8th Grade Science Syllabus Teacher Name: Clarence Bostic Email: clarence.bostic@pac.dodea.

edu Purpose/Course Description: The objective of this course is to expose middle school students to the topics in 8th grade science Textbooks Used and Other Sources: DoDEA 8th grade Science Standards: http://www.dodea.edu/Curriculum/Science/upload/stn_sci_grd8.pdf Glencoe Science Level Blue Series Online 8th grade science Textbook: http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/ose/index.html user name: BLUE password: gutruna3af

YMS Research Database https://sites.google.com/site/ymsresearchportal/ Website http://bosticscience.weebly.com (From the YMS Parent/Student Handbook:)

Materials Needed:

In order to help students become more organized and accountable for their assignments and progress in school, Yokosuka Middle School has adopted a school-wide common binder policy. Students are expected to bring their binders to every class in school, every day. The binder includes: a pencil pouch with writing materials, the student planner, a homework folder, seven tabs for each academic course, and lined notebook paper. Following the quote One World, One Binder, the use of the common binder is an effective method for middle school students to keep everything in one place and focus on academic achievement. All binders should be organized in the following order: 1) Binder Table of Contents (optional)

2) Zipper/Pencil Pouch (with 2 or more pens, 2 or more pencils, 1 or more colored highlighters) 3) Student Planner 4) Student Class Schedule 5) One folder for Homework (Left side= To Do, Right side= Done) (optional) 6) Seven colored, tab subject dividers to separate each academic class (A1, A2, A3, A4, B21, B2, B3) 7) Loose-leaf paper/ Graph paper/ Cornell Notes paper Grading Scale: The grading scale is the same scale used throughout Yokosuka Middle School Late Assignments: If a student is absent to class, they should assume that they missed work. . Make up work is the responsibility of the student. for missing assignments/handouts. Please see tablemates

For unexcused absences: Late assignments may

receive up to credit if submitted 1 day late. After 1 day the work will receive a zero. Excused absences have 48 hours to turn in the missing work for full credit, per the Parent/Student handbook. Any missing work will be blank in the grade book for 48 hours and then will receive a 0. Tardies - Be in your seat and ready to learn when the bell rings. Students walking or running through the door when the bell rings are tardy. Tardy arrivals distract learning. Students are required to mark tardies in the tardy log, located on the red clipboard by the door as a condition of entering/remaining in class.

Code of Conduct for Effective Learning Every student has the right to learn and the responsibility to try. As the teacher, I have the right to teach and a responsibility to hold students accountable to themselves and their classmates, families, and school. My code of conduct includes rules/procedures for classroom functions as as well as virtues we will each strive to maintain. What you can expect of me?

1. I want your child to learn! 2. I want/expect parent/sponsors to be active in their childs learning to include dropping by at any time to see their student in class. 3. I have the same high expectations for your child that I have for my own child. 4. I will seek to develop a relationship with your child so that I can help them meet

the potential and possibilities that I believe exists within each of them. 5. I will use modern learning techniques coupled with traditional learning techniques. Traditional does not mean outdated. 6. I will treat your child the way I would want a teacher/administrator to treat my child. 7. I understand that children are transitioning into young adulthood and therefore, will act "crazy" at times, but need to learn to know when and how to express that energy. When I correct them, I my efforts are to always to correct misbehaviorNEVER to crush their spirit. Class Virtues There are 12 class virtues that I hope to continue to support in your student as we learn. Eleven of those virtues are: caring, confidence, kindness, courage, perseverance, courtesy, respect, enthusiasm, responsibility, generosity, and truthfulness. The students will choose the last virtue during the first week of school. When students exhibit any of these virtues in class or around school, their peers may write a positive note that identifies the student and their behavior and that student will be entered in a monthly drawing as well as receive their positive note.
Rules 1. Respect yourself, your classmates, your teacher and our shared time. - This means that students should arrive on time prepared for class with all class materials, ready to work effectively and quietly and should not be a distraction to others. This also means speaking to, and treating others as if they are more important than you are. 2. Act responsibly at all times to keep myself, and my class safe, and focused on the task. -This rule means that students should sit in their assigned seats, keeping hands and feet to yourself, keeping your voice to an appropriate inside working level, change tasks quickly and quietly and students should choose to complete all assigned tasks to the best of their ability while making honorable choices that do not embarrass yourself, your parents, your school, this base, or our country. 3. Follow all Base and Yokosuka Middle School rules according to the Parent/Student handbook. -An electronic copy of the Parent/Student Handbook is found on this site and students are expected to follow base rules including the dress code. 4-5 are rules that will be created and voted on by students during the first week of school (If necessary, I reserve the right to replace a posted class rule with another rule)

Consequences Violations of class, school or base rules, depending on the severity violation may result different consequences. Negative Consequences: IF YOU CHOOSE TO NOT FOLLOW THE RULES: First Response- Verbal Warning including the rule violated " Second Response- Name on the Board- 10 minute post-Lunch Silent Detention, complete discipline Action plan. Third Response- One check-post-Lunch Detention-clean floor of class 311 and contact parents Fourth Response- Two checks- post Lunch Detention pickup trash around campusContact parents and Office referral Any missed negative consequence will result in an immediate office referral For severe disruptions student may be sent immediately to the office. Positive Consequences Praise (daily) The joy of learning (daily) Positive notes/emails home (random) Raise a grade certificate (voted on by classmates monthly) 100 point missed grade certificate (Special occasions) Class Movie and Popcorn party (1 per Quarter)

Procedures Daily Procedures * Go to the bathroom/locker during passing period. * Get class materials and your completed homework for class from your locker. * Enter class and be seated in your assigned seat BEFORE the tardy bell rings. ( If you are not in your assigned seat when the Tardy bell rings-you are tardy) *Open your binder, to bell work section and begin the working on bell work on the screen/board. * The teacher will take the roll while the students complete bell work at the beginning of class. Tardy Procedures *If you are not in your assigned seat by the tardy bell, you are tardy and must sign in on the Tardy log on the red clipboard by the door. *Every 3 tardies is a 10-minute post-lunch detention in my classroom. Bathroom Procedure Going to the bathroom during science class is a privilege that is earned, students are

expected to go to the bathroom during passing period * To go to the restroom, raise your hand and request to go to the restroom *Sign yourself out on the bathroom log *Take a bathroom pass * A student's negative choices may result in the loss of bathroom privileges during class.

Missed Class/Missed assignment Procedures Making up any missed class, assignment or project is the responsibility of the student.; If a student is missing, I will ask someone at the students assigned table to collect handouts for them. When you return: Ask tablemates for any missing homework, assignments or projects. If your tablemates cannot tell you what you missed please ask your classmates next and the teacher last. The missing student has 24 or 48 hours from the moment they return to school- NOT when they return to my class. Lab/class Procedures: Each student has an assigned seat, at an assigned table and the table must work together! Each table has a table captain that will assign the roles of experimenter; recorder; reader; materials manager for each lab. Assignments and Deadlines Expectations are extremely high for content, effort, and neatness. To help the students learn responsibility, due dates will be strictly adhered to unless an illness or emergency occurs. Make up work is the responsibility of the student. Please see tablemates for missing assignments/handouts. Follow the policies outlined in the YMS parent/student handbook and turn in during the allowed time. Homework: Homework will vary based on the productivity in class. It is my belief that homework is only an extension of class work, and in class time is largely to introduce concepts to students. Extra Credit Opportunities The homework blog, Journals and SSR Book reports are three standing opportunities to earn extra credit in my class. Each Journal or SSR Book Report must have a complete heading, with date. Because this is work is voluntary, ALL extra credit will be added at the end of each quarter, and it is the students responsibility to get the extra credit stamped and added to the quarterly grade. Each Journal, SSR Book report or homework blog entry that answers a homework question, is worth 1 point each. The Homework Blog is an electronic resource that lists homework and provides an opportunity for students to support each other if they have specific questions about the

assignment. Students who choose to log into the homework site and to help a classmate or answer a question Journals Summarize a recent article on science (within the last 5 years). Your editor (me) has restricted your piece to three paragraphs in length. This assignment requires you to summarize a highly technical research article for the general public. Assume you are writing for the local newspaper. Writing the paper: The article summary should be between 2-3 paragraphs long, double-spaced with 12 pt font. Begin the summary by giving the full citation of the paper. Then, below, write a clear and concise summary of the paper. This requires you to boil down a complex research paper to its essential content and significance (but this is your job as a scientific writer!). You are writing for the general public. This means you must define terms and set up the reader with the necessary background material. All of the writing must be your own. Do not quote sections of the paper or cite other sources. In your summary, include each of the following topics: Introduction: Discuss the basic ecological concept or research question that was addressed by the study, and briefly discuss what was known about this concept or question at the initiation of the study (before the research was done). This section is critical to the review since most readers will not be knowledgeable enough to understand the reason why the study was done or the significance of the results that follow later. Methods: How was the research done (what methodology was employed)? This section should not be too detailed since most readers will not be at all familiar with methods. However, it should be clear what was done and the assumptions made by the investigators. Results:

 Briefly indicate what was discovered in the study. This section should also be short and basic. Do not attempt to itemize each result since most papers report many. Discuss the most significant results and indicate how they address the questions posed in your introductory paragraph. Discussion and conclusion: How do the results of the research alter the field or change the concept discussed? What is new about the results? What remains to be done on this topic? Each journal must be based on a science article Please submit all journals as MS Word documents. Do not use IM language - avoid slang, and texting shorthand. A bibliography for a journal is ALWAYS required! To create a bibliography, please feel free to use Son of A Citation Machine at http://citationmachine.net/index2.php?reqstyleid=2&newstyle=2&stylebox=2 SSR Book Report The book report must include the following information in complete sentences: Books Title Books Author Topic (What is the Book about) Why did you select this book? Which pages did you read today? From page ________ to page Explain why or why not.

Will you continue reading this book? Discussion Etiquette

Just like in e-mail, there is etiquette to follow when posting to discussions. Typically there will be a question posted that you requires your response. The grade will come from the content of your response to the question and extra points will come from what the instructor deems, relevant and substantive comments about posts from your classmates. Follow these rules and your experience (and your classmates) will be a

good one! In Discussions, remember the following: Be nice. Refrain from making any inappropriate comments or bad language. It is ok to disagree, and often a great way to learn, but do not make personal attacks. Before you post, think about how you feel when reading the words you've just written if they were directed at you. No bullying. Choose to learn about your peers. You can really get to know each other through discussions. Choose a descriptive subject line so that everyone will know your topic. Do not use IM language - avoid slang, and texting shorthand. Be willing to learn, share ideas, and change! Taking Notes Whether taking Cornell style notes or other styles of notes. There are three stages to taking notes: before a lesson; during a lesson; and after a lesson. Before each lesson, you need to do the following: Make sure that you review the notes from the previous lesson. This will help you prepare for the new information that you are about to learn. You also must complete all assigned readings and activities before moving on to the next lesson. This is the only way to build on the information as it is being taught. You should be prepared with the materials that you need - pen, pencils, and paper/notebook. During each lesson, you need to do the following: Focus on your lessons being free from distraction. This means that there should be nothing competing with your class work (dog, sister, TV, phone, music, video games, etc.). Write important information down in your notebook. This is important as each time you write something, you are more likely to remember the point. Place a question mark (?) next to anything in your notebook that does not seem to make sense at the time. You can then ask someone for help, most likely your teacher! After each lesson, you need to do the following: Rewrite your notes to make them more complete and clear. Again, this is to help you remember what you are learning; it is also to complete any missing material that you forgot to jot down. It may jog your memory for another question that you might have had, and you'll go back into your lesson to find the answer. Remove the question marks (?s) you had by writing down the answers that you got from your teacher.

Is there a best format for your notes?" There are a few options, three are listed here. Any of these methods will help you improve your memory - as long as you are using it!

Outlining: This method allows you to organize material in a way that groups concepts, people, or events together. You can use the structure of your lessons to help you produce the structure of your outline. You can use letters, roman numerals, numbers, or bullets with this method. Mind mapping: This method of note taking is similar to the types of graphic organizers that some people like to use when creating a research paper or writing a story or essay. This allows you to group your ideas together through diagrams and creating "branches". You can connect items together by drawing lines as needed. Below is a sample from a student's mind map on well being from a health class. Cornell Note-taking: This method was written by Walter Pauk, a professor at Cornell. He wanted to encourage review and summaries so he developed this method for his students. His students were college students, but the method is terrific if you are someone who needs to summarize the big picture ideas in order to remember the details. This method is widely supported at Yokosuka Middle School! Essentially, you would separate each page of notes into three sections. You can draw the lines on your notebook paper or you may make copies of Cornell Note sheets. In Section A, the note taking area, is where you record what you are learning as best you can. Section B, the margin area of the diagram shows the cue column. This remains empty until you are finished progressing through your lesson. When finished the lesson, reduce your notes to list clues for reviewing what you learned in this area. The summary, section C, found at the bottom of the page is where you sum up the page of notes in a sentence or two. If you would like to learn more about how to accurately use this method, please ask Mr. Bostic to share the powerpoint! Projects: There are 3 projects this year Kanto Plain Trail Guide: Self Selected 2 person team Assigned: Overview: August 2013- Due: November 23, 2013 Your student will work with 1 partner to create an electronic trails

guide featuring flora and fauna found in the Kanto plains region. E-Cybermission: Assigned: Overview: Self Selected Teams 4-5 person team October 31 - Due: February 23, 2014 Your student will find a problem with their team and create a solution

to the problem they have identified. The solution can be an invention, a process or an idea. Science Idol: individual projects 3rd quarter- Due: 4th quarter Your student will begin by identifying a concept presented in 8th grade

Assigned: Overview:

science and pair it with a concept from any other course. They will then develop a creative way to combine and present the concepts to their peers! I look forward to having a great year!! Please contact me if you have any questions. Cordially, Mr. Bostic By signing you agree that you have read the syllabus Mr. Bostics class. I,___________________________ ,_(students name) agree to strive to follow the code of conduct for appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times to avoid accidents and to provide a safe learning environment for everyone. I understand that if I choose not follow all the rules and safety precautions, I am choosing to be subject to the negative consequences outlined for this class.

Student Signature_________________________________Date______________

Parent Signature_________________________________Date_______________

Science Safety

PURPOSE Science is a hands-on laboratory class. However, science activities may have potential hazards. We will use some equipment and animals that may be dangerous if not handled properly. Safety in the science classroom is an important part of the scientific process. To ensure a safe classroom, a list of rules has been developed and is called the Science Safety Contract. These rules must be followed at all times. Additional safety instructions will be given for each activity. 1. Students must follow ALL safety rules that are reviewed in classes, that are in the handbook, and that are covered by the Science Lab Safety Contract to participate in hands-on activities. 2. The Science Lab Safety Contract must be signed by parents and students before students are allowed to participate. 3. Students will be asked to miss a lab activity if they are not safe, do not wear the correct equipment or do not follow directions and will receive a "0" grade for that activity. 4. Students have a responsibility to learn during the activity as well as to not hinder others from learning from the activity, and will act responsibly at all times as well as clean up after the lesson. If they do not, they may receive a lower grade. 5. If a lab is missed, it is the students responsibility to make it up. Students are still required to read the information and research the topic. This is a privilege and may be taken away from students who choose not to break the rules. SAFETY RULES 1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks will not be tolerated. 2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teacher questions if you do not understand the instructions. 3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, animals, or other materials in the science room without permission from the teacher. 4. Perform only authorized and approved experiments. Do not conduct any experiments when the teacher is out of the room. 5. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science room. 6. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and mouth while using science materials or when working with either chemicals or animals. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the science room. 7. Wear safety glasses or goggles when instructed. Never remove safety glasses or goggles during an experiment. There will be no exceptions to this rule! 8. Keep your work area and the science room neat and clean. Bring only your laboratory

instructions, worksheets, and writing instruments to the work area. 9. Clean all work areas and equipment at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area. 10. Follow your teachers instructions to dispose of any waste materials gener ated in an experiment. 11. Report any accident (fire, spill, breakage, etc.), injury (cut, burn, etc.), or hazardous condition (broken equipment, etc.) to the teacher immediately. 12. Consider all chemicals used in the science room to be dangerous. Do not touch or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so. 13. Handle all animals with care and respect. a. Open animal cages only with permission. b. Never handle any animals when the teacher is out of the room. c. Do not take animals out of the science room. d. Do not tease or handle animals roughly. e. Keep animals away from students faces. f. Wear gloves when handling animals. g. Report any animal bite or scratch to the teacher immediately. 14. Always carry a microscope with both hands. Hold the arm with one hand; place the other hand under the base. 15. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect. a. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room. b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp instruments only as instructed. c. Never cut any material towards youalways cut away from your body. d. Report any cut or scratch from sharp instruments to the teacher immediately. 16. Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher. 17. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, supplies, or animals from the science room without permission from the teacher. 18. Handle all glassware with care. Never pick up hot or broken glassware with your bare hands. 19. Use extreme caution when using matches, a burner, or hot plate. Only light burners when instructed and do not put anything into a flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Do not leave a lit burner unattended. 20. Dress properlylong hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing. Wear aprons when instructed. 21. Learn where the safety equipment is located and how to use it. Know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.

Please complete the following science safety exam as homework after receiving the Science safety tour and watching the training video (s). your teacher for credit! SCIENCE SAFETY TEST Show the completed test to

Name _______________________________ Date _________

1. If a fire erupts, immediately A. notify the teacher. B. run for the fire extinguisher. C. throw water on the fire. D. open the windows. 2. Approved eye protection devices (such as goggles) are worn in the laboratory A. to avoid eye strain. B. to improve your vision. C. only if you do not have corrective glasses. D. any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used. 3. If you do not understand a direction or part of a laboratory procedure, you should A. figure it out as you do the lab. B. try several methods until something works. C. ask the teacher before proceeding. D. skip it and go on to the next part. 4. After completing an experiment, all chemical wastes should be A. left at your lab station for the next class. B. disposed of according to your teachers directions. C. dumped in the sink. D. taken home. 5. You have been injured in the laboratory (cut, burned, etc.). First you should A. visit the school nurse after class. B. see a doctor after school. C. tell the teacher at once. D. apply first aid yourself. 6. Long hair in the laboratory must be A. cut short. B. held away from the experiment with one hand.

C. always neatly groomed. D. tied back or kept entirely out of the way with a hair band, etc.

7. Which of the following should NOT be worn during a laboratory activity? A. loose clothing B. dangling jewelry C. sandals D. All of the above. 8. Horseplay, practical jokes, or pranks in the lab or classroom are A. always against the rules. B. okay. C. not dangerous. D. okay if you are working alone. 9. When handling animals, students should A. open cages only with permission. B. not tease or handle animals roughly. C. report bites or scratches to the teacher immediately. D. All of the above. 10. If a piece of equipment is not working properly, stop, turn it off, and tell A. the principal. B. your lab partner. C. your best friend in the class. D. the teacher. 11. When you finish working with chemicals, biological specimens, and other lab substances, always A. treat your hands with skin lotion. B. wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. C. wipe your hands on a towel. D. wipe your hands on your clothes. 12. The following activity is permitted in the laboratory: A. chewing gum B. eating C. drinking D. None of the above. 13. When using a razor blade or scalpel, always cut material A. away from you. B. toward you. C. in your hand.

D. perpendicular. 14. Before you leave the science room, you should A. clean your work area and equipment. B. return all equipment to the proper storage area. C. wash your hands with soap and water. D. All of the above. Supplies TrueFalse: Please mark each of the following either T for True of F for False 15.__ All chemicals in the lab (including foodstuffs and store-bought chemicals) should be treated as if they could be hazardous. 16.__ Work areas should be kept clean and tidy. 17.__ Laboratory work may be started immediately upon entering the laboratory even if the teacher is not yet present. 18.__ Never remove chemicals, specimens, or other equipment from the laboratory. 19.__ Always carry a microscope or a balance using both hands. 20.__ Read all procedures thoroughly before performing a laboratory investigation. 21.__ All unauthorized experiments are prohibited. 22.__ You are allowed to enter the chemical preparation/storage area any time you need to get an item. 23.__ It is okay to pick up broken glass with your bare hands as long as the glass is placed in the trash can. 24.__ Do not leave a lit burner unattended. 25. Draw a diagram of your science room and label the locations of the following: _ Fire Blanket _ Exits _ Eyewash Station _ Emergency Shower _ Waste Disposal Containers _ Fume Hood _ Emergency Shut-off (gas, water, or electric)

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in reduction in grade, disciplinary action, and/or exclusion from laboratory activities. KEEP THIS DOCUMENT PROPERLY SIGNED IN YOUR BINDER AT ALL TIMES. AGREEMENT I, ___________________________ ,_(students name) have read and understand each of the above safety rules set forth in this contract. I agree to follow them to ensure not only my own safety but also the safety of others in the science classroom or laboratory. I also agree to follow the general rules of appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times to avoid accidents and to provide a safe learning environment for everyone. I understand that if I do not follow all the rules and safety precautions, I will not be allowed to participate in science activities. Student Signature_______________________________ Date ______________ Dear Parent or Guardian: We feel that you should be informed of the schools effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/ laboratory environment. Please read the list of safety rules. No student will be permitted to perform science activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is maintained by the student in their folder. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Science Safety Contract, reviewed it with your child, and are aware of the measures required for the children, teacher and parents to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science classroom. Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________ Date Important questions: Does your child wear contact lenses? Y or N Is your child color blind? Y or N Does your child have any allergies? Y or N If so, please list: _______