Class dESCRIPTIONSThe following are outlines of the 7th and 8th grade science curriculum's based on the 2014 Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) . Instructional units are designed to increase the students interest and knowledge about a variety of scientific topics by incorporating presentations addressing the visual, the tactile, and the auditory learner. The table below describes the specific units to be taught, unit contents as well as the science domain and the specific NGSS standards they address .
7th Grade General Science Curriculum Unit Content Science Domain NGSS Standards What is Science? Scientific Method MS-ETS1-1 and Measuring Earth Systems, History, and Earth and Space MS-ESS2-1,2.3 Human Impacts Sciences MS-ESS3-1,2 Interdependent Relationships Life Sciences MS-LS2-1,2,3,4,5 in Ecosystems MS-LS1-6,7 Structure/Properties of Matter; Physical Science MS-PS1-1,2,3,4 Chemical Reactions MS-PS1-5,6 Engineering, Technology and Scientific Inquiry MS-ETS1-1,2,3,4 Applications to Science Engineering Design 8th Grade General Science Curriculum Space Systems, History, and Earth and Space MS-ESS1-1,2,3,4 Human Impacts Sciences MS-ESS3-4 Natural Selection and Adapt Life Sciences MS-LS4-1,2,3,4,5,6 Growth, Development, and MS-LS3-1 Reproduction of Organisms Forces and Interactions, Energy Physical Sciences MS-PS2-1,2,3,4,5 Waves and Electromagnetic MS-PS3-1,2 Radiation MS-PS4-1,2,3 Engineering, Technology and Scientific Inquiry MS-ETS1-1,2,3,4 Applications to Science Engineering Design Science by Design Curriculum* (*) This elective class is currently only available to 8th grade students. The Science by Design course will provide students with opportunities to investigate scientific concepts beyond the boundaries of a traditional middle school science class. Students will develop a deeper understanding of several science domains and phenomenon while recording data and designing models. First Grading Period: "Can We Build It?" - Architectuaral Engineering Second Grading Period: "Life Goes On" - Embryology and Immunity Third Grading Period: "Birds to Boeings" - Flight and Buoyancy Fourth Grading Period: "Weather Phenomenon" - Meteorology General Class Information Science is an exploration into understanding how the universe works. The only pre-requisite that students need to be successful in science class is an inquisitive mind and a willingness to make sense out of observations. Asking questions and trying to figure out solutions is all scientists really do. Therefore, the more students hypothesize and experiment, the easier it becomes to see and understand how everything fits together. So that is what we do in class; make observations, hypothesize, experiment, and develop theories. We learn to speak the language of science in order to make sense of how things work. This year we will continue using iPads in the science curriculum. This is still a work in progress, however it is imperative that students bring their iPads to class every day and keep them charged. Please feel free to contact Mr. Poll by email (preferred) or phone whenever a question or concern arises during the school year. Contact Information : Mr. Rob Poll – Room 109 EPMS Phone – 541-830-6045 Email – pollr@eaglepnt.k12.or.us |
Class PROCEDURES AND ROUTINES During Class Time General Guidelines:
1. Treat everyone, teacher and fellow students, with respect and kindness. 2. Be respectful of property, both yours and others. 3. Take pride in your actions and work. BEST EFFORT! 4. If it’s not yours, leave it alone! 5. Help create a comfortable learning environment with low noise levels.. Turning in Assignments: 1. Turn in assignments on time. BEST EFFORT! 2. Properly label assignments with first and last name, current date, and . the name of the assignment clearly written on the top of the page. 3. Assignments are not considered late as long as they are turned in before the teaching unit is complete. Assignments will be accepted up to one week after a teaching unit is finished 4. There is a two-week “Grace Period” after each unit for late work to be turned in. Make-Up Assignments: 1. If you miss a class period, it is your responsibility to complete any assignments you missed during your absence. 2. Maintain and update a planner to record all class activities. Check with another student or this webpage to monitor assignments. 3. If the missing assignment is a worksheet or graphic organizer, get a copy from the milk-crate file box, located on side counter in the classroom, and complete the missing work using available resources. 4. If you miss a Lab activity, it is the students responsibility to arrange for a time to conduct the activity. Mr. Poll is often available before school, at lunch, and after school to supervise Lab makeups. 5. Turn in completed late/missing assignments directly to Mr. Poll.. Lab Day Procedures: 1. Work only with your assigned group at your assigned station. 2. Follow all instructions, written and verbal, exactly. 3. Before beginning, make sure your station has all of the necessary equipment. If something is missing or broken, notify the teacher immediately. 4. Work safely! Be aware of your surroundings, use safety gear/supplies, and report unsafe conditions/behaviors immediately to the teacher. 5. When finished with your lab work, carefully put equipment back where it belongs, clean up your work area thoroughly, and return to your desk. Grades: 1. Proficiency grading (see General Classroom Information paragraph 4). 2. Formative assignments are worth a maximum score of 4 and are based on accuracy of responses, completeness of assignment, or alignment with project rubrics. These scores are not included in students overall course score. 3. Summative assignments are worth a maximum score of 4 and are based on accuracy of responses,completeness of assignment, or alignment with project rubrics. These scores are included in the students overall course score. 4. Teaching units include formative assignments and activities designed to prepare each student for summative activities. Summative assessments can be re-taken if a student wishes to improve their score only when all formative assignments are complete with a score no lower than a 3. 4. Employability Standards grades are determined separate of academic grades and in accordance with JCSD9 standards. 5. Authentic assessments (projects) will be utilized throughout the school year and should be neat and demonstrate student mastery of content. Materials: All students will need a set of coloring pencils, and a section in their binders dedicated to Science to record class notes and collect returned papers. Fully charged and functional iPads are required in Science Class. Materials will be required periodically throughout the year for model-making projects. These projects are designed to incorporate low-cost materials and will be graded solely on meeting the expectations detailed in the scoring rubrics. Students are expected to attend EVERY class with all necessary materials to actively participate in the activities. Pencils and pens (black and blue ink only please) are required as well as college ruled binder paper and a 3-holed folder. “Every student receives excellent instruction in every class every day" |
