Mrs' Mariann A' Bernard

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Mrs. Mariann A. Bernard

• 8th Grade Physical Science
• Room 151
• Phone [phone] Ext 3151
• Office hours By appointment

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Curriculum Goals

• Course Description Students in grade eight study
  topics in physical sciences, such as motion,
  forces, and the structure of matter, by using a
  quantitative, mathematically based approach
  similar to the procedures they will use in high
  school. Earth, the solar system, chemical
  reactions, the chemistry of biological processes,
  the periodic table, density and buoyancy are
  additional topics that will be treated with
  increased mathematical rigor, again in
  anticipation of high school courses. Students
  should begin to grasp four concepts that help to
  unify physical sciences force and energy the
  laws of conservation, atoms, molecules, and the
  atomic theory and kinetic theory. Those concepts
  serve as important organizers that will be
  required as students continue to learn science.

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Curriculum Goals cont.

• Although much of the science called for in the
  standards is considered classical physics and
  chemistry, it should provide a powerful basis for
  understanding modern science and serve students
  as well as adults.
• Mastery of the eighth-grade physical sciences
  content will greatly enhance the ability of
  students to succeed in high school science
  classes. Modern molecular biology and earth
  sciences, as well as chemistry and physics,
  require that students have a good understanding
  of the basics of physical sciences.
• (California Department of Education-www.cde.ca.gov
  /)

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Curriculum Goals cont.

• Course Requirements In addition to the
  California State Standards that are covered in
  this course specific to Physical Science,
  Language Arts, (reading and writing) Technology,
  and Math strands are covered on a regular basis.
• Most of these additional strands deal with how
  to write and refine a basic composition and a
  research paper. The Math strands reinforce basic
  data collection and representation through
  graphing and deciphering tables and data.

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Welcome

• Success for each and every student is what I
  strive for at San Elijo Middle School. Parents
  please read all information carefully, as it will
  provide you with an explanation of how the class
  will operate. Parents, please help your child by
  providing a quiet place with a designated time
  for homework and studies. Your child can be
  successful in this class if they put in at least
  one hour of Science homework every other evening.
  

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Class Rules

• Expectations
• Follow the Big 5 (The student is exhibiting
  safe, respectful, honest behavior, using
  appropriate language and following the Golden
  Eagle Rule).
• Follow directions the first time given
• Come to class prepared every day
• Be in your seat before the bell rings
• Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself-No
  teasing, bullying or put downs

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Discipline Plan

• Verbal Warning
• Behavior log entry
• Contact with Parent/5 minute time out
• 10 minute time out in another classroom
• Escort by Administrator
• Severe Directly to administration

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Class Procedures

• Homework will be pre-assigned on a syllabus with
  some additions during the week.
• All homework is to be turned in at the beginning
  of class time on the due date.
• When absent, it is the students responsibility
  to make up any missed work and/or check for
  assignments that can be used as make up work for
  missing days. Regularly scheduled assignments
  are available on the website under
  homework/assignments, in the classroom, as well
  as on the syllabus. Prompt absent work will be
  accepted without penalty.
• Any late assignments will be graded and then
  reduced by 50 for the first semester only. Late
  work is not accepted during second semester as a
  preparation for high school rigor.
• Labs are not repeated.

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Grading Policy

• Point system
• A maximum of 20 points can be earned each day (0
  if absent) in the following way
• 5 points awarded if student is prepared for class
  (in seat on time, class binder, pencils, paper,
  textbook/notes)
• 5 points for proper student behavior demonstrated
  the entire class period
• 5 points for proper student participation in all
  class activities
• 5 points for proper completion of all assignments
  due in class or as homework for that day.
• A total of 100 points is possible each week-in a
  5 day school week.
• Effective 9/01/2008 the student is responsible
  for obtaining a make up assignment for any missed
  days of school-if student turns in make up work
  within the required time the zero will be changed.

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Grading cont.

• Student Responsibilities Class time will be used
  for review of chapters, material, lectures, and
  lab assignments. Students are required to be
  prepared for class.
• PARENTS students will receive an updated
  syllabus approximately every two months,
  providing them with their assignments and also
  their earned weekly points. Every Friday, your
  child will record his/her points for their weekly
  total in the area marked TWP. Your signature in
  the area PS (parent signature) keeps you current
  on your childs grade in Science and will earn
  them bank points to be applied on exams. The
  class newsletter will contain a copy of the
  syllabus on the back. A copy of the syllabus will
  also be posted on my teacher page.
• The point system works out to be approximately
• 80 Homework, Labs, Quizzes, Class work
• 20 Tests and projects

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Grade Point Breakdown

• A full breakdown will be provided on a separate
  document and posted on school website under class
  documents.

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Volunteers

• Parent volunteers are always a welcome addition
  to the Science lab. With the inquisitive minds of
  8th grade students, an extra pair of eyes and
  hands is a gift not overlooked. If you wish to
  offer your help or assistance in any way, please
  contact me at mariann.bernard_at_smusd.org

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Useful information

• www.sanelijomiddleschool.org (school website)
• mariann.bernard_at_smusd.org (my e-mail address)
• Text Focus on Physical Science California
  Edition-Science Explorer, 2008,Prentice Hall.
  (Blue)
• www.PHSchool.com
• Periodic table Basic data, some pictures,
  printable versions, history, http//chemlab.pc.mar
  icopa.edu/PERIODIC/periodic.html
• http//periodic.lanl.gov/default.htm
• http//www.chemicool.com/
• Astronomy picture of day http//apod.nasa.gov/apo
  d/