8 th Grade Science

Course Objective: Expand your horizons! Understand the large expanse of Space and Time and how it works!

Discuss with your lab group How old is the Earth? How old is the Universe? How big is the Universe? How small is an atom?

Expectations for Lab Table Discussion Three and then me. Group Voices Stay seated at your table. If you are comfortable with the answer, do not give out the answer immediately. Like This Not like this

How big is the universe? There are people who believe the universe is infinite with an infinite number of stars and galaxies. There are some very valid mathematical explanations of why this can't be true. However, as in many other theories of the universe, we simply don't know.With the most distant objects we can see, estimates currently are that the universe is over 156 billion light years across. Some theories say that the universe is expanding at close to the speed of light, so we can't even conceive of traveling to the edge of the universe to measure it. How big is an atom? A: A piece of dust is exactly half way between the size of the Earth and an atom. A: Atoms are pretty darn small. Their outer boundaries are set up by moving electrons, so they aren't well defined. Their diminutive proportions coupled with the fact that they don't have a definite "surface" make assigning them a size something of a challenge. The helium atom is about 1 angstrom in diameter. An angstrom is meters, and that means that there'd be something like atoms of helium in a meter. Picture a pencil eraser. It isn't that big. Roughly 70 million atoms of helium could be lined up in a row across the eraser. The largest atoms are maybe 7 times larger than helium. At that rate, there are maybe 10 million of those big guys in a line across that eraser. Read more: g_is_an_atom#ixzz21GzeBgzJhttp://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_bi g_is_an_atom#ixzz21GzeBgzJ Age of the Earth: 4.6 Billion Years Age of the Universe: 13.7 Billion Years Old ANSWERS

Scale of the Universe

Course Objective: Cycles, Patterns and Change in Nature

Discussion: What are some of nature’s cycles?

Course Objective: Cycles, Patterns and Change in Nature What are some patterns you see in Nature? Patterns in Nature Video Patterns in Nature Video

8 th Grade Science Topics Physics Astronomy 1 st Quarter Chemistry Physics 2 nd Quarter Geology Meteorology Biology 3 rd Quarter Environmental Science and Local Geology 4 th Quarter

Be Prepared Be Prompt Be Polite Be Positive

Mrs. Cunningham’s Classroom Rules Have a positive attitude. Follow teacher directions the first time you are asked. Be on task during all work times. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. Use classroom items as intended. Leave the classroom cleaner than you found it.

Mrs. Cunningham’s Classroom Rules Have a positive attitude. Follow teacher directions the first time you are asked. Be on task during all work times. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. Use classroom items as intended. Leave the classroom cleaner than you found it.

Classroom Routine Class Begins – Be in your assigned seat with the following Science Journal Pen or Pencil – Immediately Begin Do Now Assignment 5 minutes prior to the end of class – Pack up – Clean up your desk and throw trash away and put pens and pencils – Wait by the door until dismissed Dismissal

Classroom Layout Where to turn in Papers Class Assignments, Agenda and Do Nows Timer Glue and Scissors Katrina the Pencil Sharpener Teacher Supplies Sink Science Journal File Cabinet Class computers Closet

Classroom Special Privileges Rolly Chairs Couch Lizards Guinea Pigs

Do Now! Get started immediately when class begins Time limit Get your paper stamped daily Ask for stamp in you were absent Keep your paper in your science journal Turn in on Thursday 10% of your grade

Do Now #___!!! Name:_____________________ Monday Date:_________ Tuesday Date:_________ Wednesday Date:_________ Thursday Date:_________ Hall Pass Do Now #_1__ Monday Date:__7/23_______ You must write in complete sentences to get a stamp. Stamps will be given out before the timer rings. Use vocabulary words in your sentences.. Tuesday Date:_________ Wednesday Date:_________ Thursday Date:_________ Hall Pass Thunder Get started immediately when class begins Time limit You must write in complete sentences. Get your paper stamped daily Ask for stamp in you were absent Keep your paper in your science journal Turn in on Thursday Hall Pass can be used any time during the week with teacher permission 10% of your grade Do Now!

Journals and Binders Science Journals – Daily note taking – Table of Contents – Do Nows Folder – Labs – Quizzes and Exams – Study Guides

When is Science Work due?

Grade Breakdown Percentage Participation and Attitude (Counts every day) 5% Do Now(8-9) 10% Science Journal (2)10% Homework/Classwork/Study Guides / Movie Questions (6) 15% Labs (6) 15% Quizzes (2) 20% Exams and Projects(2)25%

Late Policy – All 8 th grade Late Items Turned in by Due Date100% of Grade Earned Turned in no later than 3 days late70% of Grade Earned

Strategies for Great Grades Check your grades online weekly. Update calendar/agenda daily. Assignments are posted on the board When absent get makeup work. Come to tutorials for help. me at

Expectations Be ready to learn Have a good attitude Be a team player Be Respectful Be Responsible Keep your focus on learning

Amy Cunningham

8 th Grade