1. Name (printed neatly
please):___________________________________________________________________
Grade 8 Science Syllabus-Room 3D /Mrs. Colligan
jessica.colligan@meriden.k12.ct.us VoiceMail: (203) 235-6606 ext. 231
Course Description:
Washington Middle School's 8th Grade Curriculum is designed after the State of Connecticut's Science Core
Framework and Standards.
By the end of the year, you will be able to successfully answer 5 essential questions about our natural world in
preparation for CMT's and to be ready for High School.
The five units we will cover are as follows:
1. What skills do we need to know in order to study science as inquiry? 2. What makes objects move the way they do?
3. How do science and technology affect the quality of our lives? 4. How does the position of Earth in the solar
system affect conditions on our planet? 5. What processes are responsible for life’s unity and diversity?
Grade Determination
Throughout the course there will be a variety of activities and assignments that will be graded. These will include
tests, quizzes, homework, laboratory activities, and projects. Each of these assignments will receive a point value
depending on the depth and difficulty of the activity. Your grade is based on total points (points earned / by total
points possible).
Materials You Will Need
2 sharpened pencils with erasers, 1 three-ringed binder with paper (every day)

2. Classroom Procedures
1) Enter the classroom quietly and follow the instructions on the board. Daily objectives and agendas will always be
written down:
- HW will always be on the HW chalk-board and warm-up's or activities will be listed in the middle of
the whiteboard
- If there are not any instructions on the board, take out and check over any class- work or HW
2) Always bring two sharpened pencils, your three-ringed science binder to class and any HW.
3) Raise your hand and wait for me to call on you. Be patient.
- Use a 6-inch voice
4) Only one student at a time to use the lavatory. Make sure you sign out and sign back in.
Responsibilities
1. Everyone is expected to have a 3-ring binder. Please keep the papers in chronological order (newest on top).
2. Missed work is to be made up within one week. It is your responsibility to get your missing work. A hanging file
system in the front of the room, it will have copies of anything handed out that you may need. Before asking the
teacher what you missed, ask two classmates. See me before school or after school or during flex if you still have
questions.
Extra help
Extra help is always available and encouraged. I am available before and after school and during flex. My only
requirement is that you make arrangements with me the day before you come in early or stay after school.
Class Rules
"I will do things that will not prevent my teacher from teaching and me or others from learning. I
will respect myself, others and our school. I will always try to better than I think I can. If one day I
fail at this, I will try harder the next day. Without failure there is no success."
I have read and understand what is expected of me and what to expect in class this year: Student
Name: _____________________________________________ (sign) -
___________________________________________
Parent Name ________________________________ Signature
______________________________Date ___________
Email to contact Parent
_______________________________________________________________________________
Phone number(s) to contact parent
____________________________________________________________________