8th GRADE SCIENCE

Deer Valley Middle School

Syllabus 2016-2017

Teacher: Laura Brodman Larson Email:

Room: 401 Voice Mail: 623-445-3330

Office Hour: Prep 10:25 – 11:22 Website:

Course Description:

Students will explore the topics of Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Students will extend their knowledge of scientific inquiry, which will be implemented in all units.

Course Objectives:

  • All motion can be explained through Newton’s three laws of motion.
  • Matter has unique properties and is able to go through changes.
  • Elements can be sorted and classified by physical and chemical properties.
  • There are basic principles of heredity that determine every characteristic of living things.
  • Structural and behavioral adaptations increase the survival of an organism.

Materials/Supplies:

Text Book:Textbooks are available for checkout through the library if needed.

Quarter 1: Cells and Cell Processes

Quarter 2: Genetics and Ecology

Quarter 3: Chemistry

Quarter 4: Physics

Online Resources: to monitor assessment dates, project due dates and information

*Supplies:WRITING UTENSIL (pen or pencil) at all times. My students will be given folders and all the materials they need to be successful in my classroom. If your student would prefer to use their own folder or other materials, that is fine.

*Arizona law requires that public schools provide supplies required for academic success. This list represents optional, supplementary items which you may supply, at your discretion. If you have questions, feel free to contact the school*

PowerSchools:

The PowerSchools site allows parents/guardians and students to access the student’s grades, attendance, and other information. Progress reports are available on PowerSchools; please check weekly!Parents/Guardians who do not have a login code for their child can get one at the front office. Photo identification will be required to receive your password.

Web address —

Grading Policy:

Deer Valley Middle School aligns to the Arizona College & Career Readiness Standards (AZ-CCRS). In order to provide the best education for your child this year, we have selected a grading policy that operates under the following conditions:

AssessmentsExams — 60%

Projects/Labs— 30%

Classwork— 5%

Homework — 5%

Total — 100%

Student Expectations:

PowerSchools must be checked weekly.

THE COLT WAY must be followed and maintained in Ms. Larson’s classroom always.

Make Up Policy:

All students have until the end of the grading period to makeup assignments and retake assessments (end of the quarter).

Additionally, students are expected to complete daily formative or practice assignments to reinforce skills and concepts learned in class, but will not always be factored into a student’s final grade. There will be no opportunities for extra credit.

Communication:

Please email Ms. Larson at or call 623-445-3330. Ms. Larson’s cell phone number: (602) 842-1489

$Class webpage:

Discipline System: — The Colt Way —

Caring / Polite and respectful to others.
Organized / Prepared and on time to class,
ready to learn with all materials.
Learning / Productive students focused on learning.
Teamwork / Participate in class activities with a positive attitude.
Safety / Maintain a safe learning environment —
drug free, alcohol free & free from fights.

Notable Offenses:See Protecting the COLT Way Sheet on page 25 of Student Handbook/Planner.

Parent Consent & Confirmation:8th Grade Science/LARSON

Student Name: ______

Student Signature: ______

Parent Name: ______

Parent Signature: ______

Parent Email: ______

Cellphone: ______

***********Please return this paper by Monday, August 15, 2016.***************