SCIENCE 8 COURSE OUTLINE 2014/15

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 Interactions within Ecosystems
(20 classes)
- Relate key aspects of Indigenous knowledge to their understanding of
ecosystems
- Observe, illustrate, and analyze living organisms within local ecosystems
as part of interconnected food webs, populations, and communities
- Evaluate biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon, and nitrogen) as
representations of energy flow and the cycling of matter through ecosystems
- Analyze how ecosystems change in response to natural and human
influences, and propose actions to reduce the impact of human behaviour on
a specific ecosystem

Unit Two: Physical Science Mixtures and Solutions
(20 classes)
- Distinguish between pure substances and mixtures (mechanical mixtures
and solutions) using the particle model of matter
- Investigate methods of separating the components of mechanical mixtures
and solutions, and analyze the impact of industrial and agricultural
applications of those methods
- Investigate the properties and applications of solutions, including solubility
and concentration

Unit Three: Physical Science Heat and Temperature
(20 classes)
- Assess the impact of past and current heating and cooling technologies
related to food, clothing, and shelter on self, society, and the environment
- Explain how understanding differences between states of matter and the
effect of heat on changes in state provide evidence for the particle theory
- Investigate principles and applications of heat transfer via the processes of
conduction, convection, and radiation

Unit 4: Earth and Space Science Earths Crust and Resources
(20 classes)
- Analyze societal and environmental impacts of historical and current
catastrophic geological events, and scientific understanding of movements
and forces within Earths crust
- Identify locations and processes used to extract Earths geological
resources and examine the impacts of those locations and processes on
society and the environment
- Investigate the characteristics and formation of the surface geology of
Saskatchewan, including soil, and identify correlations between surface
geology and past, present, and possible future land uses

Science Challenge!
(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 and Class discussions

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


Based on the amount of time we spend on each unit, your mark will be
determined with the above weighting.

New Grade Scale Explanation

Grade Cutoff Percent Description
4 90 95
Demonstrates a
deep knowledge
and understanding


3 75 82


Demonstrates a
complete
knowledge and
understanding


2 60 68
Demonstrates a
basic knowledge
and understanding


1 50 55
Demonstrates a
partial knowledge
and understanding


ME 4 30
Missing Evidence

NT 1 0
Not reported at this
time



22%
22%
22%
22%
12%
Science 7 Mark Distribution
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Science Challenge
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.