Mrs. Paque
Vista Verde Middle School
8th Grade Science

Welcome!

Students enter our classroom and read from the wall, “Science Is Everywhere”.  The eighth grade science curriculum, designed around the most current Arizona Department of Education Science Standards   consisting of six strands, emphasizes change as an organizing concept to better understand matter and energy.  The study of change will take place in units titled, Adaptation, Chemistry, and Physics. The students will use the Inquiry Process.  This will encourage questioning, planning and conducting investigations, using appropriate tools and techniques to gather data, thinking critically and logically about relationships between evidence and explanations, and communicating results.  In basic terms, the students will participate in many hands-on activities or labs.

Safety

All students will participate in the Laboratory Safety Rules lessons.  A Science Safety Contract will be sent home requesting the student’s signature and the parent’s or guardian’s signature verifying that the rules have been read, understood, and agreed to.  Please review the consequences for failure to follow lab rules which follow the VVMS ABC Plan.

Homework

Homework will be assigned as needed to reinforce learning.  Assignments will be posted on the front assignment board and should be copied daily into the Student Planner.  Assignments and homework are to be completed on time.  Late assignments will be given half credit.

Make-up Work

Upon return to school, a student should check with the teacher for work missed. Students are given one day for everyday they are absent to make-up assignments.


Grading

Grades will be calculated based on total points.  Categories include assignments and homework, lab work, and quizzes and tests.  The green Interactive Notebook points will be a part of the assignment category.



Interactive Notebook

All science students will use a green covered spiral notebook for many activities. This notebook will be used for factual learning, but will also provide a place for interaction with the factual information.  Students will use the notebook for a semester, so it is very important that they take good care of it.


Successful Students in Science:

*Come to class prepared with completed homework, pencils and pens, and a Positive ATTITUDE.

*Are in their seat when the bell rings, beginning the daily Warm-up.

*Write in student planner daily and check it every afternoon.

*Participate by contributing to class discussions and asking questions.

*Read over notes in Science Interactive Notebook from the unit when homework is not assigned.

*Study for quizzes and tests.

Disclaimer:  The agenda is subject to minor adjustments due to actual instruction and activity with the students. Sometimes  student/teacher needs for more clarification and instruction
results in the agenda changing. The most accurate agenda is on the classroom board each day. Thank you for your understanding.

Agenda Week 17

Week 17

M:      Students will participate in reading, video viewing and writing about genetically modified foods.
HMWRK:  Complete write-up of question #2 from video.


T:      Students will complete a genetic wheel after defining and working with the terms trait, allele, and     dominant and recessive traits.
HMWRK:  Review vocabulary.

W:      Students will participate in Officer Fuller's prevention lesson.

HMWRK:  Complete  any assigned prevention packet activities.