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Thurgood Marshall
Middle School

8th Grade
SYLLABUS AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS

INSTRUCTOR: Elaine Palmer-Gillum
COURSE TITLE: 8th Grade Science
Phone Number: 549-8840x1260
e-mail: MrsG9064@aol.com or egillum@sandi.net
Web Page address: http://mrsgillumscience.com
TEXT: Holt Physical Science, Science Interactions Books 2 & 3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
8TH Grade Science is a one year introductory course that focuses on beginning chemistry, physics, earth science, human sexuality and computer technology. In addition all students participate in the Greater San Diego Science Fair which incorporates scientific methodology, technology research, and oral presentations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To achieve the state bench marks and district standards for 8th grade science in the areas of chemistry, physical science, anatomy, genetics and earth science.
2. To provide a knowledge of facts, processes, basic concepts, principles and applications of science.
3. To develop skills of observation, descriptions, rational and creative thinking processes.
4. To develop skills in collecting, organizing, and communicating scientific data and information.
5. To develop those values, aspirations and attitudes which underlie the personal involvement of the individual with the environment and with mankind.
6. Utilizing all the skills that are the course objectives, completing a independent long term scientific investigation (Science Fair Project)
7. To prepare these students for high school chemistry, physics, earth and life science studies, while developing the mastery for scientific methodology, research, and oral presentations.
8. To nurture a love of science through classroom success, home work reading, science fair projects and interesting labs which will inspire these students to continue in science.

STATE STANDARDS BEING ADDRESSED THIS YEAR:
The California State Standards for 8th grade science can be found at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/scgrade8.asp

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:

This will be my 15th year in the classroom. During the past 14 years I have learned that one of the most important keys to success is treating my students with respect and giving them responsibilities and ownership of their work.
1. Students will receive weekly emails stating what has been done in the class the previous week and what work will be done the following week. Parents are also encouraged to receive these weekly emails.
2. All students will receive syllabus, which are 4-5 weeks of classroom activities, labs, lectures & homework. Due dates will be stated on the syllabus.
3. Reading assignments will either be outlined, or have chapter “tours” completed.
4. Interactive spiral notebooks will be completed with all classroom work included. A table of contents will be provided. All work is to be put IN ORDER to receive full credit.
5. Students are to arrive at class on time. Tardies will be recorded and citizenship will be affected if unexcused.
6. Science Fair deadlines will be provided the first week of class. All deadlines MUST be met.
7. Students need to contact me as soon as they return to school after an absence. Some large assignments may still be due on the date if they are absent (to avoid homework-flu).  Otherwise, the work will be due with absence days added to the due date.
8. My web page will typically have the power point/notes posted. If not, I will send it via email to the students so they don’t get behind. They simply need to send me an email requesting the work.
9. Extra credit is available for printing of lectures , labs, worksheets, bringing in needed lab supplies.

GRADING:
Academic grades are based on a point system. Take Home tests, study guides, reading and outlining, and homework notebooks are weighted very high and have a major impact on a student’s grade. Unit tests, while important, do not carry as high of a point count as the 2-3 weeks worth of work that is represented by the notebooks. The students will receive cover sheets for all notebooks and are to put the work in the order presented on this sheet. The due dates are listed on the syllabus. Late work is accepted, for REGULAR work, during the first semester with a loss of 50% of points the 1st day and 75 % the 2nd day.

(Advanced students only:
LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED FOR SCIENCE FAIR. STUDENT WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE WORK BUT WILL RECEIVE ZERO POINTS. THREE (3) LATE SCIENCE FAIR ASSIGNMENTS WILL RESULT IN THE STUDENT RECEIVING NOTHING HIGHER THAN A “G” FOR SEMESTER CITIZENSHIP.  )

NO LATE WORK will be accepted during the spring semester. Special situations based on illnesses and family emergencies are considered on a person by person basis.
Grading is as follows:
A= 89-100% B=79-88.9% C= 69-78.9% D= 59-68.9% F=58.9% or below
Citizenship grades are based on following school, classroom, and science safety rules & guidelines and classroom tardies.

SCIENCE FAIR (Advanced 8th grade science only)
Your student will receive a complete science fair syllabus. I also have it posted on my web page, PLUS I can e-mail, fax, or send an extra home to you. I will also have copies available at open house. The deadline dates are not optional and must be met. If the students follow the time line, the project, while being very demanding, will be doable. When the time comes to submit the work the student will be ready. Science Fair points will total nearly 2,500. A student who does not complete the science fair project during the first semester will receive a failing grade for that semester. If this student fails to complete it during the second semester they will fail that semester too. The science fair is not optional and is part of our standards for advanced 8th grade science students.

ATTENDANCE
Many activities in a science class are difficult or impossible to make up. These include labs, films, videotapes, guest speakers and class discussions. If a student is absent, it is THEIR responsibility to see me and find out what they missed on the day they return. This can be done before / after school, during lunch, by e-mail or phone. Parents, please feel free to contact me if your student will be out an extended period of time. I will copy lecture notes and provide as much data as I can for their absences. You can also check my web site. It has my lectures with "student notes" and "teacher notes."

Homework (notebooks & projects) are due on the date stated in the syllabus. Please note these assignments will need to be brought to school by a friend or parent on the due date if the student is unable to attend that day.

Students absent for extended periods of time due to illness will be considered on a case by case basis.

It is important for students to establish good study habits because it will lead to success in high school. Having a case of “homework flu” on due dates is unfair to the rest of the student body who are in class.

Make-up tests will be given for excused absences. If a student is absent the day of the test they will be given the test during lunch or before school of the day they return. If the student is absent the day before a test, they will be required to take the test on the assigned day. HOWEVER, this is also examined on a case by case basis.

Web Page and Web Photos
During the past 7 years I photographed the kids doing labs, working on computers, etc. The kids, parents AND grandparents love it, BUT...if you would rather I didn't photograph your student, please send me a note. I put the photos on a special web page that only you folks have the address to. If this is a problem, let me know. (The student's names are NEVER placed with their photos)

CLASSROOM VISITS
All parents are invited to visit the classroom at any time. Parents who are involved in their students education contribute a great deal to the success of the student in school. In addition, I’d like to know each of you as we work together to help students grow academically, socially and emotionally.

WEEKLY UPDATES
Every Sunday I send out an e-mail “newsletter” that gives parents an update of what we did, and where we are going. I also include the next week’s syllabus. This letter has been EXTREMELY useful for those parents who consistently seem to be pushed out of the “loop” by their darling student! Please e-mail me with your name, your student’s name and class period, and the e-mail address you would like me to use for this weekly update. I also have the students on an e-mail list and send them updates. This establishes a wonderful means of communication for me, the kids, and their parents!

Please e-mail me (MrsG9064@aol.com) to set up your e-mail newsletter! In the subject box please type: your student's name & class period. In the letter area please type YOUR name and phone number. Thanks!