Glue

ALLAPATTAH FLATS 8
th
GRADE SCIENCE SYLLABUS

8th Grade/ Comp. Science III 2002100
Felicia Cobb Felicia.cobb@stlucieschools.org
Shane Dowdney - Roger.dowdney@stlucieschools.org
John Pankey - John.pankey@stlucieschools.org

Text Resource: Florida Science Fusion, 2012/1st Florida Edition (DiSpezio) Course
III

The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to study concepts of the life,
earth/space, and physical sciences, and their applications to everyday life.

The content should include, but not be limited to, the following:
Matter, mixtures, and compounds
Force and Motion
Atoms and atomic theory
Nature of Science
Space Science (content needed for FCAT)

Course Goals:
Development of research skills
Plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types
Understand the use of scientific processes to study the patterns of natural
events and solve problems
Application and development of critical thinking and inquiry skills
Understanding and appreciation of the role of science and its impact on
our daily lives

Academic Honesty Plan:
Willful or deliberate unauthorized use of the work of another person for academic
purposes, or inappropriate use of notes, or other material in the completion of an
academic assignment or test is not permitted. In addition to disciplinary responses,
the granting of credit for this assignment may be considered null and void.

Classroom Expectations:
The goal is to ensure a safe, challenging, and engaging learning environment for
students that will prepare them for a successful future. Please feel free to inform
me of any special needs or situations that will be in your childs best interest. All
students have the right to an education without interruption, distraction, fear,
and/or disturbance for their peers. Students are expected to be respectful and
courteous at all times while at school. Allapattah Flats is a PBS school which
encourages students to make positive choices. Students making positive choices
will be rewarded.
Grading Scale:
30% Tests
10% Quizzes
10% Classwork/Homework
25% Interactive Notebook
25% Labs/Projects
Absences/Late Assignments:
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get notebook assignments from the
website or the class sample. The website will be updated 2-3 times per week
depending on the length of assignments completed. Notebook instructions will be
posted once they have been completed in class.

Late assignments
Only 3 late assignments will be accepted per quarter.

Homework
Homework will be assigned on a weekly basis. Students will complete vocabulary
squares and will complete 1 word a day Monday-Thursday. Completed worksheets
will be due on Friday.

Class Rules:
Complete your OWN work on time.
Listen to others.
Arrive on time with all materials.
Stay on task and follow directions.
Speak only when given permission.
Field Trips:
Students will have the option of attending a science related field trip this school
year. The purpose of these trips are to enhance the student's learning experience
on select topics. Field trips are an extension of the classroom therefore proper
classroom behavior is required. Students' behavior off campus reflects on both the
class and the school. I expect my students to follow ALL school rules while on field
trips and demonstrate extraordinary behavior while representing Allapattah Flats.
School dress code will be enforced on all trips unless otherwise stated on
permission slip.



Interactive Notebooks
You will keep an Interactive Student Notebook for this class the entire year.
Its interactive because it shows your interaction with the content.
The notebook will be a collection of all of your class work, homework and
activities for the entire 2014-2015 school year. A second notebook will be
provided at semester.
It will be a record of your assignments and will serve as our portfolio for student
led conferences.
This notebook will be 25% of your grade each 9 week grading period.
Take good care of it!!!!

Supplies
To create an Interactive Student Notebook, you will need to BRING these materials
to class EVERYDAY
You will lose participation points for not having them.
One composition book 100 sheet minimum.
Blue/Black pens
Red pens
Pencils
3 colors of highlighter
1 pack of colored pencils
Personal pencil sharpener with cap
at least 2 Expo markers
Folder
Filler Paper
White glue
Pencil box or Supply bag
Optional
Glue sticks if you prefer them over white glue
Pack of fine tip markers
Colorful tape for decorating

Grading of Notebook Pages.
Standard notebook pages will follow the rubric below. A student's notebook may
also contain other work samples for display such as labs and projects which are
graded separately.

Rubric for Notebook Pages Complete
Y/ N
Required Assignments All of the requirements are evident.
Organization The product is VERY neatly done and
EXTREMELY well organized.

Presentation The product is neat and colorfully illustrated.
Diagrams are labeled when appropriate.

Promptness Completed on time
Reflection Reflection was thoughtful and complete
Total Points