Renaissance Middle School

7155 Hall Road

Fairburn, Georgia 30213
Ms. Creseda Hawk, Principal
Tyneisha Hamilton, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
School Phone: (470) 254-4330 Fax: (470) 254-4338

Physical Science: 2018-2019

Instructional Syllabus

Teachers: Mrs. Fletcher, Ms. Hammonds, Ms. Hicks, Ms. Goggins, Ms. Austin
Contact: fletcherc@fultonschools.org, Hammondsl1@fultonschools.org, hickst3@fultonschools.org;
gogginsc@afultonschools.org, austina1@fultonschools.org,

I. Course Description for 8th Grade Physical Science:

The 8th Grade Physical Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition
from elementary physical science standards to high school physical science standards (see Fulton County System-
wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course 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.

II. Georgia’s 8h Grade Physical Science Georgia Standards of Excellence:

By the end of the eighth grade, students will understand the following concepts:

S8P1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structure and properties of matter.

S8P3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about cause and effect relationships between force, mass, and
the motion of objects.

S8P2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments
that energy can transform from one form to another within a system.

S8P2. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the law of conservation of energy to develop arguments
that energy can transform from one form to another within a system.

S8P4. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to support the claim that electromagnetic (light) waves behave
differently than mechanical (sound) waves.

S8P5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about gravity, electricity, and magnetism as major forces
acting in nature.

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 III. Textbook and Materials: Textbook: HMH Georgia Science
Title: Science Physical World/Grade 8 ISBN 9781328494672

Students must bring to class daily: textbook, notebook (3 ring binder), pencils, and paper.
As teachers, we expect the students to come to class prepared and ready to learn.
In the event the textbook becomes destroyed, lost, or stolen; a payment of $88.20. (cash or money order only)

Online Textbook access site:

https://launchpad.classlink.com/fcs or
https://www.hmhco.com/one/#/discover/SCI_GA19E_GASCI_G8

Grading Scheme: This class will adhere to Fulton County Grading Policy that consists of the following
grading scale:

A 90 And above
B 80 - 89
C 70 - 79
F Below 70*
NG No Grade
INC Incomplete
**by state rule any grade below 70 is failing.

IV. Grades are determined using the following formula/criteria:

Tests 25%
Quizzes 20%
Classwork 25%
Performance tasks (formal writing, projects, or labs) 30%

Homework: It is the policy of Renaissance Middle School to assign homework as a reinforcement of concepts
learned in class; however, it is up to the discretion of the individual teacher as to whether it is assigned daily or
over the weekend. Evaluation of homework may consist of detailed grading, generalized checking, or a
combination of both techniques.

Recovery Process. FCBOE policy on Grading and Reporting (IHA) provides for the recovery process at the
middle school level.

B. Provision for Improving Grades

1. 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.
2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve
their grades.

Teacher/Parent Communication: An open line of communication is encouraged between teachers and

parents. E-mail is a great tool for communication between your home and our classroom. Please feel free to contact
us using the email addresses above. Parental visits are encouraged as well; however, it

Preparing Students to Achieve Their Dreams by Charting a Path to Their Purpose

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 is the policy of Renaissance Middle School that all visitors must report to the office before going to other parts
of the building; a “Visitors Pass” will be issued as evidence that this procedure has been followed.

Absence/Make-Up Procedures: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s

responsibility to contact the teacher(s) to request make-up work. Make-up work must be completed by the
student within the time specified by the teacher. At Renaissance Middle School, the student will be given the
same amount of time to make up the work as the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually
agreed upon. The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up work if the absence was “excused.”
Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero. (FCBOE Policy JBD)

***Teachers may include notes, interactive labs, work or instruction on their individual sites. It is imperative that
students check these resources during an absence to prevent regression in the student’s knowledge of the
curriculum and seamlessly integrate into the new lessons upon return.

Special Projects: Students may be expected to complete research and/or design projects during each semester.
The annual Science Fair is mandatory for all 8th grade TAG students; however, each 8th grade student has the
option to participate.

Students are expected to adhere to the rules and policies of Renaissance Middle School and Fulton
County as stated in the RMS Student Handbook/Agenda and the Fulton County’s “Guidelines for
Student Behavior.”

Discipline/Expectations: In order to maintain an environment conducive to learning, students must follow behavior
guidelines of Renaissance Middle School and Fulton County Schools as stated in the Renaissance Middle School
Code of Conduct. Should a student not follow these rules, teachers will use a combination of the following methods:
nonverbal and verbal reprimands, conference between teacher and student, seating change, time-out/isolation, lunch
and afterschool detention, communication to parent via telephone, email, referral to guidance counselor, conference
between parent, teacher, student, and administrator, and office referral. In addition to behavior concerns,
cheating/plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated. Any assignment that is found to be a product of
cheating/plagiarism will be assigned a grade of 0 and the student will be given a referral.

NOTE: This course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; Deviations may be necessary.
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Please detach and return
Please print and sign your name below indicating that you have read and understood the expectations within the
class syllabus. I look forward to working with you and your child this school year. If you have any questions or
concerns; please call or email.

Student Name:

Student Signature:

Parent/Guardian Name:

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Parent/Guardian Email:

Preparing Students to Achieve Their Dreams by Charting a Path to Their Purpose