8th+Integrated+Science+III

Integrated Science (8th Grade) Course Description and Policies Book: Glencoe Science, Owl Level, 2013 Instructor: Dr. Tara Kheradyar 832-784-2518 or tkheradyar@chinquapin.org The main goal of this integrated science course is to help students prepare for success in high school science classes. The course will include a combination of chemistry, physics, earth & planetary sciences, and biology. The students will be encouraged to develop strong self-learning and study skills which will include: reading and comprehension of scientific texts and other appropriate reading material, building models, learning about safe experimentation, conducting investigations & inquiries, using math applications & problem solving, making observations, recording & analysis of data, critical thinking and reasoning, and reporting & discussion of results. The basic coverage of various sciences along with the study skills will prepare the students for success in future core science courses in high school.

Unit 1: Physical vs. Chemical Changes, Nature of Science, and Metric System Review Unit 2: Chemistry – Discovering the Atom (Ch. 7) Unit 3: Chemistry – Elements and Chemical Bonds (Ch. 8) Unit 4: Chemistry – Chemical Reactions and Equations (Ch. 9) Unit 5: Chemistry – Mixtures, Solutions, and Acid-Base (Ch. 9) Unit 6: Minerals and Rocks (Ch. 13) Unit 7: Plate Tectonics Theory (Ch. 14) Unit 8: Earthquakes and Volcanoes (Ch. 15) Unit 9: Clues to the Earth (Ch. 16) Unit 7: Evolution of Life through Time and Marine Biology (Handouts)
 * The course is divided into seven main units: **
 * __ Fall Semester __**
 * __ Spring Semester __**

Grading Method and Scale

 * = A 90-100 = || = B 80-89 = || = C 70-79 = || = D 60-69 = ||

There will be no assigned weights for each grade category. All class assignments will be worth points. The grades will be computed using the above scale based on overall percentage of total points earned. Assessment of learning will be measured according to performance on the following:

Class Participation – Based on a variety of in-class and homework assignments – about 20 points per two weeks Projects - about 20 points every 4-5 weeks Quizzes – about 10-20 points per week Tests – about 40-60 points every 3-4 weeks Semester Final – 20% of total points for the semester

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s work or ideas as your own. This includes copying someone else’s homework (unless you are instructed that data is to be shared) or observations and conclusions during classwork. You may discuss your assignments with another student, but may not copy or just paraphrase another person’s ideas. All incidents of plagiarism as well as other forms of academic dishonesty will be reported to the deans and the director of the school.

Homework and other work or reports are due at the beginning of the period on the announced due date. Late homework or lab reports will be accepted only three times during the semester and will be penalized between 10-20% per day (allowing for excused absences). Homework and reports will not be accepted if they are more than three days late, and the students will receive a zero. Missed homework assignment required for in-class discussions, will automatically receive a zero without the opportunity for make-up. In case of excused absences, the students need to email me immediately in order to plan when they can turn in assignments.
 * Late Work and Make-Up **

Extensions on projects are only aloud for illness and will simply not be possible for the pace of this course.
 * Extensions **

There will be no make-ups for missed quizzes and tests without my prior permission, or for any unexcused absences. Students missing any quizzes or tests for reasons other than illness or scheduled school events, will receive a zero for the assessments. If a quiz or test is missed due to an excused absence, it needs to be scheduled on the next day after the absence. It is your responsibility to contact me about any missed quizzes or tests. During the excused absence, students must contact me for a plan for self-study.
 * Make-Up Tests and Quizzes **

Class and lab rules for behavior and safety will be discussed during the first week of school.
 * Class Rules **


 * Student Name _________________ Student Signature __________________ **


 * Parent/Guardian Name ________________Parent/Guardian Signature _________________ **

I can best be reached by email at tkheradyar@chinquapin.org.
 * Contacting the Instructor **