La Porte Junior High 8th Grade Science Course Syllabus 2017-2018

Teacher Name:Mrs. VeronicaDeLeon

Teacher Conference Time: 3rd Period 10:03-10:52

School/Teacher Phone Number: 281-604-6694

Email Address:

Remind: Enter this number 81010 Text this message: @lpjs

Or go to

Course Description and Expectation:

Eighth grade science is an integrated science curriculum with a strong emphasis in physical science and Earth’s systems. Curriculum is grouped in sections or strands including Matter and Energy; Force Motion, and Energy; Earth & Space; Organisms and the Environment. This course requires team work and participation. It will be hard work but rewarding and most importantly we are going to have FUN doing it!!!

Students will be expected to participate in class activities, discussions, labs, quizzes, tests, projects, and other assignments during each unit of study throughout the school year.

Learning Objectives:

  • The student will understand the nature of Science.
  • The student will demonstrate an understanding of living systems and the environment.
  • The student will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and properties of matter.
  • The student will demonstrate an understanding of motion, forces and energy.
  • The student will demonstrate an understanding of Earth and Space Systems.

Learning Outcomes: (When the student has completed the course, they will be able to…..)

  • Implement the Scientific Method to design an investigation
  • Understand the flow of energy and interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem.
  • Describe atomic structure and chemical properties of elements.
  • Understand chemical properties and chemical reactions.
  • Understand force, speed, velocity and acceleration as related to an object.
  • Understand force as related to plate boundaries, changes in land formations and crustal features.
  • Describe cycles that affect day/night, seasons and lunar phases on Earth.
  • Understand sizes, distances in Space.
  • Describe theories related to the Origin of the Universe.

Course Expectations: (Throughout the school year, the student is expected to perform what tasks, duties….)

  • Maintain consistent attendance (Science is hands on – must be present to participate)
  • Display positive classroom behavior and be an active participant in class.
  • Use planner to meet due dates and deadlines on time.
  • Use a Scientific Journal for all note keeping and lab procedures.
  • Give 110% all day every day! This year we are RAISING THE BAR IN SCIENCE! Students will be prepared for post-secondary school with hard work and high rigor in class.

Course Evaluation: (How will the student be graded throughout the school year?)

  • Stemscopes Curriculum
  • Homework
  • 6 week Assessments
  • Science Journal
  • Lab Activities & Daily work
  • Semester Exams (Fall only)
  • Major Projects (1 in Fall and 1 in Spring plus FINAL PROJECT in place of Final exam)
  • STAAR Assessment May 16, 2018
  • Science Fair Project (Pre-AP/GT only)

Major Project Guidelines and Expectations:

Final Project – will be assigned in May and will be the course final exam.

Details and Guidelines will be sent home prior to starting any project. Parent signature on Project Guidelines will be required.

Important information about this course that will enable you to be successful:

  • Grading Policy: We follow the LPISD grading policy
  • Homework Policy: Usually only assigned if classwork was not completed in class.
  • Tutorials: Afternoons by Appointment
  • Information/Reminders: We use a text based system Remind – all students and parents are encouraged to sign up. I also frequently update my school webpage. Subscribe to both and you will receive updates!
  • We work hard in science and have high expectations to meet this year! We will meet them together!

For all state-approved courses, the State of Texas has developed the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) which define the guidelines under which La Porte ISD must develop the objectives for the course. These TEKS are cross-referenced to the LPISD curriculum objectives. In addition, LPISD objectives are also cross-referenced to the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) Standards of Performance.

The complete TEKS document, which was approved by the Texas State Board of Education, may be found on the internet at and is accessible to teachers, parents, and students.