Learning your Vocabulary is a standing homework assignment. Students should review their notes and vocabulary as part of their homework.  There will be some home “projects” that you will be expected to do.

 Late Work  - Students are expected to hand work in on time. Only one late assignment per quarter will be accepted.

 Absences  - If you are absent, it is your responsibility to look at the agenda and make sure you have your make-up work. You have one day for each day you are absent to hand the work in. Prolonged absences will be dealt with on an individual basis.

 Progress Reports  - A very important note is that progress reports may be viewed on-line at any time by parents getting a password and web site address from our school office secretaries.  At home, you can look right into my grade book and see it the exact same way I view it by using this proven tool. You can access your progress and grades at any time by using your home internet connection, or the local library internet. 

 Extra Credit  - Extra credit is not a tool to make up zeros. Extra credit is for those of you who are interested in a topic and would like to pursue the subject further. Extra Credit will only be accepted if you have all of your assigned work handed in. I don’t always have projects for extra credit but I would be willing to entertain your ideas.

 GRADING SCALE  -

100-90 = A       89-80 = B         79-70 = C         69-60 = D         Below 60 = F

Susan Augustyn  Room 31