Scott County Middle School 7th Grade Blue Family Science Syllabus Ms. Wisniewski ~ Room 211 [email protected] http://kentuckyclassroom.org/missw

Welcome: I would like to welcome you to this year’s science class! I look forward to a great year ahead filled with fun and learning. This letter is to provide both the student and parent with some general information about the seventh grade science course.

Textbook: This is our first year using the Glencoe books. Each student will be given one book at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to take responsibility for their book. Repair and replacement charges will apply to the student in the case of a damaged or missing book. It would be a good idea to purchase or make a book cover to protect the book.

Course Objectives: This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the many processes that occur on and within the earth. The course emphasizes the problem-solving methods of science, and provides opportunity for students to practice using these methods in a variety of laboratory experiences, activities, and demonstrations.

General Topics: 1. Interdependence 4. Earth and Universe  Abiotic Factors  Layers of Earth  Biotic Factors  Earth Processes  Adaptations  Tides 2. Biological Change  Solar System  Extinction 5. Structure and Transformation of Matter  Fossils  Periodic Table 3. Unity and Diversity  Properties of Elements  Heredity  Compounds  Learned Traits 6. Energy Transformations  Sexual and Asexual  Internal/ External Energy Reproduction  Transfer of Energy (Waves)  Mitosis 7. Motion and Forces  Inertia  Friction  Gravity

Teaching strategies: Lecture/class discussion Individual work Experiments Demonstrations Use of Technology Group work

Student activities and evaluation: All class activities and homework assignments will be posted daily on my website: http://kentuckyclassroom.org/missw. Active participation Class work Daily bellringers Portfolio feature article Individual projects Current events in science Homework Tests Study guides and handouts Group projects Word wall quizzes Grading Policy: Grades will be based on points earned on tests, quizzes, activities, homework, in-class assignments, and participation.

Students will be expected to keep track of their grades on a grade sheet provided.

Tests will always be announced at least two days in advance.

Quizzes may or may not be announced.

Many, but not all, major projects and assignments are cooperative group efforts. No student will be permitted to jeopardize the group’s performance of an assigned task. Any student who is repeatedly disruptive or who misuses class time/ materials will receive a zero and appropriate discipline.

Late and Make-Up Work: In the event of an excused absence, it will be the student’s responsibility to ask and look for what work was missed. All assignments and daily activities will be posted in a designated notebook located at the make- up work area. Additionally, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule an appropriate time to make up tests and/ or quizzes.

Any assignment turned in late will receive deductions. The number of points deducted will depend on the number of points possible.

Any assignment not turned in will be given a grade of zero.

Materials needed for my class: I am very organized, and I believe in strong organizational skills for my students. Therefore I require: 1) 1 or 1 ½ inch binder with 5 dividers labeled: a. Notes b. Classwork c. Homework d. Labs/ Demonstrations e. Vocabulary 2) Pencil/ Pen 3) Loose leaf paper 4) Additionally, if you would like to donate Clorox wipes and/ or paper towels it would be appreciated. 5) In the case a student should need something else, I will make sure there is enough time to get the needed supply.

Class Rules: Be on time and prepared. Be respectful. Be willing. Follow all directions and school rules.

Science Safety Statement: Teacher efforts to minimize and manage risks in an activity are ineffective unless every student is an active participant in the safety program. To promote a safe environment in the classroom, students are expected to: • Act in a responsible manner at all times. • Carefully follow both written and verbal instructions given by the teacher. • Learn the location of safety equipment. • Wear goggles when appropriate and when instructed to do so by the teacher. • Keep student work areas clean.

Any student action potentially endangering oneself or others cannot be tolerated. These include, but are not limited to, the following: • Failing to wear goggles when appropriate or when instructed. • Horseplay or fooling around during an activity. • Purposefully inhaling or ingesting any substance used or made in class. • Mixing substances without the knowledge or consent of the teacher. • Pouring, splashing, or squirting substances at or on other students. • Taking chemicals, supplies, or equipment out of class without the knowledge or consent of the teacher.

Students are NEVER encouraged to duplicate any lab activities or class demonstrations on their own due to possible risks involved.

I will be available for planning each day from 8:45- 10:15 if you should have any further questions or concerns. My best form of contact will be e-mail at the following address: [email protected].

Welcome to 7th grade science, let the learning begin!!

Sincerely,

Ms. Wisniewski

Please sign below that you have read this information. *****Please submit this letter back by Friday August 15th, 2008.

Parent or Guardian Signature Date

Student Signature Date