Physical Science Syllabus

Grade Level: 8                                                                                              Teacher: Ms. Yuktirat

Course Length: One Year                                                                            Room: B-10

Text:   Holt Physical Science                                                                         E-mail: nyuktirat@wjusd.org

Phone: 530/666-2191 ext 143

Website: www.yuktirat.com

Availability: M-F 7:30-8:00 a.m.

                        Also by appointment.

Course Description:

Students will explore the science of forces and motion, structure and properties of matter, basic chemistry, and the solar system.  Students will continue their practice of the scientific method and safe laboratory procedures.

Student Objectives:

Students will master the underlying theories, scientific procedures, and mathematical relationships and analyses that support the following concepts (California Science Content Standards): 

1.     Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations.

2.     Elements have distinct properties and atomic structure.

3.     Chemical reactions are processes in which atoms are rearranged into different combinations of molecules.

4.     Principles and chemistry underlie the function of biological systems.

5.     The organization of the Periodic Table is based on the properties of the elements and reflects the structure of atoms.

6.     The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position.

7.     Unbalanced forces cause changes in velocity.

8.     All objects experience a buoyant force when immersed in a fluid.

9.     The structure and composition of the universe can be learned from the study of stars and galaxies and their evolution.

Communication Resources:

            www.dms.wjusd.org

            Click on Teams and Teachers, Click on Ms. Yuktirat (for website or e-mail)

Planner-Students are required to write all homework in their planner.  The planner may be used for communication between teacher and parent.        

Required Materials:

• Holt Physical Science textbook and Direct Reading Work Book (DRWB) (issued by the school library)
• Douglass Planner for assignments and communication ($5 Student Store)
• Six 2 Pocket Portfolio with Fasteners-1 folder will be used for each grading period.
• Colored pencils, inexpensive calculator, are required in addition to the items in the student planner.

Student Expectations:

Students must obey all class and school rules.  It is the student’s responsibility to arrive to class on time, be prepared to work, and be respectful.  Class work must be completed as well as all homework.  If a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to make up the work. _____(Student initials).  This includes all tests!  A student has as many days as they were absent to make up any missed work for an excused absence.  Late work (including major projects) will be accepted at ½ credit up to one week after the due date._______ (Student Initials)

Evaluation:

Students will receive one grade every 6 weeks.  The grade is not cumulative.  Students will receive graded papers once a week and record their grades on a grade sheet.  This sheet can be checked for progress between reports.  75% of the grade will be based on mastery of the standards.  This may include tests, projects, lab activities, papers, etc.  25% of the grade will be based on effort and citizenship and may include behavior, participation, review, and reinforcement exercises, and routine homework.

Grades will be based on a cumulative point system for each grading period.

90-100% = A              80-89% = B                70-79% = C               60-69% = D                less then 60% = F

Parent/Guardian Involvement:

Parents/Guardians are advised to monitor their child’s progress through use of the student planner, viewing the grade sheet and contacting the teacher.  The planner is available for written communication between the school and home.  Parents need to advise students to take advantage of all resources at school and encourage them to put forth their best effort.

Rewards for effort and excellent citizenship:

Success in life!                                                 Personal satisfaction!             Good grades!

School Activities!                                            Douglass Positive Referrals!                           Awards!

Class Rules:

1. Be ready to start instruction at the bell.

Your homework is turned in. You are in your seat.  You have your materials out. You have started the assignment on the board.

2. Show respect for your teacher and fellow students

      No profanity, fighting, etc. Be polite-use please, thank you, and you’re welcome.

3. The learning environment will be free from disruptions

      No fighting, no defiance, throwing of objects, etc.

4. Be accountable for your actions.

      You alone determine your actions.

Consequences for failure to follow school and class rules:

1^st Offense       Teacher Warning

2^nd Offense      Detention 15 minutes parent contact.

3^rd Offense       Detention 30 minutes or more and parent contact.

4^th Offense       Detention 1-hour, Team Leader and Parent contact.

5^th Offense       Increased Detention Time. Contact with vice principle, parent conference with administrator.

Additional violations may result in contract referral for habitual behavior

  Student Signature

_______________________________________-_________________________ Date__________

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________________________________________________Date_________