Seventh Grade Earth and Life Science

SEVENTH GRADE EARTH AND LIFE SCIENCE

Mrs. Hunt

Room 201

TEXTBOOK:

Science Explorer: Inside Earth/Cells and Heredity

Prentice Hall Publishing 2007

Welcome to seventh grade science! This school year promises new and exciting learning experiences for everyone. I hope that students will develop and continue to use science process skills that will help them to think critically and scientifically. This packet will explain the requirements and expectations for succeeding in this class. It is my hope that this guide will help you achieve your potential in the up and coming year.

Seventh Grade Science Curriculum:

* Lab Safety

* Scientific Method and Measurement

* Components of the Earth/Biosphere

* Rocks and Minerals

* Land and Water Resources

* Energy Resources

* Cell Processes and Mitosis

* Genetics

* Plant Physiology

* Human Systems

* Earthworm Dissection

Classroom Expectations:

* Be respectful of your teacher and your classmates

* Be on time and come prepared

* Stay on task

* Have fun and enjoy science

Consequences:

* First offense – Verbal Warning

* Second offense – Reflection, writing assignment, possible detention

* Third offense – Detention

* Fourth offense – Office Referral

Science Folder and Science Journal:

In order to succeed in this class, you will need to keep a well organized science folder. It is recommended that you keep a section for homework/assignments, labs, and tests/quizzes, as well as some loose-leaf paper. You will also need a science composition journal in which you will keep all class notes as well as in-class lab work. A second folder with prongs will be needed when we begin our photoperiod project (after winter break). It is recommended that you bring this to class soon, and I will hold on to it until the project begins.

Grade Determination:

* Homework 25%

* Lab Participation/Reports 25%

* Tests/Quizzes 50%

Grading Scale:

92% - 100% A

83% - 91% B

74% - 82% C

65% - 73% D

64% and below F

Homework:

Yes, there will be homework! I will post homework assignments on the board as well as on progress book daily. It is your responsibility to copy the homework assignment into your plan book. The seventh grade homework policy is that late homework receives a zero! (If there are exceptional circumstances, please come talk to me). Homework is considered late if it is not turned in when I collect it. During the first quarter only, homework will be accepted one day late for half credit. On nights that there is no assigned work, you should spend 20 minutes reviewing the day’s work, chapter, or organizing your notebook.

Make-Up Work:

* It is your responsibility to come and see me before or after school to get your make-up work when you are absent. Make-up work needs to be completed according to school policy. This means that you have the number of days you were absent plus 1 to get work turned in. If the work is not turned in within the appropriate time period, it will turn into a zero. I am not responsible for reminding you about make-up work!!!

* If you were in school when an assignment was assigned, but are absent on the due date, the assignment is to be turned in on the day you get back to school.

* If you miss a test/quiz while you are absent, you must make it up before or after school or during a study hall. You cannot take it during class time. If you do not make it up in an appropriate time period, you will be assigned a detention where you can make it up.

Lab Safety:

I am very concerned about safety in the classroom. Dangerous behavior, such as unsupervised use of chemicals or glassware, running in the lab, throwing objects, or pushing, will be dealt with immediately. If this occurs, you will forfeit any points that you would have earned for that period or lab. There will usually be equipment set up around the classroom and I ask that you PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD. This will result in an automatic detention. You will be required to pass a safety exam with a 92% or better to participate in labs/activities.

Communication:

I strongly advocate close student/teacher/parent communication. I will be making numerous parent contacts throughout the year for various reasons. If you need to contact me, the best way is to email me at the address listed above. Also, feel free to leave me a message on my voicemail (272-7300) if you prefer this mode of communication. Remember, if you have a question about homework, you should email me or see me before or after school. If it is not complete when class begins, then you will lose points. Please contact me with any questions or comments you have regarding the syllabus or the class in general.

Parents,

To help advocate your child’s success in this class, it would be helpful to review this syllabus with your child. Please sign below indicating that you and your child have read and understand the syllabus. I would also appreciate if you could provide some information to help keep the communication lines as open as possible. Again, I am looking forward to a great school year. Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Thank you,

Emily Hunt

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Parent Signature _____________________________

Phone Number _______________________________

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