7h Grade




7th Grade Science

East Whittier Middle School

2019-2020


Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year at East Whittier Middle School. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) integrate Earth, Life, and Physical Science concepts, while incorporating engineering and design practices. Our goal is to develop 21st century thinkers capable of collecting and analyzing data, thinking critically, problem solving, and communicating solutions, all in preparation for 8th grade.


Grading

Science grades are a compilation of varied assignments and evaluations such as projects, lab write-ups, Google classroom assignments, worksheets, tests, and written assignments. Each unit of study will have two written assignments; the “Aha Thesis, ” and the “Self-evaluation.” Student grades will be based on the percentage of total points earned compared to total points possible. Class grades are based on the following grading scale.

A 100-90%

B 89-80%

C 79-70%

D 69-60%

F 59 and below

Action Passes

Students are most successful when they are in class and on-time every day. To encourage attendance, each student will be given a set of 12 action passes at the beginning of each semester. Action passes can be used for: hall passes (leaving class), and class conduct. At the end of each semester, unused action passes can be turned in for extra credit. It is the only extra credit available.


Absences

Activities, labs, and discussions will be integral to concept development in science. It is important to be in class. However, if a student misses school, absent students are responsible for finding out what was missed by asking the teacher upon their return.


Laboratory Safety Guidelines for students

  • Act responsibly at all times in the class.
  • Follow all instructions given, orally or in writing, by my teacher.
  • Perform only those activities assigned and approved by my teacher.
  • Protect my eyes, face, hands, and body by wearing proper clothing and using protective equipment provided by my school.
  • Carry out good housekeeping practices as instructed by my teacher.
  • Notify my teacher immediately of an emergency.
  • Never eat or drink in class unless instructed to do so by my teacher.
  • Handle all equipment and specimens with respect, this includes everyday equipment as well as specific science equipment.

If the teacher determines at any time that a student is behaving inappropriately or unsafely, that student will not participate in the activity. Teacher determined non-participation will affect a student’s class grade.


Interactive Notebook (INB)

The notebook is the organizational structure of science class. Discussions, lab data and conclusions, observations, and writing assignments will be done in the notebook. It is the responsibility of the student to bring the notebook to class every day.

We attempt a constructivist approach to science education, in which questions or problems are posed, and using prior knowledge, data obtained through activities, research and discussion, students develop new understanding. It is our hope that students learn to direct their own explorations. The INB is crucial to student success. It provides a place and format for their reflections, evidence, and ideas. Please spend time looking over the resource pages and student work.


Materials

The following are materials that are vital to success in the science classroom. They support our various activities, including note-taking, research, data collection, and analysis.

  • 3 pronged plastic folder
  • Additional Lined paper (preferably college ruled)
  • Calculator (or cell phone)
  • Box of colored pencils and pencil sharpener

Communication

In order for students and parents to keep well-informed about the responsibilities and progress of individuals in science, the following are avenues of communication:

  • Website: East Whittier Science

https://sites.google.com/a/ewcsd.org/east-whittier-science/

(A link is on the East Whittier Middle school website under Family Resources: Teacher Websites)

  • Parent Portal (Aeries)
  • Email
  • Phone

It will be an exciting year, and I look forward to working together.

Ms. Carazo Mrs. Harder Mrs. De La Riva

kcarazo@ewcsd.org sharder@ewcsd.org ydelariva@ewcsd.org