Seventh Grade science is an integration of Life, Physical, and Earth Sciences.  We are following the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).  In this course we will learn about scientific methodology, geology, chemistry, ecosystems, matter & energy cycles, and human impact.  We will also cover the state mandated sexual health.

What are the Class Expectations?

• • Students are expected to have their materials each day.  Other items should be left at home or in their backpacks. Cell phones should be turned off and in the backpack.

  • Students are expected to arrive at class on time.  Students are asked to take care of personal business between classes so as to not interrupt instruction.

  • Students are expected to respect all others and their property, this includes class and school property.

  • Students are expected to follow all directions, implicit and explicit.  Following directions is essential for the safety of all students in the laboratory setting; therefore, students unable to follow directions may be removed from laboratory activities for their safety and the safety of others.

  • Students are expected to be responsible for their learning and their actions.  Each student is an active participant in the class.

  • Students are expected to refrain from eating in the classroom.  Gum is not allowed.  I recommend that students carry a bottle to fill with water since fountains are not available in the classroom.

Continual violations of rules may lead to removal from class activities, detention, a "letter" to copy, conferences, or referral to administration.

What supplies do students need?

Students are expected to bring their supplies to class everyday. If students do not have their materials, they will not be able to complete their class work. Please make sure you have all these materials available on a daily basis.

• • InterActive Notebook –  A dedicated 70 page spiral notebook.  A notebook is provided. 

  • Twin Rivers Chromebook

  • Pencils and pens. It is always a good idea to have a spare.

  • Self-contained pencil sharpeners or lead for mechanical pencils.

  • Colored pencils. Non-permanent, water based markers are acceptable. Avoid permanent markers.

  • Agenda (supplied by school)

  • Recommended: Glue & Scissors 

What is the InterActive Notebook?

The Notebook is where students will complete and organize all their assignments. Each Unit will have a Table of Contents, showing the organization of the assignments, have all work completed, and have reflections. Loose papers are not accepted. Notebooks are collected weekly for grading.

What about Digital learning?

Students will also be accessing, completing, and submitting assignments online using Google Classroom.  They will also use a variety of other digital platforms including Nearpods for teacher presentations, Flip for student presentations and sharing, and several different digital simulation programs.

Homework? 

The majority of homework will be work that was not completed in class or projects. If students are absent, they are responsible for making up the missing work outside class time. 

What does it mean by "vocab"?

Vocabulary - Students will be presented with many new science words. To help them learn these words, we will work on the words Monday through Thursday at the beginning of class. Students will receive the list of words and definitions each Monday. The vocabulary sheet is due on Friday. Students should familiarize themselves with the words each day; they should not complete the entire sheet on Monday. 

What types of activities are done in class?

• • Activities, Foldables, and Simulations - The science curriculum will be covered in a variety of ways in order to help students learn different skills.  All work is completed and turned in using the InterActive Notebook or submitted online.

  • Close Reading and Note-taking – Students will practice annotated reading from articles.  Students will take notes from articles, observations, videos, or from presentations.

  • Group work - Many assignments will be completed in pairs or groups. Students are seated in groups to facilitate this process. Many group assignments may involve written tasks, presentations, or laboratory investigations. Students are expected to be an active member of the group.

  • Presentations/Discussions - Students will frequently share their learning with the class. This will come in a variety of forms, from small individual assignments to large research projects. Many group assignments will be presented to the class.  Students are expected to participate in class discussions.

  • Laboratory - Hands-on investigations will be undertaken when possible. Due to safety concerns, students must complete a safety contract and be able to follow directions in order to participate.

  • Digital labs - Computer simulations will be used including: Gizmos, PhET, and Amplify.

  • Projects - There are engineering and research projects.  Projects will vary in size and scope. Projects may be individual or group tasks. 

  • Science Fair- All students participate in designing and conducting a science experiment or engineering project. Students are expected to share that project with others by presenting a display in the school Fair. The Project is a large individual assignment. This project will progress yearlong.

  • Tests – After completing a unit of study, there will be an examination. Exams will be completed online in class.  Quizzes will be given several times during a unit. 

  • Positive Prevention - please see the next page for information on mandated sexual health education. 

Hall Passes

Students are expected to take care of personal business during the passing period. If they need to address personal business during class, they may use a “hall pass”. Students will receive only four hall passes and should use them only when necessary.

ClassDojo

ClassDojo is a behavior management program. Students receive or lose Dojo Points through their class participation. Dojo Points allow eligibility to earn rewards including extra credit points, prizes, and Smythe Bucks.

Grading policy

Grades are determined by the percentage of points earned by a student out of the number of points possible.  Assignments are weighted in four categories:

• Assignments (How we learn) = 50%, 

• Assessments (What we learned) = 50%

The grade break down is as follows:

• A=90-100+ %, B=80-89%, C=70-79%

All work is to be completed on time, organized and appropriately placed in the Interactive Notebook.  

Late Work

Any work turned in late must be complete but will not receive full credit. Late work is accepted while we are currently studying that unit.  Once we are on a new unit, late work is no longer accepted from previous units.  Work may also be redone and resubmitted for a higher score, but will not receive full credit.  Late work that is incomplete or related to previous units will not be accepted.   Late and resubmitted work must be clearly communicated with the teacher via email or post-its on the specific notebook pages.

Tests may be retaken only if students have shown an effort to improve their learning or through a test correction..

Is tutoring available?

There are several tutoring programs available at Smythe. Students may receive additional help by scheduling an appointment for lunch or after school with their teacher.