COURSE DESCRIPTION

Science (Yr)

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are collectively considered the core of

Explorer’s science curriculum. Students use scientific processes: questioning, planning and

conducting investigations, using appropriate tools and techniques to gather data, thinking critically

and logically, and communicating results. The 7th grade science curriculum consists of two main

areas of focus: Earth and space sciences, and also life sciences. Earth and Space Science provides

the foundation for students to develop an understanding of the Earth, its history, composition, and

formative processes. Life Science expands students’ biological understanding of life by focusing on

the characteristics of living things, and how organisms and populations change over time in terms of

biological adaptation. This understanding includes the relationship of structures to their functions

and life cycles, interrelationships of energy in living organisms, and the interactions of living organisms with their environment.

Mr. G’s 7^th Grade Science Class

Welcome to another exciting year at Explorer Middle School.

Mr. G Contact Information;

-Email: jgershowitz@pvlearners.net *Student must use their PVLearners email account to contact teachers*

-Website: http://sites.google.com/a/pvlearners.net/mr-g-science/

-School phone: 602-449-4200

-Room #: 303

Important Sites;

PVLearners: www.pvlearners.net

Infinite Campus: https://ic.pvschools.net/campus/paradisevalley.jsp

Text Books;

The students will be given two science books to keep at home. We have editions that we will use and keep in class also. As we go through the year we will be working out of both books. The books will be brought back the last three weeks of school. Each student will be signed out a specific book number that they are responsible for the condition and returning.

Class Supplies;

-A composition book (No spiral notebooks please.)

-General items: pens, pencils, loose-leaf paper, and high lighters.

Curriculum;

• Inquiry Process/Scientific Method

• Cells and Life Body Systems

• The Water Cycle, Dynamic Earth, Weathering and Climate

• Forces and Motion

• Electromagnetic Forces

Homework:

We have a team policy regarding late homework. The homework is to be turned in at the beginning of class, the day it is due. Late work will be accepted with a 30% deduction until the end of the unit or end of the quarter, whichever comes first..

Absent Work;

Students have as many days as they were absent to complete any work they have missed. This is also stated in the student handbook.

Grading Policy;

90-100% = A

80-89% = B

70-79% = C

60-69% = D

0-59% = F

This should be an exciting year for all of us. I welcome you to both middle school and Explorer. Middle school is a large step up from Elementary school. We put an emphasis on preparing our student for high school. We strive to create and foster independent learners. Our policies are team, school and district wide to help prepare them for the expectations of high school. We have many wonderful programs that we integrate into our school and the science curriculum. We will integrate S.T.E.M. science as well as place an overall emphasis on Sustainability. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. If you do not have Internet access at home, or access to a computer please let me know. I can always be reached by the phone number listed above. I look forward to an incredible year filled with fun and knowledge.