Physical Science 8
Syllabus (Revised Nov. 2007)
2007 – 2008
Mr. Miller – Room 212
The Physical Science curriculum will cover the learning
points contained in the Virginia Standards of Learning, a set of knowledge
which all eighth grade students are expected to master. A variety of instructional methods will be
used. The following is the expected
pacing for the academic year 2007-2008.
Chapters covered from the textbook Physical Science for each
academic quarter are indicated.
First Quarter Chapters: 1,
2, 3, 4, 11 SOL: PS1, PS2,
PS5
- Plan and conduct investigations.
- Lab safety
- Scientific method
- Metric system of measurement
- Properties and phases of matter
- Investigate and understand changes in matter and
the relationship to the Laws of Conservation of Matter and Energy.
- Gas Laws
- Elements, compounds and Mixtures
- Investigate and understand various models of
atomic structure.
- Quarter 1 District Quarterly Assessment
Second
Quarter Chapters:
11, 12, 13, 14, 15 SOL:
PS3, PS4, PS5, PS2
- Investigate and understand various models of
atomic structure.
- Using the periodic table, identify symbols,
atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical families, period, valence numbers,
metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.
- Element project.
- Investigate and understand changes in matter and
the relationship of these changes to the Laws of Conservation of Matter
and Energy.
- Chemical compounds
- Balance chemical equations.
- Identify and discuss nuclear reactions and their
products.
- Acids and bases
- Quarter 2 District Quarterly Assessment
- Science Fair
Third Quarter Chapters: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 SOL: PS10, PS6, PS7
- Simple machines
- Investigate and understand the scientific
principles and technological applications of work, force and motion.
- Investigate and understand the states and forms
of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed.
- Investigate and understand temperature, heat
scales and heat transfer.
- Quarter 3 District Quarterly Assessment
NOTE: Due to the SOL test, there will not be a Quarter 4
District Quarterly Assessment.
Fourth Quarter Chapters:
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 SOL: PS8, PS9, PS11
- Investigate and understand the basic principles
of electricity and magnetism
- Investigate and understand characteristics of
sound and technological applications of sound waves.
- Investigate and understand the nature and
technological applications of light.
- Physics Fair field trip
The physical science grade will be computed using the following breakdown:
Tests: 40%
Labs: 25%
Quizzes: 15%
Classwork: 10%
Homework: 10%
Science is a subject that is best learned on a daily basis through reinforcement of key concepts. Homework reinforces classroom study and will be checked regularly. Frequent quizzes, both announced and unannounced, will be given, as well as section tests, lab reports, and special projects to measure progress toward SOL mastery.
Students and parents are invited to contact me whenever questions arise. I do stay after school to provide assistance. Please give me advance notice if you would like to stay after school for help. Don’t wait until the day before a test to get help! Give me a call at school (898-0525), or contact me through E-mail: smiller2@ycsd.york.va.us