8th Grade Physical Science Syllabus

1. Welcome to 8th Grade Physical Science!
Mrs. Sinclair: Room 810
E-mail: SinclairPhysicalScience@gmail.com
WHAT TO BRING EACH DAY:
● Pen and/or Pencil
● Science 3-ring binder
● Dividers (at least 5)
● Loose-leaf paper
● Colored pencils
● Agenda
● Your 5-subject spiral-bound notebook will remain in the Science Lab
OUR EXPECTATIONS:
● Be prepared for class.
● Respect the learning environment.
● Involve yourself in the learning process.
● Apply what was taught.
WHAT WE WILL BE STUDYING (all dates are approximate):
8/13-10/12 Matter – The structure of matter, atoms, molecules, compounds, and
mixtures, states of matter, physical and chemical properties and changes,
the Periodic Table of the Elements, and the Law of Conservation of Matter.
10/15-11/30 Light and Sound – The characteristics of electromagnetic and mechanical
waves, the concepts of reflection, refraction, diffraction, and absorption of
light waves, how our eyes see light, and how our ears hear sound.
12/3-2/15 Electricity and Magnetism – The characteristics of the forms and
transformations of energy, the advantages and disadvantages of series and
parallel circuits and how they transfer energy, and the interconnectedness
of electricity and magnetism, and the Law of Conservation of Energy.
2/19-5/23 Forces and Motion – The relationship between force, mass, and the motion
of objects, the relationship between velocity and acceleration, and the
Universal Laws of Motion.
HOMEWORK POLICIES:
● Homework WILL be assigned in this class. Homework is not assignedas a punitive
measure, but is given as a chance to practice learned skills or as a chance to preview
reading for a successive class.
● All assignments should be turned in ON TIME.
● All assignments WILL be turned in. No excuses will be accepted. If an assignment is
not completed in a timely manner, students will complete outstanding assignments
during their lunch period.
● Excused Absence (note from parent) will allow extended time for Homework to be
completed.

2. ● All assignments must include the following heading
FULL NAME (FIRST AND LAST)
DATE
CLASS/BLOCK
DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT
GRADING:
Students are graded on total overall points from homework, quizzes, tests, labs,
activities, projects, notebook and participation (daily work) throughout the
quarter/semester:
A= 100-90
B= 89-80
C= 79-70
F= Below 70
All assigned work must be completed in a timely manner for the student to be
considered for “Extra Credit” assignments.
NOTEBOOKS:
Notebooks will be checked for organization and content periodically.
OFFICE HOURS:
Planning Period: 1:55 - 3:15 pm
We are available for help before and after school by appointment only and with a 24
hour advance notice. The reason for this advance notice is so you (the student) can
inform an adult at home that you will be staying after school or be coming in early for
extra help.
SAFETY:
Science is a laboratory oriented class. Safety is stressed at all times. All safety rules, as
learned in class, must be followed at all times. Failure to follow the rules will result in
removal from the class to conference with your teacher, a phone call home, a failing
grade on the lab, and possible suspension from future lab experiences. Please see “Lab
Safety Contract” if you have further questions.
COMMUNICATION:
Parents: Instructional time is cherished by both the teacher and students. If you need
to reach one of us immediately, please use the e-mail address listed above or leave a
message with the school operator.
Thank you for your support! We are looking forward to having a great year. Through
discovery and hands-on learning styles you will learn to unveil the amazing world of
Science while having fun along the way!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lauren Sinclair