Hawthorne Academy

Mr. Proscelle
bproscelle1@saisd.net

Email:

8th Grade Science Syllabus, 2016-17

1. 8th Grade Science General Requirements One credit for successful completion of this course; Prerequisite: None.
The 8th Grade Science STAAR Test will be taken in May 2016.
2. Course Goals Science, as defined by the National Academy of Sciences, is the "use of evidence to
construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the
knowledge generated through this process." This vast body of changing and
increasing knowledge is described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual
models. Students should know that some questions are outside the realm of science
because they deal with phenomena that are not scientifically testable. Scientific
hypotheses are tentative and testable statements that must be capable of being
supported or not supported by observational evidence. Hypotheses of durable
explanatory power that have been tested over a wide variety of conditions become
theories. Scientific theories are based on natural and physical phenomena and are
capable of being tested by multiple, independent researchers. Students should know
that scientific theories, unlike hypotheses, are well-established and highly reliable,
but they may still be subject to change as new information and technologies are
developed. Students should be able to distinguish between scientific decision-making
methods and ethical/social decisions that involve the application of scientific
information. Grade 8 science is interdisciplinary in nature; however, much of the
content focus is on earth and space science. National standards in science are
organized as multi-grade blocks such as Grades 5-8 rather than individual grade
levels. In order to follow the grade level format used in Texas, the various national
standards are found among Grades 6, 7, and 8. Recurring themes are pervasive in
sciences, mathematics, and technology. These ideas transcend disciplinary
boundaries and include change and constancy, patterns, cycles, systems, models,
and scale.

3. Course Outline First Semester

Nature of Science
Tools & Safety
The Atom
The Periodic Table
Chemical Reactions
Chemical Formulas
Density
Force & Motion
Newtons Laws
Plate Tectonics
Topography
Climatic Interactions

Second Semester
Origins of the Universe
Galaxies & Universe
Stars
Earth-Moon-Sun
Environmental Interactions
Environmental Changes
Human Interactions on Oceans
Biology Readiness
STAAR Review & Readiness
STAAR Testing

4. Grading Daily Assignments

Homework
Lab Reports
Projects
Article Critiques
Journaling
Quizzes
Tests
Final

90-100% = A
80-89% = B
75-79% = C
70-74% = D
69% and Below = F

5. Late Assignments All assignments are due at the beginning of the period. Other than excused
or prearranged absences, assignments handed in at any other time are
considered late. No Late Work will be accepted.
6. Make-Up Assignments and Tests Work missed due to an excused or prearranged absence will be due the
following class day. It is the responsibility of the student to find out what
work was assigned and what information was missed. Labs missed due to
absences must be made up. Check with teacher to determine when you can
make up the lab. Tests missed due to an absence should be taken as soon as
possible following an absence. Missed tests will only be given either before
or after school. No make-up tests will be given during class time.
7. Assignment Requirements All assignments must be complete and on the paper specific to that
assignment. Only one copy will be given, do not lose it. All assignments
must be written in ink and must be legible. All work must be shown on
assignments, labs, tests, and exams including calculations.
8. Expectations
Students are expected to participate in class on a daily basis, work
collaboratively with other students, complete all assignments with attention
to quality, and be prepared to learn.

I have read and understand the requirements and expectations of this

class.
Student Signature _____________________________________________ Date
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Parent Signature ______________________________________________ Date

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