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  • Welcome to the 2016-17 School Year!!!!


    Welcome to Eighth Grade Science!

    -Mr. Di Meola

     

    The eighth grade science curriculum emphasizes the discovery aspects of physical science by promoting hands-on experimenting, careful observing of demonstrations, and the integrating of information about real life phenomena.  Our resources and textbooks vary with the subject matter and include the following:

    • Physical Science,Holt/Reinhart/Winston, (2007)
    • Earth Science Explorer, Prentice Hall, (2005)
    • Research Journals, Content Articles, and the Internet, as appropriate

     

    Supplies:         Students must be prepared for class each day by having their science books, notebooks, pens, and pencils.  Calculators are helpful at times, but not necessary.  Colored pencils are frequently used, so if your child would rather not share the classroom set, he or she might like to bring his or her own.

     

    Grading:         Tests and projects………………………...………………….35%

                            Quizzes……………………………………………………....25%

                            Homework…………………………………………..……….10%

                            Classwork (lab work, group activities, class participation,)….....30%

                          

    Homework:     Expect homework approximately three to four times a week.  It should be done neatly and accurately, and handed in on time.  I will accept late work 2-3 days after the assignment, but if longer than that it must be accompanied by a note from you.  Of course, late work will be accepted if it was late due to absence.  Please check School World at www.hackensackschools.org if you want to check on the assignments.

     

    Rules:  I enforce all school rules (no gum chewing, no wearing of hats, coats, gloves, etc. in the building, and no electronic devices).  I expect students to be on time to class, raise their hands to speak, and be respectful to classmates and staff members.

     

    My personal goals are to prepare your children for their high school science courses,  help them become independent thinkers and problem solvers, and to ready them for the NJASK 8 which will be given in April.

    In addition, I hope to instill a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.

     

     

     

     

     

                            I look forward to working with your child and you!

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The Eighth Grade Physical Science Curriculum

     

     

    I.                   Scientific Method w/ Metric Measurement

     

    II.                Matter

    A.  General properties

                       1.  Mass

                       2.  Volume

                       3.  Weight

                       4.  Density

          B.  Specific properties

              1.  -Of solids, liquids, and gases

              2.  Phase changes

              3.  Physical vs. Chemical Changes

     

    III.             Chemistry

    A.   Mixtures, Solutions, Compounds, and Elements

                   B.   Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

                   C.   Counting Atoms and Naming Compounds               

         D.   Ionic and Covalent Bonding

                   E.   Chemical Reactions and Balancing Equations

                        

    IV.              Physics –

    A.   Forces and Motion

    B.   Newton’s Laws

    C.   Forms of Energy

    D.   Energy Conversions

    E.   Junkbox Wars

     

     

    We have found it beneficial in the past years to devote a number of weeks prior to the NJASK8 to reviewing and/or reteaching concepts related to Earth Science and Life Science.  Some of these topics include:

    -         Forces that Changed the Earth

    -         Sun, Earth, Moon System

    -         Genetics

    -         Body Systems

    -         Energy Transfer Through Food Webs