I n t e r n a t io n School M a n il a

al

8th Grade Science

School Year 2013-2014

WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS HANDOUT

Connecting with SCIENCE...

Welcome to 8th grade science!
We hope you are refreshed after a relaxing holiday break and are looking forward to an exciting and busy year ahead. Grade 8 Science explores four different themes this year: Systems, Transformation, Power, Interconnectedness. The course, based on these themes provides challenging and enjoyable opportunities for all abilities and will ensure you are presented with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. It will also prepare you for future study in Science.

Welcome! Expectations Course Outline Grading Assignment Format Absences Late Assignments Resources Communication Academic Honesty Contact Information

What will I be studying this year?

Systems Transformation Power Interconnectedness

How do the components of a system interconnect?

How and why do transformations occur?

How is power distributed, shared and limited? How can power be transferred?

What are the implications of interconnectedness? How does understanding interconnectedness affect perceptions?

What are the implications How permanent are of changing a component transformations? in a system?

Classroom Expectations
Be POSITIVE! Respect yourself and others Be Prepared to Learn Listen to and follow Instructions Do Your Best

How might there be Why does a balance of different interpretations of power create stability? a transformation?

Everything you need to know about your grades!

Tasks you perform will be assessed based on our Middle School Science Standards and Indicators and the school-wide Transdisciplinary Skills. Points can be earned in the areas of Scientific Inquiry, Scientific Content, Personal Management & Reflection, Communication, Critical Thinking / Problem Solving, Connection & Collaboration and Research. Your final grade will be calculated on the total number of points you have earned out of the total possible points.

THE FORMULA
Points you earned _______________________ Total points possible x 100

Optional books: Prentice

Hall Explorer Series

What do I do If I am absent or forget to do an assignment?

ABSENCES
You are responsible for any assignments and material covered in class if you are absent. That means you will be expected to communicate with me as soon as you return to school so that we can set up time to go over anything you missed while you were in bed with the flu! You may visit with me before or after class, or during tutorials you can even send me an email! If you know ahead of time, please come see me beforehand. Be responsible for yourself!

What should my assignments look like? Because we will be teaching close to 100 students, it will make our job much easier if everyones work is in the same format. The following is an example of the heading that should be placed in the upper right hand corner of all written work. Betsy Han Block A 8/15/2013

LATE WORK
Any late work in science will be subject to a deduction from the Personal Management & Reflection category for that assignment. Late is defined as work not handed in on the due date. Please see your teacher in advance if you cannot meet the deadline. Basically this means: PLEASE GET EVERYTHING IN ON TIME!!

What resources can I use?

The ISM blog site and Student Resources Folder contain a collection of classroom resources such as class schedules, PowerPoint presentations, Lab templates, and Activity Sheets. These can be accessed at http://www.ism-online.org (blog site) and http://www.ismanila.org (portal). You are strongly encouraged to use these resources either for information, advanced learning and/or revision work.

Academic Honesty? What does that mean?

The staff and students at International School Manila place great emphasis on academic excellence and doing their personal best. It is our goal to work together in an environment that supports academic honesty and trust.

Cheating, or academic dishonesty, includes any school work that a student plans to take credit for as their own when, in fact, it was done by others. This is not tolerated at ISM and will result in school disciplinary consequences as well as students receiving no credit for the assignment in question.

What do I need to be a successful science student?

Throughout the year, we will be doing many different types of activities and you will need to have all of your supplies with you in class (not in your locker!):
EVERY LESSON:

What do I need to know about my science instructors?

If you need to speak with your teacher, you are welcome to stop by our rooms anytime.

Calculator
AS NEEDED:

You may also contact us through email: cookk@ismanila.org lacsonj@ismanila.org pasambag@ismanila.org fischelisw@ismanila.org laulob@ismanila.org (Learning Support) petersm@ismanila.org (EAL)

Math-style spiral notebook (A4 size)

Green colored clear book Planner Writing Utensils Close-toed Shoes

Textbook 30 cm ruler Scissors Glue stick

Agreement
I understand the information and expectations explained in this handout and agree to follow them to the best of my ability Students signature __________________________________________ Date ___________________ I am aware of the information and expectations for my daughter/sons science class.

Page 2 Parents signature ___________________________________________ Date ___________________

8 T H G R A D E SC I E N C E