Astronomy
History of the Universe:
Big Bang Theory, How old?
What is a satellite?
Earth’s Moon
Eclipses
Waxing/Waning/Phases
Size/Distance from Earth/Orbital Period
What causes tides?
Why don’t we see the far side?
What is an Elliptical path?
Space Race: See Timeline
Comets: Kuiper Belt
Asteroids: Asteroid Belt
Meteors/Meteoroids/Meteorites
The Sun
Nuclear Fusion/Einstein’s Theory/Gases
Temperature/Distance
Sun Spots/Photosphere/Corona/Core
How does a solar oven work? Kilowatt-hours
The Solar System: Terrestrial Planets, Gaseous Planets, Order of Planets
Key Vocabulary:
Black Holes
Light Year
Milky Way
Cosmology
Galaxy
Life of a Star
Universe
Singularity
Andromeda Galaxy
Nebula
Northern Lights
Supernova
Astronomical Unit
Orbit
Rotation
Revolution
Chemistry
Chemical Formula/Chemical Symbol:
Review Abbreviations
Electron Clouds
Nucleus Subscript/Superscript
Non-metals
Balance Equations
Atomic Mass/Atomic #
Coefficient
Reactant/Product
Isotopes
Oxidation Number
Compounds
Valence Electrons
Protons/Electrons/Neutrons
Periods
Noble Gases
Groups
Metals
Physics/Physical Science
How are force, mass, and acceleration connected? Friction
Gravity/Gravitational Potential Energy
Motion
Mass vs. Weight
Momentum
Specific Heat
Newton’s Laws/Newtons
Centripetal Force
Energy: Potential/Kinetic/Joules
Physics Formulas: See handout to be given in class
Sound
Amplitude
Compressional
Vibration
Transverse
Wavelength/Symbol
Rarefaction
Nodes
Crest
Antinodes
Trough
Frequency
Medium
Speed of Sound
Human Hearing
Pitch
Hertz
Decibel
Mach 1
Light
Reflection
Refraction
Index of Refraction
Transparent, Opaque, Translucent
Prisms/Rainbow
Visible Light: ROYGBIV
Chromatography
Total Internal Reflection
Course Description:
The 8th grade science class is a Physical Science course designed to foster an interest in science and help the students understand the interrelationships among science, technology, and society. It is important for the students to realize that we apply science nearly everyday in one form or another. It is my goal to spur the students on to a higher level of thinking with the hope that questions will generate a need to know. Students will be encouraged to think with a purpose and my objective is that what goes on in the classroom will be relevant to their present and future.
Bring to Class Every Day:
Textbook: Red book only
Lined paper to place in binder
Pencil or pen
Agenda book
Highlighter
Calculator: When requested
One 3 ring binder
Class Rules:
1. Listen when someone is talking
2. Follow classroom procedures
3. Cheating, which includes tests, copying homework, forgery, etc. is prohibited
4. Respect school property
5. Carefully follow lab safety rules
6. Respect your classmates
7. Inappropriate physical contact is prohibited
Methods of Instruction:
Lecture/Note taking
Guest Speakers
Homework
Field Trips/Class Trips
Videos/DVDs
Projects
Study Guides
Labs
Power Point
Class Work
Tests/Quizzes/Quests
Current Science
Group Discussion
Internet/Smart board/United Streaming
Textbook: Physical Science: Glencoe Science/McGraw-Hill
Astronomy and Weather/Climate: Astronomy/Weather
The Physical Science book should remain at home
Units of Study
Earth Science:
Characteristics, Composition, and Heating of the Atmosphere
Atmospheric Pressure/Winds/Air Masses/Fronts
Pollution
Severe Weather
Water in the Air
Forecasting the Weather
Chemistry:
Properties of Atoms and the Periodic Table
Chemical Reactions
Chemical Bonds
Solutions
Physics:
Energy Sources
Light
Motion and Speed
Thermal Energy (Heat)
Forces
Waves
Energy
Astronomy/Space Science:
History of Astronomy
Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
Solar System Formation
Seasons, Tides and Phases of the Moon
Sun as a Star
Grading System:
Students will receive grades based on a possible point system. Homework, labs, class work, quizzes, tests, projects, etc. will be assigned an appropriate point value based on the assignment difficulty, or time requirement. The points earned by each individual student will be divided by the possible point total to determine a percentage grade. I will be using the Easy Grade Pro software program. Extra credit/challenge will only be given out at the teacher's discretion.
Homework:
Homework will be given out approximately 2-3 times each week. Students will not receive any points if it is not turned in the day it is due or if the quality is below average. Each day that a graded assignment is late ten points will be deducted. Parents will be notified if a student repeatedly neglects to hand in assignments. Only certain assignments will be graded. A long term project or paper will drop ten points for every day that it is late. After four days the assignment will not be accepted, and a zero will be recorded and then averaged into the marking period total. Students are responsible for handouts, notes, etc. when they are absent. There is a place provided in the classroom for missed work due to an absence(s). Also check School Notes for a current update of assignments.
I can be reached at extension 244.
My e-mail address is: mgreiner@tewksburyschools.org
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Have a great year!
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