SCIENCE 8 COURSE OUTLINE 2015/16

Teacher
Angela Yedersberger, B. Ed, B. Comm
Room 131
Blog: http://msyedersberger.blogspot.ca/
Tutoring Hours: Any available noon hours & after school

What will we be learning?

Unit One: Life Science Cells, Tissues, Organs, and Systems
(20 classes)
- Analyze the characteristics of cells, and compare structural and functional
characteristics of plant and animal cells
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a compound light microscope to
observe plant and animal cells
- Distinguish structural and functional relationships among cells, tissues,
organs, and organ systems in humans and how this knowledge is important
to various careers
- Analyze how the interdependence of organ systems contributes to the
healthy functioning of the human body
Unit Two: Physical Science Optics and Vision
(20 classes)
- Identify and describe, through experimentation, sources and properties of
visible light including: rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction
- Explore properties and applications of optics-related technologies, including
concave and convex mirrors and lenses
- Compare the nature and properties of human vision with optical devices
and vision in other living organisms
- Evaluate the impact of electromagnetic radiation-based technologies on self
and community
Unit Three: Physical Science Forces, Fluids, Density
(20 classes)
- Investigate and represent the density of solids, liquids, and gases based on
the particle theory of matter
- Examine the effects of forces in and on objects in fluids, including the
buoyant force

- Investigate and describe physical properties of fluids (liquids and gases),

including viscosity and compressibility.
- Identify and interpret the scientific principles underlying the functioning of
natural and constructed fluid systems
Unit Four: Earth and Space Science Water Systems on Earth
(20 classes)
- Analyze the impact of natural and human-induced changes to the
characteristics and distribution of water in local, regional, and national
ecosystems
- Examine how wind, water, and ice have shaped and continue to shape the
Canadian landscape
- Analyze natural factors and human practices that affect productivity and
species distribution in marine and fresh water environments
Science Fair
(10 classes)
An opportunity to pursue your own scientific interests and show your
findings to me, your friends, your family, other teachers, and members of
the community! More details to come at a later date

How are we going to be evaluated?

Student Assessment
Prairie Spirit School Division requires that teachers develop clear and
understood assessment and evaluation purposes, targets and outcomes.
Student learning is assessed in three ways:
1. Assessment as Learning
Purpose: Encourage student self-assessment and reflection
Measures: Self Checks, Class discussions, Exit Slips
2. Assessment for Learning (Formative)
Purpose: Check for student learning and adjust instruction
Measures: Homework, Assignments, Lab Reports and Quizzes
3. Assessment of Learning (Summative)
Purpose: Collect evidence of mastery of curricular outcomes
Measures: Tests, Final - January and June

New Grade Scale Explanation

Here at DHS, we use the Assessment and Evaluation scale of 1,2,3,4 to report your
progress. What does that mean?
1. A score of 1 means you are just Beginning to comprehend or demonstrate your
understanding of this outcome. With help you understand parts of the simpler
concepts and can perform a few of the simpler processes. There is little evidence to
support that you have learned what you need to know.
2. A score of 2 means that you are Approaching a solid understanding of the outcome
and you understand the simpler concepts and are able to perform the simpler
processes but you have difficulty with the more complex concepts or skills. There is
partial evidence to support your learning at this level.
3. A score of 3 means you are Meeting all of the requirements for this outcome and that
you can demonstrate the necessary skills or comprehension by yourself, every time.
You understand complex concepts and are able to master complex processes that are
explicitly taught to you. You have achieved the outcome.
4. A score of 4 is pretty unusual. It means that you have a deep understanding of the
outcomes complex concepts and can apply skills beyond what was explicitly taught.

What do we need?
Materials
Binder & paper OR Notebook
Pencils
Erasers
Ruler
Calculator
Textbook - SCHOOL PROVIDED

What does the teacher expect from us?

Student Expectations
Regularly attend class with a positive attitude.
Stay on task, refrain from disrupting others, complete all assigned
work and seek math help when needed.
Notify the teacher of absences in advance when possible.
It is the students responsibility to gather and review missed
material and/or reschedule missed exams promptly upon his or
her return.
Maintain a supply of required materials and bring to each class.

Use a planner (students preferred style) to record daily assignments

and upcoming assessments.

ALL personal electronic devices must be turned off before entering the
classroom. Violation in school policy may result in the following:

First Offence: The device will be confiscated until the end of the
class.
Second Offence: The device will be confiscated and the student
may pick up the device from the office.
Third Offence: The device will be confiscated and a
parent/guardian will be contacted, at which time arrangements
will be made for the device to be picked up.