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Physical Science (8th Grade)
Ramona Junior High
Periods 3, 4, 5 & 6
Current Chapter: Chapter 4
Table of Contents
Reminder Chapter 4 Test and Notebook are on Monday!
The following topics will be covered this year: the nature of matter; the forms and transformations of energy; the relationship between force, mass, and the motion of objects; the wave nature of sound and electromagnetic radiation; the characteristics of gravity, electricity, and magnetism.
While learning those over-arching concepts, the students will: explore the importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science and will exhibit these traits in their own efforts to understand how the world works; enhance reading in all curriculum areas; use standard safety practices for all classroom laboratory and field investigations; use computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and following scientific explanations; use tools and instruments for observing, measuring, and manipulating equipment and materials in scientific activities utilizing safe laboratory procedures; use the ideas of system, model, change, and scale in exploring scientific and technological matters; communicate scientific ideas and activities clearly; question scientific claims and arguments effectively; become familiar with the characteristics of scientific knowledge and how it is achieved; and understand the features of the process of scientific inquiry.
Required Materials
Students in Ms. Moons Science classes will be required to purchase:
1. 2-College Rule, 8 1/2 x 11, 3 Subject Notebooks (Mead, Five Star, Up and Up, Omni) (Ms. Moon will store the second one for use in the second semester).
2. LOTS of glue sticks
3. Colored pencils
4. Highlighters
Course Requirements
Students in Physical Science will be required to:
1. Keep a science notebook, which will include all handouts, notes, quizzes, and written work for a grade at the end of each unit. Notebooks will be collected on the day of the unit test, and must be in the order specified by the table of contents.
2. Participate in classroom activities, including labs, demonstrations, and group work.
3. Complete individual projects, as well as take traditional tests and quizzes.
Laboratory Rules
1. Absolutely no horseplay in the lab.
2. Report any spills or mishaps immediately to the instructor.
3. Everyone helps with cleanup. No one leaves the room until the cleanup is complete.
4. Read and comply with all safety rules in Chapter 1 and the lab safety handout
5. Must comply with dress code regulations (NO closed toed shoes, Long hair must be pulled up, No short skirts or shorts, no loose clothing or jewelry)