International baccalaureate organization

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Information

Students will be assessed in a number of ways using many different tools. These assessments may include informal discussions with the teacher and other students, problem-solving, completion of projects, reporting the results of a group investigation, and using other talents (drawing, signing, or writing) to express or demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. In addition, students will be assessed periodically using assessments provided by Fulton County and practice CRCT questions to monitor their readiness to succeed on the CRCT. Student work will be graded using the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Assessment Criteria, which will be provided in the form of assessment rubrics.

6. 
   Vertical Alignment
   

7. 
   Resources
   
8. 
   Glencoe Life Science textbook (CD-ROM available), Computer lab and mobile computer carts
   

• 
  Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
  

• 
  Examine the scientific view of the nature of matter including their properties, types, forms, movement, and changes.
  

• 
  Recognize that there are more than 100 elements on the Periodic Table grouped according to their properties.
  

• 
  Explain the forms, transformation, transfer, and conservation of energy.
  

• 
  Demonstrate and determine the relationships between forces, mass, and motion of objects
  

• 
  Demonstrate the effects of simple machines on work.
  

• 
  Identify the characteristics of waves, including mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and describe their behavior in different medium/surfaces.
  

• 
  Recognize that every object exerts gravitational force on other object(s) proportional to their respective masses and relative distances.
  

• 
  Investigate and explain that electric circuits and magnets can exert mutual forces on each other. Describe the applications of these forces.
  

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Information

The Middle Years Program (MYP) will be an integral part of our study of Physical Science. This will include journal writing, hands on inquiry based labs, exploring the Areas of Interaction (Approaches to Learning, Community and Service, Homo Faber, Health and Social and Environment) and investigating our learner profiles. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways. These assessments may include informal discussions with the teacher and other students, completion of lab activity/report, reporting the results of a group investigation and using other talents (drawing, writing, acting) to express or demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. Physical Science units will be explored with other academic disciplines so that students will see the connectedness between academic subjects. We will also relate our studies to the global community.

Resources:

Prentice Hall Explorer: Physical Science (text)

Computer lab and mobile computer carts, Science Lab Equipment (varies based on lab topic)

3. 
   Aims and Objectives
   

• 
  Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
  

• 
  Examine the scientific view of the nature of matter including their properties, types, forms, movement, and changes.
  

• 
  Recognize that there are more than 100 elements on the Periodic Table grouped according to their properties.
  

• 
  Explain the forms, transformation, transfer, and conservation of energy.
  

• 
  Demonstrate and determine the relationships between forces, mass, and motion of objects
  

• 
  Demonstrate the effects of simple machines on work.
  

• 
  Identify the characteristics of waves, including mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and describe their behavior in different medium/surfaces.
  

• 
  Recognize that every object exerts gravitational force on other object(s) proportional to their respective masses and relative distances.
  

• 
  Investigate and explain that electric circuits and magnets can exert mutual forces on each other. Describe the applications of these forces.
  

4. 
   Topics
   

Students will be assessed in a number of ways using many different tools. These assessments may include informal discussions, problem-solving, completion of projects, reporting the results of a group investigation, and using other talents to demonstrate knowledge and understanding. In addition, students will be assessed periodically using assessments provided by Fulton County and practice CRCT questions to monitor their readiness to succeed on the CRCT.

Computer lab and mobile computer carts

Science Lab Equipment (varies based on lab topic)

8th Grade Advanced Physical Science Ms. Cassidy cassidyj@fultonschools.org Room 247 404-843-7710
The 8th Grade Physical Science curriculum is designed to provide students with an introductory overview of the common concepts in physical science including but not limited to the nature of matter, laws of conservation of matter and energy, motion, forces, and energy transformation. These concepts are investigated through observing, collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting, results of scientific investigations and fieldwork designed for students to develop the appropriate skills in science as inquiry.
Rules: Follow directions the FIRST time. Student interruption of instructional time is prohibited. Keep body parts and objects to yourself. No harassment- including but not limited to profanity, inappropriate gestures, teasing, or bullying. Be in your seat and working when the bell rings. Treat all RCS staff, students, and guests with respect, honesty and courtesy.	Consequences: 1st Offense- Verbal Warning 2nd Offense- Silent Lunch and/or loss of break time 3rd Offense- Grade level after school Detention (return with Parent Signature*) 4th Offense- After school Detention (return with Parent Signature*) 5th Offense- Office Referral *Failure to return forms signed by a parent will result in a higher consequence Consequences start over each semester. Severe Offense- results in an immediate office referral
Policies and Procedures
Grading Scale A = 100-90 C = 79-70 B = 89-80 F = 69- 0 Your student’s academic performance in 8th grade will determine his/her placement in high school. Middle school students in grade 8 must have a passing grade in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, reading/foreign language and one of the following: a combination of grades in the connections segment or the physical education/health connections segment. (FCBOE Policy IHE)	Grading Assessments = 35% Daily Class Work = 30% Lab Reports = 25% Homework = 10%
Academic Integrity- All students will follow the Ridgeview Charter School Honor Code. Anyone who copies, cheats, plagiarizes or does not complete his or her own work on any assignment or test will receive a zero and will not be allowed to make up the grade. All work must be in the student’s own words. The same penalty applies for students who allow their work to be copied or plagiarized.	Assignments- Assignments should be completed at the time they are given and turned in by the specified due date. Failure to do so will result in the student losing his/her break and/or being referred to the PASS program. Students may receive extra help before or after school by appointment.
Late Work- Points will be deducted from each late assignment as follows: 1 day late: -15 points 2 days late: -30 points 3 days late: -50 points 4+ days late: no credit given A late work form (available in the classroom) must be attached in order to receive credit for work submitted after the due date.	Absences- It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Make-Up Work Request when returning to school from an absence. Ms. Cassidy will return the Request and missed assignments within 24 hours. The due date will be written on the Request. Make-Up Work turned in after the due date is subject to late work penalties. It is the student’s responsibility to complete and turn in make-up assignments. Ms. Cassidy will not ask for the work; completed work must be attached to the Work Request form.
Recovery Policy: Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.
Daily Supplies Spiral Notebook (8.5 x 11, 200+page) - Pencil and pen (blue/black ink only) -Glue Stick Composition notebook (for lab reports) - Passport (formerly Agenda)
I have read and understand all the policies and procedures. I agree to keep this page in my notebook at all times for reference. X Student Signature Date ____/____/_______		We have read all the policies and procedures. We understand our student’s responsibilities and know how to contact Ms. Cassidy if we have any concerns. X Parent Signature Phone Number: ______________________ Parent Email Address: _________________________

Course Outline

Advanced Physical Science

Ms. Jennifer Cassidy, Room 247

5. 
   Course Description
   

6. 
   Aims and Objectives
   

• 
  Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
  

• 
  Examine the scientific view of the nature of matter including their properties, types, forms, movement, and changes.
  

• 
  Recognize that there are more than 100 elements on the Periodic Table grouped according to their properties.
  

• 
  Explain the forms, transformation, transfer, and conservation of energy.
  

• 
  Demonstrate and determine the relationships between forces, mass, and motion of objects
  

• 
  Demonstrate the effects of simple machines on work.
  

• 
  Identify the characteristics of waves, including mechanical and electromagnetic waves, and describe their behavior in different medium/surfaces.
  

• 
  Recognize that every object exerts gravitational force on other object(s) proportional to their respective masses and relative distances.
  

• 
  Investigate and explain that electric circuits and magnets can exert mutual forces on each other. Describe the applications of these forces.
  

7. 
   Topics
   

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Information

Students will be assessed in a number of ways using many different tools. These assessments may include informal discussions with the teacher and other students, problem-solving, completion of projects, reporting the results of a group investigation, and using other talents (drawing, signing, or writing) to express or demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. In addition, students will be assessed periodically using assessments provided by Fulton County and practice CRCT questions to monitor their readiness to succeed on the CRCT. Student work will be graded using the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Assessment Criteria, which will be provided in the form of assessment rubrics.

8. 
   Vertical Alignment
   

Each science unit will be coordinated with other academic disciplines in order for students to understand the connection between science and their other subjects.

9. 
   Resources
   

Computer lab and mobile computer carts