Course Syllabus
Welcome
We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.
Course Description
Science 8B takes an integrative approach to teach science by using crosscutting concepts that link all branches of science. The concepts include patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change. Students will explore life science, physical science, and earth science concepts together with an emphasis on scientific processes, engineering design, and using evidence and reasoning to support a claim.
In Science 8B, students learn about the importance of waves and electric and magnetic forces and how each impacts our daily lives. Students will also learn how traits are passed on from one generation to the next and how these variations in traits lead to evolution and adaptations over time and how humans influence these processes.
Lead Teacher Introduction
Ericca Thornhill
Ericca Thornhill is the Science Division Chair for Mizzou Academy. She earned both a bachelor’s & master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She lives between Columbia & the Missouri River with her husband & kayak. Before coming to Mizzou Academy, Ericca worked as a high school & middle school science teacher in rural & urban public schools, as well as a private school and Missouri Scholars Academy. She's a Teacher Ambassador for the National Center of Science Education. She loves science because it helps us understand this amazing universe and makes our lives so much better! Her favorite part of working with Mizzou Academy is helping her students reach their dreams!
Ericca Thornhill
Teacher
Science Division Chair
Required Materials
Each activity and item listed in this table are for graded assignments.
|
Lesson |
Assignment |
Supplies |
|
Lesson 2 |
Build an Instrument |
Various items from around your home (e.g. cardboard, rubber bands, string, etc.) |
Each activity and item listed in this table are for explore and extension activities that are ungraded.
|
Lesson |
Activity |
Supplies |
|
Lesson 2 |
Making Music |
five straws, tape, and a pair of scissors |
|
Lesson 3 |
Exploring Transmission of Light |
distilled water, a clear glass or beaker, flashlight, and a small amount of milk |
|
Lesson 5 |
Exploring Magnets |
Paperclip string |
|
Lesson 5 |
Making Magnets |
Iron nail Bar magnet Index card tape |
|
Lesson 5 |
Build a Motor |
Neodymium magnet AA battery Copper wire |
|
Lesson 6 |
Exploring Polygenic Traits |
6 coins |
|
Lesson 7 |
Build a DNA Model |
six different colors of pipe cleaners (also known as chenille stems) and clear tape |
|
Lesson 8 |
Modeling Half-LIfe |
Plastic/paper straw, ruler, graph paper |
|
Lesson 8 |
Making a timeline |
Paper, scissors |
|
Lesson 9 |
Analyzing Adaptations |
spoon, tweezers, and a binder clip, paperclips, string, and beans, a paper plate, and a cup. |
|
Lesson 10 |
Extracting DNA |
small beaker or test tube, dish soap, plastic zip-lock bag, strainer, tweezers, strawberry, measuring cup and spoons, salt, isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol), and water. |
Technical Requirements
The most up-to-date requirements can be found here:
- Computer Requirements
- Browser Requirements
- Proctoring Requirements
- Microphone (external or internal)
- Webcam
Additional requirements for the course are below:
- audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)
Accessibility
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.
Exams
Midterm Exam
The Midterm Exam is over Lessons 1-5. Your exam is 40 questions worth 2 points each. Choose the one best answer.
This exam is proctored. Your proctor or teacher will enter the access code for you to begin your exam. When you begin, you will have 2 hours.
During the exam you are NOT allowed to navigate away from this exam page or use any other resources to assist you in the exam unless otherwise specified on this exam page.*
Final Exam
The Final Exam is over Lessons 6-10. Your exam is 40 questions worth 2 points each. Choose the one best answer.
This exam is proctored. Your proctor or teacher will enter the access code for you to begin your exam. When you begin, you will have 2 hours.
During the exam you are NOT allowed to navigate away from this exam page or use any other resources to assist you in the exam unless otherwise specified on this exam page.*
Note: Before taking this exam, complete the study guide, located in the course modules. Also, refer to Skill Group 10 in our Learning Library.
Grades
Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on assignments and exams.
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100 |
| B | 80–89 |
| C | 70–79 |
| D | 60–69 |
| F | 0–59 |
After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts.
Canvas and Technical Support
Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.
- Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
- For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
- For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|