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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@mail.sandi.net
Web Page address:
http://marshallteachers.sandi.net/teacher_sites/gillum/index.html
TEXT: Science Interactions Books 2 & 3, Holt Physical Science

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.

DISTRICT STANDARDS BEING ADDRESSED THIS YEAR:
1. Literacy Framework - read aloud and independent reading
(see syllabus for actual day to day assignments)
I believe in a solid reading program for science students, and this year I will be using 2 texts to achieve this. All text reading is to be outlined, and these notes will be turned in and graded in notebooks approx. every 2 weeks.

The Read Aloud program will be accomplished by producing a weekly overhead of an interesting article in the area of study, reading this with the class and completing a journal entry on what was read and discussed.

In addition, this course will follow the state standards outlined for eighth grade science.

INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:
This will be my 10th year in the classroom. During the past 9 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 success.

Each student is given a 6+ week syllabus the first day of class. This syllabus contains the daily in-class labs, discussion, homework, web sites and on-line work, test dates, notebook turn-ins and field trips. It also has my my web site address (which has my syllabus posted), and my e-mail address. I am extremely accessible to my students, which I know they enjoy! There are NO surprises, there are NO tricks. I am honest with my expectations of them and in return I receive their trust and hard work.

All text reading is to be outlined. All class lectures are to have notes taken. Daily agendas and journals ARE to be completed. All labs are to have INDIVIDUAL lab write-ups. All units have take home tests which are to be completed. For All tests the students are allowed to bring a “cheat” sheet with them that contains the important notes that THEY feel will help them successfully complete the test. All science notebooks are to be turned in ON time.

Classroom tardies are not tolerated.
All students are expected to be in their seats and writing the agenda when the final bell rings. If this fails to occur:
The first tardy is recorded.
The second tardy the student and I “have a date for lunch”.
The third tardy a parent/teacher/student conference is held. However, in 7 years this conference has never occurred! The students know that I have ZERO tolerance for tardies!
On the first day of class I ask them what they call a person who is consistently late for work?? The answer: UNEMPLOYED!!
I stress that being successful students is THEIR jobs, and they must follow these few rules.

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 during the first semester with a loss of 50% of points the 1st day and 75 % the 2nd day. No LATE WORK will be accepted during the second semester.
Special situations 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.

SCIENCE FAIR
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 3 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!