Welcome to Aloha Team Physical Science 8 th Grade

1. Welcome to Aloha Team Physical Science 8th Grade

2. 8th Grade ScienceTeam AlohaDebbie Yakulis instructor • Science Instructor 18 years • Fourteen years at Redwood • B.A. Biological sciences UCSC • SJSU Single subject secondary Life Science teaching credential • SJSU supplementary Physical Science teaching credential

3. TEAM ALOHA“working together for all students” • Debbie Yakulis science • Joe Christie core • Shannon Avina core • James Conn core • Amber Wilson math • Matt Grenier P.E. • Michelle Hsieh Elective • Manny Steffen Elective

4. Teaching Goals“Getting Ready for High School!” • Every student • Can be successful • Has a safe learning environment • Understands classroom expectations • Learns responsibility • Is motivated to learn • Communicates effectively • Reaches his/her potential

5. Class format • Hands on labs • Activities (Group and Individual) • Reports • Internet projects • Tests • Quizzes • Homework (20 minutes) • One large assignment each semester • Notes/Lectures

6. Grades • Percentage of total points possible • Students keep graded work in folder in classroom with a Grade Record Sheet • Student takes responsibility in tracking grade • If grade drops below a “C” parent contacted • Grades entered online about once a week • Extra credit outlines required for students making a “C” or below on tests

7. What’s a parent to do? • Monitor grades online. (password sent home) • Contact the teacher if there are consistent missing assignments • Provide a quiet working environment at home for homework to be completed • Make sure your student is not overextended with extracurricular activities that interfere with schoolwork

8. Curriculum • The Basics • Motion • Forces • Structure of Matter • Earth in the Solar System • Reactions • Chemistry of Living Systems • Periodic Table • Density and Buoyancy • Investigation and Experimentation

9. NEW!!! Textbook • Prentice Hall • Focus on Physical Science 2008 • Reading and note taking guide PLEASE COVER TEXTBOOKS AT HOME!!!

10. On line textbook includes: Successtracker- diagnostic and benchmark assessments which provides instant remediation on mastery for students and reports of progress for teachers. Students will be assigned a password later in the semester for benchmark assessments. Differentiation of homework can be assigned by electronic feedback and individual remediation. Parents will receive a letter home. Audio textbook in MP3 format (ipod downloads) Online interactive activities, concept videos, lab videos, worksheets, interactive activities, web based labs and tutorials SUCCESSNET LOGIN: WEB ADDRESS: www.phschool.com USERNAME: inewton PASSWORD: lawsofmotion

11. State Content standards • Grade Eight Focus on Physical Science • Motion • Forces • Atomic Structure • Earth Science (Earth in the Solar System) • Life Science ( Chemistry of Living Things) • Reactions • Periodic Table • Density and Buoyancy

12. Materials needed • One dedicated science notebook for note-taking, science handouts and daily questions • One 3 ring folder for keeping all graded work and grade record sheet in class • Calculator (simple) • Binder paper • Pen and pencil

13. Expectations • Behavioral contract (signed by parent and student) • Lab expectations (signed by parent and student) • All work is expected to be turned in ON TIME- • One day late = 50% reduction in grade. No work accepted after one day late • Exceptions “Individual Education Plans” • Absences • Two days to make up work • Student responsibility to get work missed

14. Communication • All homework, announcements (including this power point) and test objectives are listed on http://teacherweb.com/CA/RMS/Yakulis/ • 408-867-3042 ext 176 • Dyakulis@saratogausd.org

15. TUTOR TIME • LUNCHES BY APPOINTMENT • BEFORE SCHOOL BY APPOINTMENT

16. CHAPERONES NEEDED!! TECH MUSEUM NOVEMBER 10TH9:00-3:00 SIGN UP SHEET AT THE DOOR

17. LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEARGO TEAM ALOHA!!!