RHAM Middle School Inquiry Science 2020-2021
Instructor: Mrs. Elizabeth Walsh
Room: 115
Email: elizabeth.walsh@rhamschools.org
Telephone: 228-9423 ext. 4115
Welcome to seventh and eighth grade science! Science is an active, systematic way of exploring and explaining the world. In science class you will develop skills to help you solve problems through observation, experimental design, and data analysis. You will explore many different areas of science including earth and space science, physical science, and science and technology in society. By building skills and knowledge in the scientific areas, you will be able to make informed decisions in a world in which science and technology are increasingly important to everyday life. In science you will also apply your scientific and mathematical knowledge and skills by solving problems using the engineering and design process and engaging in citizen science.
Enduring Understanding
• Scientific inquiry is a thoughtful and coordinated attempt to search out, describe, explain and predict natural phenomena.
• Scientific inquiry requires a continuous process of questioning, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
• The Earth is over 4.5 billion years old and throughout its history the surface features, climate, and life have undergone change.
• A change in an object’s motion is dependent upon its mass and the force applied to it.
• Energy can be stored in many forms and can be transformed into the energy of motion.
• Waves transfer energy and are useful in transmitting information in modern society.
• The solar system is located in an arm of our spiral galaxy (The Milky Way) and revolves around the center. The galaxy is one of billions in the universe.
• The apparent motion of celestial objects in the sky can be explained by a heliocentric model of the solar system with the Earth tilted on its axis.
Essential Questions
• How do we carry out a scientific investigation?
• How can we tell how old the Earth is?
• How has the surface of the Earth, life, and climate changed over time?
• How are materials cycled on Earth?
• How do Newton's Laws affect objects in motion?
• How is energy stored and transformed into other forms?
• How do waves transfer energy and how are they useful in transmitting information?
• What is Earth’s place in the universe?
• How can the apparent motion of celestial objects be explained?
Student Materials:
• Two Pocket Folder
• Scientific Calculator
• Pencils
• Colored Pencils
• Ruler with metric units
• Graph paper
Homework & Assessment
Homework is an important part of the learning process and reinforces lessons that are taught in school. Therefore:
• Homework is due at the beginning of each class.
• Homework will be no more than 10% of the total grade.
• Incomplete or missing homework will not be able to be made up for credit. Missing homework will be done during a time designated by the teacher for no credit. This is because the student needs the practice experience that homework provides.
• Absent students can call a study buddy classmate to get their assignments or check the Inquiry Team Website
• Assessment is ongoing incorporating the following methods: teacher observation, homework, class work, quizzes, unit exams, projects, laboratory reports, class participation, and working with peers.
Classroom Rules and Discipline Policy
There are four main rules that students must follow so that everyone can learn in a safe environment that is free from distractions.
1) Be prepared and on time.
2) Follow instructions the first time they are given.
3) Be respectful and appropriate.
4) Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Violations of these rules will result in:
1st Offense - Verbal Warning
2nd Offense - Lunch Detention - Detention slip must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
3rd Offense - Teacher Detention and a phone call will be made to the parent or legal guardian.
4th Offense - Office Discipline Referral
Please note, for severe classroom disruptions and misbehavior students may be issued an office discipline referral at first offense.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to be in class every day.
It is the student's responsibility to get any work missed when absent.
Generally, students will have the same number of days to make up missed work as days absent.