Science 8 Course Outline

Grade 8 Science students will acquire scientific knowledge, and apply it to various situations. In
this course students will explore science and how it relates to technology, our environment and
their impact on society. Students will be encouraged to develop responsible attitudes that support
the acquisition and application of scientific and technological knowledge.

Materials:
Students are expected to bring the following materials to class ​each day:
● Science In Action 8 Textbook
● Your science binder with dividers, loose leaf, graph, and blank paper in it
● Your Chromebook/personal device.
● Pens (blue for taking notes and red for marking) and pencils

Google Classroom:
I will be using Google classroom to post class notes, assignment and test outlines. All students
will be signed on to the classroom and can use this tool to complete homework or to catch up if
they have any absences. Parents are welcome to join the classroom as well. Please email me if
you are interested. Information about classwork and major assignments and assessments will
also​ appear on the whiteboard in class and students should consider this the main source of
information regarding important due dates and upcoming quizzes. This information should be
copied into personal organizers daily.

Assessment:
Student evaluation is based on both formative (learning is taking place) and summative (what the
student has learned). Homework and minor assignments are ​formative​; unit exams, quizzes, labs
and projects are ​summative​.

Within each unit, the following weightings will be used:

Assignments, Labs, Projects - ​30%
Quizzes (2 or 3 per unit) - ​20%
Unit Final - ​50%

Student progress will be posted on PowerSchool as quickly as possible. It is strongly

recommended that parents review student progress on a regular basis and if there are any
concerns, the teacher should be contacted at that time. In turn, if I have concerns, I will contact
you. By doing this, there should be no surprises at report card time.
Topics, Timelines and Class Activities:

Unit Name Timeline Unit Focus and Class Activities

Students will analyze how water quality influences living things and
Fresh and how water transforms climate and landforms. They will also analyze
Saltwater September - how human activities and needs have changed our planet’s water
Systems October supply.
18%

Students will learn the role of the properties of mixtures and fluids in
Mix and Flow November - scientific research and technological developments.
of Matter ​18% December

Students will learn about life science; cells, systems within the body,
Cells and January - and structures and functions in these systems.
Systems February
18%

Students will read about light and optical systems, with the unit
Light and March - culminating in a project that requires them to apply these principles.
Optical April
Systems
18%

Students will focus on developing solutions to practical problems, and

analyze working models of machines to determine strengths and
Mechanical May - June weaknesses.
Systems
18%

Final Exam June

10% Date TBA
Curriculum:
The complete Science 8 curriculum can be downloaded from the Alberta Learning website in pdf
format
https://education.alberta.ca/media/3069389/pos_science_7_9.pdf

Student Expectations:

Behaviour:
I believe that a classroom based on mutual respect is very successful. I will treat each student
with respect while doing everything I can to help them succeed and reach their full potential.
Students are expected to respect themselves, their peers and their teacher.
What if a Student Does Not Meet Class Expectations?

Consequences
1. Silent reminder from teacher
2. Verbal reminder from teacher
3. Phone call or email home
4. Action Plan (What’s the problem? What’s causing it? How you plan to solve it)

Attendance:
Students are encouraged to be in class as much as possible. ​If a student is away, it is their
responsibility to collect handouts and find out what homework they have to complete​. It is
strongly recommended that they have a “study buddy” in their class to collect this information
for them. Any missed assignments are to be handed in upon the student’s return to school.
Missed quizzes and exams will be written at a time arranged by the teacher and student, within a
reasonable time frame.

Extra Help:
I am always willing to help a student succeed! If extra help is required, please email me or see
me at school at lunch or after dismissal.

I sincerely look forward to teaching your child this year and working with you to ensure their
success. If at any time you have a concern, please contact me at the school.

Sincerely,
Jamie Dizwenko
Matthew Hebert

jamie.dziwenko@eics.ab.ca

Matthew.hebert@eics.ab.ca