2023-2024 Course Expectations: 7th Grade Science
Course Description:
This one-year course is designed to integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas from the life sciences, Earth and space sciences, and the physical sciences. The topics covered in Science 7 include Geology of Mars, Plate Motion, Rock Transformations, Phase Change, Chemical reactions, Populations and Resources, and Matter and Energy in Ecosystems. Instructional practices incorporate integration of diversity awareness including appreciation of all cultures and their important contributions to society. The appropriate use of technology is an integral part of this course. We will be using the curriculum called Amplify. Amplify is a phenomena based curriculum delivered both on computer as well as hands on. This course fulfills the seventh-grade science requirement.
Textbook Used
This course does not have a required textbook. Students will be going through a program called Amplify and all texts and activities will be available on CANVAS.
Course Content and Sequence
The course will cover the following topics:
Geology of Mars
Plate Motion
Rock Transformations
Phase Change
Chemical reactions
Populations and Resources
Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
Science will also develop student understanding of Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts as defined by the Nevada Academic Content Standards for Science.
To conduct investigations showing how matter interacts at the atomic and molecular scales emphasizing the evidence of chemical reactions and the law of conservation of mass. [MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-2, MS-PS1-3, MS-PS1-5]
To implement the design process to investigate the release or absorption of thermal energy during chemical reactions. [MS-PS1-6, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4]
To develop and use models that show how matter and energy are cycled within an ecosystem through the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. [MS-LS1-6, MS-LS1-7, MS-LS2-3]
To explain how resource availability, changes in an environment, and interactions among organisms affect populations in predictable patterns. [MS-LS2-1, MS-LS2-2, MS-LS2-4]
To evaluate solutions that consider scientific, economic, and social factors associated with preserving the environment. [MS-LS2-5, MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2]
To explain how an uneven distribution of natural resources and human consumption patterns impact society and Earth’s systems. [MS-ESS3-1, MS-ESS3-4]
To model the cyclical flow of energy and matter involved in the formation of rocks and minerals. [MS-ESS2-1]
To examine geological evidence explaining how the Earth has changed throughout its history using varying time and spatial scales. [MS-ESS1-4, MS-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-3]
Areas of Assessment
Criteria for calculating grade
School wide assessment criteria – 80 % Summative (Performance) and
20 % Formative (Preparation)
Reassessment Policy
Requests must be submitted within 5 school days from the “passback” date.
It is expected that all missing formative assignments are submitted prior to attempting to retake a summative assessment.
Teachers will provide/require additional studying, assignments, or instruction to prepare for the reassessment and will be available to assist students during office hours or by appointment.
Each summative assessment will be administered a maximum of twice.
Students will receive the highest score of the two assessments.
All assessment opportunities will conclude one week before the end of the quarter.
Explanation of grades
50 Point Grading Scale
Grade
Percentage
Explanation
A
100% - 90%
Exceeds standards
B
89% - 80%
Meets standards
C
79% - 70%
Partially meets standards
D
69% - 60%
Minimally meets standards
F
50% 59%
Does not meet standards
MinF
50%
Does not meet standards; “earned” percentages < 50%
NS
40%
Not Submitted; Insufficient Evidence
*Parents and students should monitor their academic progress by accessing Infinite Campus and Canvas.
Course Materials: What are students expected to bring with them daily?
Students are expected to bring the following to class each day:
Charged Chromebook
Pencil with eraser
Notebook
Colored pencils
Classroom & Behavioral Expectations
Since Science 7 is a lab-based, hands-on course, students are expected to follow lab safety rules and be familiar with lab safety features. Students must submit a signed lab safety contract prior to participating in labs, engineering design projects, and other hands-on classroom experiences.
In addition to following CCSD and Knudson school rules and procedures, students are expected to listen and actively participate during instruction, respect teachers, classmates, and equipment and materials. This includes bringing your Chromebook to school charged and ready to go, putting away your cell phone in your backpack and not playing on it during class.
Citizenship/Behavior Expectations and Grade
Citizenship grades reflect class behavior, cooperation, ability to work with peers, and attitudes. Begin by reviewing the criteria for Outstanding Citizenship. To earn an ‘O,’ the student must meet at least 3 criteria for that level. If not, they move to the satisfactory level. Again, in order to earn an ‘S,’ the student must meet at least 3 criteria for that level. Continue for ‘N,’ and ‘U’. Below is the school-wide citizenship rubric used to determine student behavior and performance.
Citizenship Rubric
Outstanding
Satisfactory
Needs Improvement
Unsatisfactory
Consistently on time
(0-1 tardy)
Usually on time (2-3 tardies)
Inconsistently on time to class (4-5 tardies)
Consistently late to class (6 or more tardies)
Consistently brings all necessary materials and is consistently prepared (iPad not charged 0-1 times)
Usually brings all necessary materials and is usually prepared (iPad not charged 2-3 times)
Inconsistently brings necessary materials and is inconsistently prepared (iPad not charged 4-5 times)
Consistently unprepared
(iPad not charged 6 or more times)
Consistently takes initiative and participates actively in learning
Usually takes initiative and participates actively in learning
Sometimes participates actively in learning
Has to be reminded to get started
Consistently participates by asking questions or contributing to the lesson
Usually participates by asking questions or contributing to the lesson
Inconsistently participates in classroom activities/discussions
Does not actively participate in classroom activities/discussions
Consistently on-task, listens and follows directions with respect
Usually on-task, listens and follows directions with respect
Inconsistently on-task, listens and follows directions. Needs consistent reminding.
Frequently distracted and distracts others in class
Consistently treats teachers and classmates in a respectful and caring way. Consistently encourages and helps others
Usually treats teachers and classmates in a respectful and caring way. May need a reminder
Inconsistently treats teachers and classmates in a respectful and caring way. May need a reminder
Treats teachers or classmates in a negative way through tone of voice or with put-downs or refusals
Consistently shows respect for self or others
Usually shows respect for self or others
Inconsistently shows respect for self or others
Frequently causes problems for self or others
Late Work Policy
Students will communicate with their teachers and explain why assigned work is late.
The mark “M” in Infinite Campus will be used to document an assessment that hasn’t been submitted by the deadline and will be calculated as a 0% due to no evidence.
Once late work has been submitted, the “M” will be replaced with a score reflecting the student’s academic performance level.
You should have all missing formative assignments turned in before the test is retaken.
All assignments must be submitted within 5 days of the original due date. After this date the assignments will be locked in Canvas. Arrangements will be made for students with extenuating circumstances.
Missing work Policy: If you have a lot of Missing assignments in the grade book, you can come to my PAWs on Wednesdays/Thursdays in order to obtain help in completing these missing assignments. ( with permission from your PAWS teacher)
Explanation of grades
Grading Scale
Grade
Percentage
Explanation
A
90% - 100%
Exceeds standards
B
80% - 89%
Meets standards
C
70% - 79%
Partially meets standards
D
60% - 69%
Minimally meets standards
F
50% 59%
Does not meet standards
Min F
50%
Does not meet standards; “earned” percentages < 50% or did not attempt
NM
To be used by the registrar only
*Parents and students can monitor their academic progress by accessing Infinite Campus online at http://knudsonms.org.
Email Address: walpoj@nv.ccsd.net