2018-2019 Course Syllabus

Hueytown Middle School

8​th​ Grade Science

Instructor: ​Ms. Chrystal L. Tolbert

Class Location: ​Room 309
Email: ​ctolbert@jefcoed.com
Twitter:​ @mstolbertHMS
Website: ​www.tolbertHMS.weebly.com

Course description​:
In this course students conceptually learn physical science through the 5E Instructional
Framework and Three Dimensional Instruction. Grade 8 content standards are based upon the
disciplinary core ideas in the Physical Science domain. The first core idea, Matter and Its
Interactions, concentrates on the composition and properties of matter. The second core idea,
Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions, focuses on examining forces and predicting and
developing explanations for changes in motion. The third core idea, Energy, involves the
conservation of energy, energy transformations, and applications of energy to everyday life. The
final core idea, Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer,
examines types and properties of waves and the use of waves in communication devices.
Integrated into the Physical Science content standards are the disciplinary core ideas of the
Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science (ETS) domain, which require students to
employ tools and materials to solve problems and to use representations to convey various design
solutions.

Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:

1st Quarter

Standard 2: ​Plan and carry out investigations to generate evidence supporting the claim that one
pure substance can be distinguished from another based on characteristic properties.

Standard 3: ​Construct explanations based on evidence from investigations to differentiate

among compounds, mixtures, and solutions.

Standard 1:​ Analyze patterns within the periodic table to construct models that illustrate the
structure, composition, and characteristics of atoms and molecules.

Standard 3a.​ Collect and analyze information to illustrate how synthetic materials are derived
from natural resources and how they impact society.
Assignments​:
Work must be completed by the beginning of class unless specifically stated otherwise. Work
turned in a day late will have a 5 point deduction.

Grades​:
Points are earned for participation, completed homework, projects, lab work, tests and quizzes.
These categories are weighted differently.

Project-25% (100 pts each) Labs-15% (25 pts each)

Classwork-20% (10 pts each) Participation-5%
Tests and Quizzes-20% (20-100 pts each) (100 pts each)
Homework-15% (10 pts each)

Materials:

Students need to come to class prepared to work, with all of their materials. Students will need
the following materials for the 7​th​ grade science class:
● Pencils
● Pens
● Composition Notebook
● Post It Notes
● Calculator
● Ruler
● Graph Paper
● Glue Sticks
● Loose Leaf Paper
● Colored Pencils
**Students may be required to bring in additional materials if needed for an investigation. Ms.
Tolbert will provide a 3 day notification for the convenience of students and parents.

Lab Equipment​:
Students are expected to follow directions and treat lab equipment with respect. If something
breaks, the instructor should be informed right away so that it may be replaced or repaired.
Individuals will be charged for breakage due to carelessness, intentional misuse, or negligence.
There will be zero tolerance for horseplay!! The lab safety rules are to be followed at all times.

Attendance Policy​:
Absences
If a class is missed, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor for details
concerning a make-up assignment, and/or notes. Make up work can only be submitted for
excused absences. Students have 3 days to bring an excuse for an absence. When a student is
absent, they have ​1 ​day to makeup the work that was missed during their absence. Missed classes
that surpass state and local board policy (15 days) may result in a failing grade for the academic
year.

Class Expectations

As a student at Hueytown Middle School, you are held to a level of high expectation. You are
expected to govern yourselves in a respectable manner as well as follow the student code of
conduct according to the Jefferson County Student-Parent Handbook. We believe that all
students are scholars and will conduct themselves as such. ​☺​ Therefore, you are expected to:

1. Be Prepared
2. Be Respectful and Responsible
3. Follow instructions the FIRST time given
4. Keep a positive mental attitude

Class Procedures

Entering the Classroom

1. Silently enter the classroom
2. Report to your assigned seat
3. Place your belongings under your desk/chair. (Not in the walkway!)
4. Sharpen pencils (You will only be allowed to sharpen pencils at the beginning of class!)
5. Begin the DO NOW that will be posted on the projector screen or the Whiteboard
6. Toward the end of class, clean any trash and paper from around your area ​(One person
per day from each class may be permitted to take on the role of timekeeper and remind
Ms. Tolbert of the last 5 minutes of class).

During Class
1. Keep a moderate noise level
o Zero Level​: Silent noise. This noise level is to be held during transition and
while Ms. Tolbert is talking. Zero Level means no talking.
o Level 1​: Conversational Tone. Level 2 is the noise level you are expected to
maintain during collaborative activities. You may talk during this time (i.e. group
activities, class discussions, etc…) but remember that you are still in a classroom
setting. Continue to use your inside voice.
o Level 2​: Unacceptable Tone. This noise level should never be heard in the
classroom or in the school. If you receive a level 2 warning you should
immediately lower your voices! Level 2 noise will NOT be tolerated.
2. Do not get out of your seat without permission.
3. Raise your hand if you have a question or want to add to a class discussion. (Class
disruptions will not be tolerated.)
4. Leave all electronic devices in your lockers. Failure to do so will result in confiscation.
5. Gum, snacks, and drinks of any kind will not be permitted during class time.
Exiting /Wrapping Up Class
1. Quietly return to your desk when instructed to do so on lab and activity days.
2. Complete the exit assessment that will be posted on the board.
3. If work is being collected, place all papers in your assigned class bin.
4. All science journals will be kept in the classroom. You will be given a study guide 2-3
days before each test to study.
5. Clean your area thoroughly. Do not leave any personal belongings in the classroom
(jackets, bags, etc…)
6. Line up at the door as your class section is called.
Transition
1. There is no talking during transition. (Zero)
2. Line up in a single file line on the third block from the wall.
3. Keep your hands to your side.
4. Walk to the right side of the hall.
Assemblies
All students are expected to be on their best behavior and attentive during all assemblies. Be
respectful and SMILE.

Dress Code Policy

All students are expected to adhere to the dress code policy as outlined in the Jefferson County
Schools Parent and Teacher Handbook (p. ____)

Substitutes/Guests
In the event that Ms. Tolbert is out for the day, you will have a substitute. Remember that
substitutes are not only adults, but also guests at our school and in our classroom. Treat them as
you would any other guest in our school and classroom. Treat them with respect. Ms. Tolbert
expects to hear a great report about her students upon return, so make me proud.

Consequences
Failure to meet expectations and follow all rules and procedures will result in the following:
1. Verbal/Non-Verbal Warning
2. Behavior Log Documentation
3. Student Conference with a Parent Phone Call
4. Student-Team-Parent Conference
5. Office Referral

This is going to be a great year for us. I am expecting all of us to exceed expectations and be
high flying scholars of Hueytown Middle School. I am so proud to have you all as my students.
We’ll make a great team so remember to SMILE. Always be:

S​uccessful
M​annered
I​nnovative
L​earners that
E​xcel!

I ___________________________ have read the syllabus, class expectations, and procedures. I

will exceed all expectations and follow all procedures. I understand the consequences for failure
to meet expectations and follow procedures. I will remember to SMILE and keep a positive
attitude as a Hueytown Middle School student.

Student Signature _________________________ Date____________________

Parent Signature __________________________ Date ____________________