Science 8
SCIENCE 8
COURSE OUTLINE 2016-2017
Mr. Chow/Mr. Lutness
Email: shanelutness@rockyview.ab.ca (403) 947-3883
Rational: Science provides opportunities for students to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that they need to explore interests and prepare for further education and careers
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UNITS OF STUDY:
Mix and Flow of Matter – Students will learn that substances such as air, natural gas, water and oil are fluids, and they will investigate and describe the composition of these fluids. We will see how properties of individual fluids are important to their use, including density, buoyancy, viscosity and the fluid’s response to changes in temperature and pressure. The particle model of matter helps students understand the specific behaviour of fluids.
Light and Optics – In this unit, students will investigate the nature of light and vision. In learning about light, students explore its interactions with different materials and interpret its behaviour. They will then use their understanding of light to interpret a variety of light-based technologies and predict new technologies we may use in the future.
Cells and Systems – In this unit, students will learn to interpret life at a variety of levels, from individual cells to complex organisms. In order to develop their understanding, students will investigate ways that components of a living system work together and learn that healthy organisms (including humans) function as balanced systems.
Mechanical Systems – Machines are used for many purposes in our daily lives when we need to transfer energy into motion or move materials in a controlled way. In learning about mechanical devices, students will work to develop systems that enable energy to be transferred efficiently and desired functions to be performed.
Fresh and Saltwater Systems – Over two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans and freshwater features. Students will be exploring the characteristics of freshwater and saltwater systems, as well as how they affect living things (including humans). They will come to appreciate the dynamic nature of these systems and learn about the interaction of landforms, sediments, water and climate.
21st Century Competencies
Courses in RVS are designed to develop 21st Century competencies for our students:
Critical Thinking - Focuses thoughts and actions to secure responses that are supported by evidence
Problem-Solving - Identifies strategies and tools that help analyze, develop, and refine solutions
Innovation - Looks beyond the norm for solutions or opportunities that can overcome obstacles
Communication - Seeks to understand, interpret, and express thoughts, ideas, and emotions
Collaboration - Builds relationships and works in teams to achieve common goals
Self-Directed Learning - Takes ownership of learning
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Having the right attitude towards learning can help you achieve your goals. You are expected to follow all school rules and respect all the learners in the classroom, including the teacher. It is your learning environment so please bring up any concerns or learning ideas that you feel will benefit the class.
Attendance – If a student is away from school (or knows they will be missing time), it is their responsibility to make up assignments, class work/notes, tests/quizzes. If an assignment was given before the date missed, it should still be handed in on the first day back to school or the student should negotiate a new date with the teacher.
Assignments/Projects – All assignments and projects must be completed on the due date given unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher. Late assignments will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Organization – Students need to come to class prepared with all required materials and supplies. Keep all handouts, notes and completed work in your duotang. All notes should be written clearly and all calculations and diagram are neat and in pencil.
Responsibility
- Follow all safety rules in the lab
- Arrange to meet with the teacher to resolve any class disruption issues and show up to the meeting on time
- Seek extra help at lunch or after school whenever needed
EVALUATION:
Assignments 70%
- Projects
- Labs
- Observations
- Open-ended questions
- Class work
Tests/Quizzes 15%
Final Exam 15%
Student evaluation will include assessment for learning as well as assessment of learning. This will provide students with an opportunity for feedback, thus encouraging students to address weaker areas and be better prepared for major evaluations.
NOTE:
At Beiseker Community School, it is our belief that a student's grade should demonstrate and reflect the student’s knowledge. To this end, we will do our best to avoid assigning a mark of zero on a task or assignment. However, if after attempts such as: phone calls home, email home, Powerschool notification, study hall referral, tutorials, adapted programming, administrative referral, etc, have been attended to and the student has still not complied, then an incomplete or failing grade may be applied.
Communication about where a student is in their learning will be shared formally in report cards and informally, through email or phone calls.
