8th Grade STEM Syllabus
In this course we will be learning about Physical Science: the study of matter, energy, and how these change and interact in our universe. We will also explore engineering concepts and careers throughout the year as they relate to the concepts you’re learning.
Matter and Chemistry
Unit | Essential Questions |
Welcome | - How can I be successful in 8th grade science?
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The Nature of Science | - How do I solve problems like a scientist?
- How and why do scientific ideas change over time?
- What is the scientific method?
- What is the engineering process?
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Nature of Matter | - What is the structure of matter?
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Describing Matter | - What are the properties of matter?
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Changes in Matter | |
Concluding Ideas | - How do atomic and molecular interactions explain the properties of matter we observe?
- How do science and technology help solve real-world problems?
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Physics
Unit | Essential Questions |
Force and Motion | - How can I describe interactions between objects?
- How can I describe interactions within systems of objects?
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Noncontact Forces Contact Forces |
Energy | - How can energy be transferred from one object or system to another?
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Waves | - What are the properties of waves?
- How can the properties of waves be used?
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Concluding Ideas | - How do science and technology help solve real-world problems?
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Student Expectations
- Your words and actions must allow our entire classroom community to be successful.
- Treat others with respect.
- Students must treat all classroom equipment responsibly and in a safe manner.
- Students must return supplies and clean up their work area each day.
- Chromebooks are intended for school work and not games or video surfing.
- Cell phones should be muted and kept in backpacks. Follow the “traffic light.”
- Headphones and/or airpods should never be worn during group work or class discussions. They may be used only with permission during individual work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions | Answers |
What curriculum will we be using? | - You will be using STEMScopes. You will access this through Clever.
- Additional resources will be provided to practice and support your learning.
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Where will I find my assignments? | - Most assignments will be posted, explained, and submitted through Google Classroom. Some assignments will be on paper.
- Assignments are posted as they are assigned, on a daily basis.
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When will my assignments be due? | - Typically assignments are due each Friday.
- Assignments that require more time will carry over into the next week, especially those assigned on Thursday and Friday.
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How do I ask for help? | - Ask a classmate
- Private comments in Google Classroom
- During Class
- Email
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How will grades be calculated? | - 60% -- assessments and projects
- 15% -- quizzes
- 25% -- daily application of skills
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Where do I find my current grade? | - Course grades are posted in Skyward.
- Most assignments will be graded in Skyward within 1 week of the due date.
- Large projects will be posted within 1-3 weeks
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How do I know if I’m missing any work? | - Check Skyward.
- If there is an assignment that has no grade next to it, the assignment is considered missing.
- Match the name of the missing grade in Skyward with the assignment in Google Classroom. If you aren’t sure what the assignment is…ask!
- Do NOT ask me if you’re missing anything. I won’t have it memorized and I would need to check Skyward to be sure, anyway.
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What about late work? | - Assignments have specific due dates.
- Late assignments will be accepted if they are turned in before the end of the unit being studied with a 10% deduction from the grade.
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How do I turn in late work? | - You MUST submit a green “late slip” for digital assignments that are turned in late so that I will know to look for them in Google Classroom.
- It it’s a paper assignment, you will turn it in to the tub with a green slip attached.
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Are there re-tests? | - Yes, if arrangements are made with Ms. Flanagan.
- You must have your daily assignments turned in in order to schedule a re-test.
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Are the tests hard? | - No, not if you’ve been paying attention during class.
- You may use your science journal (notes) on tests.
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Where can I find copies of the notes for the science journal? | - www.FlanSci.org
- This website will have photos of all of the pages we complete and include in our science journals.
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How do I stay caught up if I’m absent? | - Email Ms. Flanagan and find out what you need to make up.
- Some assignments that are “classroom based” or activities or labs are impossible to replicate. For these, you will receive a “no count” grade.
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What’s the best thing I can do to be successful in this class? | - Come with a positive attitude. Work hard to be the best version of yourself.
- Participate, either by sharing your ideas or being a good listener.
- Keep your science journal up-to-date.
- Bring a charged chromebook everyday.
- Ask questions when you don’t understand.
- Turn in all assignments; strive to not have any missing work.
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*Students: Keep the first three pages so that you’ll have the syllabus to refer to when needed.
Student’s Name: _________________________________________
Class Period: _____________
Parent and Student Signatures
I have read the syllabus for STEM 8 and have become familiar with the requirements and expectations for the course. If I have any questions, I will contact Ms. Flanagan.
Student’s Signature:
________________________________________________ Date _______
Parent/Guardian Signature:
________________________________________________ Date _______
Preferred method to contact parent/guardian. Check as many as appropriate:
- Email: _________________________________________________
- Home Phone: ___________________________________________
- Cell Phone: _____________________________________________
- Work Phone: ____________________________________________
Please return this page to class by Friday, October 6, 2023.