Glendale Sciences and Technology School Grade 8 Science

Course Outline Instructor: Mr. Dan Reitsma EMAIL: dreitsma@rdpsd.ab.ca School Phone: 403-340-3100 Home Phone: 403-885-4398

Goals for the Students Science education will Encourage students to develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about scientific and technological endeavors Enable students to use science and technology to acquire new knowledge and solve problems, so that they may improve the quality of their own lives and the lives of others Prepare students to critically address science related societal, economic, ethical ad environmental issues Provide students with a foundation in science that prepares them for science related occupations and engages them in science related hobbies appropriate to their interests and abilities Textbook Used

Science Focus 8: There are five units of study that will be covered:
Mix and Flow of Matter; Cells and Systems; Light and Optical Systems; Mechanical Systems; Freshwater and Saltwater Systems. Internet Resources Used (these are great sites to try science projects at home) www.learnalberta.ca Site by Alberta Learning with many science links. http://www.sciencebuddies.org Science fair projects galore. http://www.stevespanglerscience.com Off the wall science projects. Science Focus 8 covers the entire Alberta science curriculum. Students will be required to complete assignments for each chapter as well as participate in experiments in class. There will also be a quiz or project at the end of each topic to assess what they have learned and a final exam in June. Final grade assignment in this course will be determined on the following evaluation format:

A Excellent Achievement of grade level objectives B Proficient Achievement of grade level objectives C Acceptable Achievement of grade level objectives D Minimal Achievement of grade level objectives E Experiencing Serious Difficulty with grade level objectives
Any grade below a C for each topic will require an extra assignment to be completed on your own time. A student may redo any assignment or quiz at any time and the highest mark achieved will be recorded. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

**Expectations: ** The following are extremely important if you are going to have a successful year in this course: Be in your seat at the beginning of class with all required supplies (textbook, binder, pen/pencil). You are expected to use a 3-ring binder with lined loose-leaf pages and dividers to separate each unit. When we start class on time, without disruptions, this gives you more time to complete your assignments and less work to take home! Worksheets, quizzes, labs, and assignments are to be kept in your binder for future reference (your binder is a learning tool). Work to the best of your abilities. You best effort is noted and greatly appreciated. I am always willing to give you extra help if you desire it! Neatness will be emphasized at all times. Every student has a right to an education. Interference with the rights of others due to misbehavior will not be tolerated. Focus on the task at hand. Respect yourself, your classmates, teachers and any other person in this class/school at all times! Feel free to see me for extra assignments if you crave more of a challenge. Note to parents/guardian: Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding this course outline, or if you would like to check up on your sons or daughters progress in this class. Please sign below to indicate that you have read this course outline. Return this back to school for my records. Thank-you. I am looking forward to a great year. Dan Reitsma Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________

Name and phone # of a parent/guardian that can be reached at: ______________________________ ______________________ Email Address: _____________________________________