Welcome to Accelerated Physical Science 20152016

This year in science, you will be studying:

1st Quarter: Matter and the Periodic Table

2nd Quarter: Matter and the Periodic Table, Energy, Waves
3rd Quarter: Sound and Light, Gravity, Force and Motion
4th Quarter: Machines and Work, Electricity and Magnetism, Radioactivity
Responsibilities

Always come to class prepared for the day.

You are expected to follow all teacher/school rules at all times. Behavior that interferes with your
learning or the learning of those around you will result in a conduct cut.
Labs and hands-on activities are an integral part of this class. Focused, on-task behavior is expected at
all times. Failure to follow lab rules will result in an alternate assignment on lab days.
All assignments will be kept in your binder and your Table of Contents should always be up to date.
Organization is very important, as you will take the EOC in May that will determine your eligibility for
high school credit for this course. (More information is coming!)
Attendance is vital. It is important to be here so that you do not miss instruction. It is your responsibility
to obtain missed assignments when absent.
Grading
Papers will be graded in a timely manner and passed back to students. Please remember that large
projects and long written responses generally take longer to grade.
Grades will be posted regularly on the Parent/Student Portal. Please check regularly.
Grades will be determined using the following weights:
o 43% Summative (tests, DBQ)
o 35% Quizzes (labs, smaller assessments)
o 2% Interim Exam
o 20% EOC
Students are expected to look over their notes nightly to review the days material, complete, and turn in
all assignments on time.
Students will have many formative assessments throughout the grading period that will not result in an
actual grade. These grades will be used mainly to check for mastery.

I have read and understand the materials, responsibilities, and

grading procedures for 8th grade Physical Science 2014-2015.

Science Lab Safety Contract

20152016
Student Signature / Date

Parent Signature / Date

The purpose of the science lab safety contract is to make sure that you are aware of all procedures and
safety rules that will ensure a successful and safe environment in the science classroom.
Dress Code
1) Wear safety goggles whenever you are working with chemicals, flames, or any substance that might get
in your eyes.
2) Remove or tie back any article of clothing, jewelry, or hair that can hang down and touch chemicals,
flames, or equipment.
3) Refrain from wearing open toed shoes on days that we will be working with chemicals.
General Precautions
1) Read all directions/procedures before beginning the lab/activity. Carefully follow all written and oral
instructions. If you are in doubt, ask the teacher for assistance.
2) Never perform activities that are not assigned or authorized by your teacher. Obtain permission before
experimenting on your own.
3) Never touch any lab materials that are on your table without permission.
4) Never eat or drink during a lab.
5) Never mix chemicals for the fun of it.
6) Never inhale fumes that may be created during the lab.
7) Handle sharp instruments with extreme care. Always cut away from you.
8) Do not engage in any type of off-task behavior.
9) If you know that you have an allergy to certain substances let your teacher know.
10)Always wash your hands thoroughly after you have come in contact with lab materials.
11) After the lab, make sure you clean your work area and return all materials to the appropriate place.
12) Report all accidents or injuries to your teacher, no matter how minor.

Student Signature / Date

Parent Signature / Date