Science Program Goals

The core science program is built around a solid content base that emphasizes the use of hands-on, inquiry-based activities as well as the development of science process skills. Inquiry-based activities are designed to encourage students to observe, question, theorize and make models. In addition, the science program integrates the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will enhance the success of our students in today’s world as well as in the future. The Glencoe Science Series series will be used in all junior high science classes.

Textbooks:

Grade 6 – Earth Science

• Earth’s Changing Surface
• Earth’s Waters
• Weather and Climate
• Astronomy

Grade 7 – Life Science

• From Bacteria to Plants
• Animals
• Cells and Heredity
• Human Biology and Health
• Environmental Science

Grade 8 – Physical Science

• Motion Forces and Energy
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Sound and Light
• Chemical Building Blocks
• Chemical Interactions

1. Students should have a spiral notebook, loose-leaf paper, graph paper and a folder for science papers.
2. Homework assignments should be completed following the junior high standards. These assignments should be kept in their science folder so that they can be used as a study tool for the chapter tests.
3. Students are responsible for making up missed work. Students who miss class for any reason are expected to obtain the notes they missed in their absence. They are also required to complete and turn in any assignments they missed while they were out of school. Students can contact the teacher or another student to obtain this information.
4. Students need to be prepared when they come to class; this means that they should always have their textbook, notebook, science folder and any assignments that are due when they arrive for class.
5. Tests are given after each chapter, or about every two to three weeks. There will be a complete review of the chapter concepts before the students are tested. All below average tests must be signed by a parent and returned to the teacher the next day.
6. Total grade is based on homework, quizzes, tests, lab work and class work. Students are expected to take notes and to participate in class discussions on a daily basis.
7. Extra help is available by appointment.

All 7^th and 8^th Grade students will complete a science project this year. A hand-out that outlines the requirements of the project will be distributed to all students. In-class support and mini deadlines will be given to help move students along in their project and to answer their questions. The final project will have a point value of 200 points. We will be meeting with all 7^th and 8^th grade science classes in September to provide details.