7th GRADE SCIENCE

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

7th grade students will learn the world of science by engaging, exploring, explaining, elaborating and evaluating the world around them.   Students will discover how chemistry, ecosystems, geology and natural resources are interrelated and how they affect our everyday lives.  

LEARNING THROUGH PRACTICES OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Throughout the year, students will be learning the world of science by performing practices of science and engineering as recommended in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  These practices include the following:

1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

MATERIALS:  

Time Tracker, Pens/pencils, Eraser, Glue sticks, Colored pencils, Pencil Sharpener

For Ms. Neuhaus, Ms. Yarbrough, Ms. Young

Five Star 3 subject 11 X 8 1/2 college ruled spiral notebook - 150 sheets

For Mr. Kim

1 inch wide Three Ring Binder

PROCEDURES:

TIME TRACKER:  At the beginning of class, copy the entire daily agenda into your Time Tracker.

If you are absent, you will need to copy the agenda of the day you missed from your seat partner or retrieve it from the school homework website.

SCIENCE INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK:  You need to bring your Interactive Science Notebook to class EVERY day we meet.  This is a tool we will use in class to record observations, data, and activities

which will lead to important discoveries and prepare you for assessments.

CLASSWORK:   Unfinished class activities need to be completed at home.   Any class activities that require more time will be given an extended due date.

ASSESSMENTS:  You will use your Interactive Science Notebook to study and perform a variety of assessments. Completing work on time and actively participating in activities will also help prepare you for assessments.

LATE WORK:  Assignments turned in late will receive a reduction in points.  An increase in days

late will increase the amount of reduction points taken away.  Late work needs to be placed into the appropriate tray. Late work needs to be turned in one week before the end of the grading quarter.

ABSENCES:  Work missed during a 1-2 day absence needs to be completed by the next class meeting from the date of your return to class.  It is your responsibility to get needed handouts from the files. Please see the teacher during PAWS or after school for any questions or additional information about missed assignments.  

GRADES: GRADING SCALE

Academic grades are based on points: A = 93-100% B- = 80-82.9% D+= 67-69.9%

A-= 90-92.9% C+= 77-79.9% D  = 63-66.9%

Class Activities                = 30% B+= 87-89.9% C  = 73-76.9% D- = 60-62.9%

Labs & Projects              = 30%            B = 83-86.9% C- = 70-72.9% F =     0-59.9%

Assessments                     = 40%

Online Grade Book:

The online grade book shows the up to date information on grades for every assignment for this class. Online grade book can be accessed via "https://ccmsabi.ccusd.org/parent/" URL.

Classroom Agenda will be posted on online:

Please check the http://ccms.ccusd.org website for the classroom agenda.

Work Habits Mark:  This mark is assessed by the quality of work and the completion of activities in the Notebook.  This also includes bringing the Interactive Science Notebooks to class daily. Refer to the Work Habits Rubric in the Time Tracker.  

Citizenship Mark: This mark is assessed by following the class expectations, working cooperatively and actively participating within activities. Refer to the Citizenship Rubric in the Time Tracker.  Our class also have a set of chromebooks that will be used to help support students in academics. If students are found on sites other than directed, students may lose the privilege of using the chromebooks and may  receive a U in citizenship grade. Both academic dishonesty or misusing technology may result in detention.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:

1. Bring Time Tracker and pencils/pens to class every day.                          
2. Line up before the tardy bell rings.                                
3. Be respectful, prepared and have                    

   your mind focused on SCIENCE!                                         

4. Follow directions and safety rules.
5. No gum, food or drinks in class.

   *Water is allowed!

6.  Teacher dismisses class; not the bell.                        

Laboratory Responsibilities:  Lab time is essential to both learning and applying skills.  Labs are not play time!  Lab safety violations will result in alternative assignments, possible dismissal from the lab, and loss of credit for the lab and/or deduction of your grade for the lab.  Damaged or broken lab equipment caused from mishandling, misuse, or carelessness or failure to follow directions will be charged to the student.