2014-2015

th

Ms. Schafer

8 GRADE SCIENCE

Contact information: contact: schaferm@glcomets.com, class phone: (517) 925-5680 ext 5721

Schedule
1st Hour
2nd Hour
3rd Hour
4th Hour
Advisory
Lunch
5th Hour
6th Hour

7:30 8:26
8:31 - 9:27
9:32 10:28
10:33 11:28
11:30 11:55
11:58 12:23
12:28 1:24
1:29 2:25

What we will do

Purpose/Course Description: It is important for students to

understand how Earth works as a system and we interact with
Earth. Students should learn the causes and consequences of
natural Earth processes (like earthquakes and weather) and the
availability, and potential depletion of natural. But most important
of all is to empower students with scientific knowledge and skills to
make informed decisions as citizens of our common home.
Overview Earth science involves the study of Earth and of the
universe around it. Earth Science ranges in scale from the very b ig
to the invisibly small. It also incorporates ideas from the physical
and life sciences. In order to understand the Earths forces, energy,
gravity and magnetism have to be understood as well as the idea
that the earth is a biologically active planet. The Earth has several
systems that are interconnected to sustain life (atmosphere,
hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere). A change is one part of
the system that can have large consequences in other systems. The
earth itself is part of an even larger system called the solar system,
which is part a galaxy, which is one of m any galaxies in the
universe. In Earth Science we will address the Earth's place in the
universe and also the processes that drives Earth's conditions.
While we are looking at these concepts, we also need to see how
human activity affects the Earth's systems.

Education is the key to unlock the golden door of
freedom.
Pg 1

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8th Grade Science

2014-2015

Textbooks Used and Other

Sources:

Class information

Earth Science (Holt McDougal)

Can be viewed online at
http://my.hrw.com. Login:
searth13 password: w7n4j

All assignments and the
weekly agenda can be found
on PowerSchool.
Materials Needed for Science
Class:
1 spiral-bound notebook

2 box of Kleenex
1 Dry erase markers
(optional)
Colored pencils
White notebook paper for
binder



Pencils
3-ring binder





Tell me more about you:

A
little bit more about me:

Believe you can and you are half way there.

~Theodore Roosevelt

There are four major branches of earth science:
1. Geology, which is the study of the origin, history, processes and structure of the Earth.
2. Oceanography, which is the study of the Earth's oceans and all things found within them.
3. Meteorology, which is the study of the Earth' atmosphere.
4. Astronomy, which is the study of the universe or space beyond the Earth.

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

Behavior
Expectations
Behavior Expectations: In order to
promote a safe and positive environment
that is conducive to learning, all students are
expected to show Comet P.R.I.D.E. by being
Positive and Respectful, having Integrity and
Determination, and showing Effort.

Positive A positive attitude is contagious and will help you do your best.
-No put downs or negative comments
Respect others and all property.
-No talking while I am talking or talking over others as they are talking.
-Treat lab and classroom materials carefully.
-Be an active learner and listener.
Integrity- Your character defines you.


-Honesty, admit mistakes.
Determination- Do your best and never give up.


-Advocate for yourself
Effort- Stay on task and focused during lab and activities

-Students are expected to be in their seats with their supplies when the bell rings.

-Students should have all of their supplies including a pencil before class begins.
-Stay without group and on task. Do not wander from your group or goof around
with others.
-Use your class time wisely by not socializing during work time.

I will make every attempt to also recognize positive behaviors in the classroom and
reward students for them since they contribute to a great learning environment in the
classroom.

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

Grading Procedures
Students are evaluated through tests, projects, writing assignments,
large and small group discussion and participation.

Believe in
yourself, take
action, persevere
and always desire
success more than
you fear failure.
~Scottie Somers

Types of Evaluation and Assessment:

Projects, Lab Activities, Homework, Tests and Quizzes, Classwork,
Warm-ups, Journals, and Participation, Responsibility Grade


Grading Scale:
93-100

73-76

90-92

A-

70-72

C-

87-89

B+

67-69

D+

83-86

63-66

80-82

B-

60-62

D-

77-79

C+

0-59

Responsibility Grade/Late Assignments:

Our greatest
weakness is in giving
up. The most
certain way to
succeed is always to
try just one more
time.
~Thomas Edison

Grades are one of the ways that teachers assess student knowledge
and understanding; however, teachers cannot assess work that is not
turned in. The responsibility category of the grading scale is meant to
address the issue of student preparedness for class. The responsibility
category is 10% of the overall student grade. All students will begin
with a score of 100 (100%) in the responsibility category every
trimester. Points will be deducted in the following manner:

Late Assignment:
-5 points

Students will have until the end of the unit to turn in any missing
work. Students that do not turn in assignments are subject to ZAP or
meeting with his/her teacher during homeroom until work is
complete. Missing work will NOT be penalized in any other category
unless a student fails to turn it in. Students cannot earn back any of
the responsibility points lost during the trimester. The goal is to
eliminate zeros in the grade book and prepare students for the
responsibility of high school. All assignments can be accessed
through PowerSchool along with the agenda. It is the students
responsibility to collect their missing work and turn it in.

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

Week
9/2

Topic(s)

NGSS Correlation

Introduction to class and PRIDE Lessons

Image of a Scientist
Behavior Expectations in school and in classroom

9/9

Introduction to Science Process Skills & Earth Science

Science ideas and terms and Scientific Method

9/15

The Scientific Method

Variables, Data Collection

9/22

Metric System and Lab Procedures

5-PS1-3

Team work, metric conversion, measuring techniques

9/29

Density

5-PS1-3

Density Determination and Calculations

10/6

Energy Overview
What is Energy, renewable and nonrenewable energy

10/13 Energy in the Earth System

4 main Earth Cycles (C,N,P, H20)

10/22 Minerals
Definition, Classification, Identification

10/29 Mineral Resources

Uses of Minerals

11/3

Rock Cycle and Igneous Rocks

Classification, Identification and Process of Rock Cycles

11/10 Rocks: Sedimentary

Classification, Identification and formation process

11/17 Rocks: Metamorphic

Classification, Identification and formation process

11/24 Rock Cycle

Classification, Identification and formation process

12/1

Relative Dating

MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
MS-ESS2-1, MSESS2-4
ESS 1.C

Processes and classifications of Earths layers

12/8

Absolute Dating

MS-ESS2-2

Techniques used to determine age

12/15 Geologic Time Scale

MS-ESS2-2

The History of the Earth

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

Week
1/5

Topic(s)
Plate Tectonics
Stresses, Faults & folds, Earths Features

1/12 Plate Tectonics

Boundaries, Earths formations, plate tectonics

1/19 Volcanoes
Patterns, formation of volcanoes, locations

1/26 Earthquakes
Patterns, formation of volcanoes, locations

2/2

Earthquake Towers
Design an earthquake resistant tower and test

NGSS Correlation
MS-ESS2-2,
MS-ESS2-3, E3.3A
MS-ESS2-2,
MS-ESS2-3, E3.3A
MS-ESS2-2,
MS-ESS2-3, E3.4A
MS-ESS2-2,
MS-ESS2-3
E3.4A & E3.3d
MS-ESS2-2
MS-ESS2-3
E3.4A & E3.3d

2/9

Geology Testing and Meteorology

MS-ESS2-2
MS-ESS2-3
E3.4A & E3.3d

2/23 Meteorology: Atmospheric Forces

Natural processes of heat transfer, layers, clouds

3/2

Meteorology
Air Masses, Fronts, Weather Station tools

3/9

Meteorology (trimester ends on 3/12)

Weather prediction

3/16 Severe Weather

MS-ESS2-5
MS-ESS2-6
MS-ESS3-5
MS-ESS3-2
MS-ESS3-5
MS-ESS3-2
MS-ESS2-1
MS-ESS2-4

3/23 Climate

MS-ESS2-6

What causes climate variations

3/30 Climate

MS-ESS2-6

Global Warming and Test on Meteorology

4/6

SPRING BREAK

4/13 Oceans - Oceans and seas of the world

MS-ESS1-1
MS-ESS1-2
MS-ESS1-3

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

4/20 Oceans (M-STEP TESTING WEEKS)

Ocean Currents

4/27 Oceans (M-STEP TESTING WEEKS)

Ocean life

5/4

Astronomy

MS-ESS1-1
MS-ESS1-3
MS-ESS1-1
MS-ESS1-3
MS-ESS1-2

The universe formation

5/11 Astronomy

MS-ESS1-2

The universe

5/18 Astronomy

MS-ESS1-2

Stars and solar power

5/25 Research project on Earth Science topic

6/1

Research project on Earth Science topic

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

We have read and discussed the course syllabus for 8th Grade Earth Science and have noted
any comments or questions below. Please complete and return to Ms. Schafer by Friday,
September 9th. A copy of this syllabus is available on PowerSchool.

Student Name (please print): ________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________________

Date: ___________________________

____ We DO have the Internet at home. ____ We DO NOT have the Internet at home.

***If your parent/guardian wishes to be on my email list, please print your email address(es)
below. Please be case sensitive if necessary!

Email: _________________________________________________________________


Any other information we need to know about you (trouble seeing the board, trouble hearing
out of one ear, etc.)
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________



Comments/Questions:

 8th Grade Science

Student Lab Safety Contract

2014-2015

Name: _________________________ Hour: ____

PURPOSE Science is a hands-on laboratory class. However, science activities may have potential hazards.
We will use some equipment 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. No science student will be allowed to
participate in science activities until this contract has been signed by both the student and a parent or
guardian.
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, 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
chemicals. 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 generated 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. Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher.
13. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, supplies, or animals from the science room without permission
from the teacher.
14. Handle all glassware with care. Never pick up hot or broken glassware with your bare hands.
15. 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

 8th Grade Science

2014-2015

16. Dress properlylong hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing.
Wear aprons when instructed.
17. 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.

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
on file with the teacher. 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 taken 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:

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