Seventh grade students will learn about a number of scientific topics including:
• Cells
• Cell Processes
• Bacteria and Food Preservation
• Human Body Systems
• Work, Power, and Machines
• Energy Forms and Transformations
• Weathering and Erosion
• Volcanoes and Earthquakes
We will use five different textbooks this year!
EXPECTATIONS
PREPAREDNESS
You are expected to come to class prepared to learn every day. You will
bring your Science Notebook, science textbook (depending on unit), Agenda,
and a pencil with eraser daily. Other suggested materials are: a pack of
colored pencils, roll of clear tape, calculator.
All students will start each trimester off with 100 points for preparedness!
Depending on the day, those who do NOT have the necessary materials will
lose a point for each one.
LAB ACTIVITIES
Safety is the number one priority during lab activities. You are to understand
the directions before beginning and follow the lab area rules. You will
be removed from the lab and/or classroom if you are unable to comply and
will receive a 0 for that lab.
DO NOW JOURNAL (DNJ)
As soon as you come into class, fill in your agenda and take out your science
notebook to get started on the DNJ. The DNJ will be a question related to
what we are studying at that time.
REFLECT AND CONNECT (R&C)
1. You will select a science-related current news article. The article (not
a picture caption or short blurb) can come from a newspaper (the library
has these available for you for free), a magazine, or an online news site.
Some suggested reputable online news sites are: www.sciencenewsforkids.org,
www.cnn.com, www.msnbc.com, www.time.com, kids.nationalgeographic.com. Please
select an article that you UNDERSTAND, have an interest in, and can make
a connection to.
2. Your Reflect & Connect response will be written in 2 paragraphs of
at least 5 sentences each in your own words—no fluff! Be specific and add
DETAILS. This will be written in your R&C Journal. The journal will
be kept in either your notebook pocket-folder or science folder.
• Paragraph 1: Why did you select this article? Summarize the article.
• Paragraph 2: How can you relate to this article (personal experiences,
learned about previously)?
3. Hand in your R&C with the article cut out and taped into your journal.
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments are posted weekly on the calendar located on the chalkboard.
These are to be written down in your agenda first thing on Mondays. All
assignments are posted on my website, as well. It is YOUR responsibility
to keep track of your science assignments and if absent, to complete any
missed assignments upon return to school.
LATE-ASSIGNMENT POLICY
Labs/Homework/Reflect & Connect assignments will be accepted 1 day late
for ½ credit.
Projects will have 10% removed from grade each day late. After 10 school
days, it becomes a 0.
RE-TAKE POLICY
Re-takes are given on tests only. Re-takes are required on tests with a
score of 69% or lower. Re-takes are given on the after school extra help
day.
EXTRA HELP
Extra help day for science is on WEDNESDAYS 2:50 PM to
3:45PM. Late students will not be admitted. Extra help is for working on
science assignments, projects, and test retakes.
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit assignments are available to work on after quizzes and tests
for additional points. Extra points may be given for other activities during
the year. Every student will have the same opportunity to earn extra credit
points and should take advantage of it. No exceptions will be made.
GRADING POLICY (per trimester)
Grades are calculated cumulatively for each trimester (points earned divided
by possible points). Extra credit points are added directly to points earned.
• Homework/ Classwork 10-20 points each
• Reflect & Connect 20 points each
• Preparedness 100 points
• Labs 50-100 points each
• Quizzes 40-60 points each
• Tests/Projects 100-200 points each
• Notebook 100 points
*Do Now Journal 20 points (part of notebook grade)