Mr. Hand’s 8th Grade Science Overview
Mr. Hand's 8th Grade Science Overview
Welcome
to 8th Grade Science! Be prepared to work hard and have a lot of fun this year!
In each unit, you will practice using science process skills (asking testable
questions, observing, experimenting etc.). Most of the time, you will be
learning by performing hands-on experiments and by creating projects. You will
create a few science movies, as well. At other times, you will be learning by
listening, writing and 
reading. The year breaks down as follows:
Units:
◊ Chemistry: Properties of matter, mixtures, pure substances, periodic table,
atomic structure, covalent bonding, ionic bonding and chemical reactions.
◊ Forces and Motion: Inertia, F = MA, Newton’s 3rd Law, Force,
average speed, centripetal force, gravity, momentum, average acceleration,
friction, energy transformations, and equations.
◊ Genetics: Mendelian genetics, punnett squares, human
genetics, pedigrees, disease, DNA, genes, mitosis, meiosis, protein synthesis,
natural selection and evolution.
◊ Energy: Weather, heat and molecular
behavior, heat and temperature, pressure and molecular behavior, conduction,
radiation, convection, evaporation, energy transformations, roller coasters,
work = force x distance, power and mechanical advantage.
◊ Flight: Forces
and motion, energy, forces of flight, Bernoulli's principle, centripetal force,
model building, and scientific method.
◊ Immune system: Immunity, Pasteur, Fleming, Salk, antibiotics, vaccines, bacteria,
and viruses.
◊ Reproduction: The basic structure and function of the male and female
reproductive systems.
Class
Expectations (25%): Sit after you enter the room.
Go to your locker and the bathroom before class. Come prepared with a notebook,
a plan book and a pencil or a pen. Do not touch science apparatus in the room
until you are given permission. Listen carefully to all directions. This is a lab
safety issue! Work diligently. A science
notebook is required for every class.
The notebook should be reviewed and studied daily.
Quizzes
(20%) Although
there are no make up tests, I expect that you correct your mistakes and complete
some extra work to earn a better grade. Do not be satisfied with a low grade.
Homework
(25%): Most of our work will be done
in class and therefore there will be few homework assignments. When you do receive
homework, you will need to practice skills and/or finalize observations made
during class. You may need to complete a review guide. It takes 20 to 45
minutes to complete an assignment. I will give you a couple of nights to
complete an assignment; this allows you the freedom to decide when to do your
homework. You will have up to a week to
complete a bigger project. Homework completion is a factor when I make high
school recommendations.
All work must be handed in on
time! You
might receive half credit for late work, but this depends on the assignment.
Extensions must be arranged ahead of time. In the case of an emergency, you may
bring in a note from your parent or guardian. For information about homework
assignments, call the homework number: 429-5004, extension 6304. Or, check my
science web page: mmsnet.org. Worksheets and assignments can be printed from my
website.
Tests
(30%): Tests are closed-notebook. I do not give make-up tests. Save and study your quizzes! Each unit test is derived from the quizzes.
2-3 quizzes are given before each unit test.
If you do well on the quizzes, you are bound to do well on the
test.
All units are cumulative. (You can’t forget what you
will have learned.) The mid-year exam is cumulative. The final exam is cumulative
too, but it focuses on the second half of the year. You will need to save your tests for
the midyear and final.
Behavior:
Participate
and ask good questions! Raise your hand if you wish to speak. Listen politely
when others are speaking. Treat the science room, the furniture, and science
materials carefully. No horseplay. No hamster-play either.
Grading (example): Weight
total
points earned
Classwork 25% 180/200
Quizzes 20% 92/100
Homework
assignments 25% 85/100
Chemistry Final 30% 80/100
437/500 = 87% or
B
A+ = 100%-98%, A = 97%-93%,
A- = 92%-90%, B+ = 89%-87%, B=86%-84%, etc.
Website: mmsnet.org Use my science website to play review games and to read
information about the current unit. Many quizzes and tests are similar to the
review games. Look for mistakes on my website for extra credit.
To
check homework assignments: 429-5004, extension 6304. Or, check out
information posted on my science web site: mmsnet.org
If you
are absent: It
is your responsibility to find out what you missed. You may check the homework
hotline (429-5004 x6304) or the website for homework information (mmsnet.org).
Worksheets and assignments can be printed from my website.
Extra
credit: Extra credit and challenging alternative assignments
will be available for every unit. Take advantage of every opportunity.
Website
Extra Credit: You
can receive extra credit if you notice an error on my website, or notice that
some information is missing. In either case, you should alert me in writing.
You may also email me. Email: handjx@mansfieldct.org (remove the x
before sending.)
If you
need help:
I am always happy to help during
x-block or after school. Surf my science web site (mmsnet.org). I sometimes have a study-group session after
school before major unit tests.
How to reach me:
Leave
a message: 429-5004, extension 304
Email: handj@mansfieldct.org
Extra Credit and challenging alternative assignments are
available for every unit.
You can reach me by:
Leaving a message:
429-5004, extension 304
Email: Handjc@mansfieldct.org (remove the c before mailing)