7th Grade LIFE SCIENCE SYLLABUS
Edgerton Public
GOOGLE CLASSROOM CODE: 37xniig
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Seventh grade Life Science provides students with an opportunity to develop scientific process skills. Students will engage in “hands on” and a student centered approach to learning science. The course focuses on the study of life and life processes. It allows the students to develop concepts in life science and critical thinking through observation and experimentation. Throughout the year students will explore life science as a process, chemistry related to living organisms, cell structures and function, genetics and heredity, evolution, diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles, and an introduction to animal structure and function.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will recognize and analyze the amazing diversity of life on our planet and including conservation needs. Students will recognize the vast opportunities and solutions that science provides & that there are many possible scientific career choices.
COURSE TEXTBOOK:
This class uses an interactive workbook series designed by Savaas education.
RULES, ATTENDANCE, TARDINESS, GRADING:
As a classroom teacher, I don’t have the authority to modify policy given to me by administration. Consequently, expect me to follow details given in the Student Handbook. (both can be found linked from District websites).
GRADE SCALE:
100-94% = A
93-90% = A-
89-87% = B+
86-83% = B
82-80% = B-
79-77% = C+
76-73% = C
72-70% = C-
69-67% = D+
66-63% = D
62-60% = D-
59 below = F
Semester Grades is determined by: 45% for each Quarter and 10% for the Semester final
Nothing in this class will be weighted I use a cumulative scoring system (everything is assigned points).
It is important for students to keep track of their recorded grades. If you notice a problem with a grade, speak with the teacher. Note: grades will not be taken on every assignment. Grades can be viewed online via JMC.
EXTRA CREDIT:
If provided, all extra credit will be provided to the class as a whole. Students should not rely on extra credit to pass the class.
REQUIREMENTS FOR LAB CLASSES:
You should follow in order all teacher directions and perform no unauthorized procedures.
During lab classes students should:
· Wear appropriate lab clothing and safety equipment (e.g. goggles, gloves) during lab exercises. Labs will be announced in advance, so that you should be prepared. If you are not prepared for the lab, you will not participate, and a make-up assignment will be given.
· Avoid bringing food/drink into the classroom on lab days
ASSIGNMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES:
Assignments are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated.
LATE WORK:
· An assignment is due when requested or it may be considered late.
· Late work will be reduced by 10% per day up to three days.
· After 3 days, work will not be accepted, and it is a zero.
MAKE UP WORK:
We will follow the policies in the student handbook. Please note not all assignments can be made up (if it was an excused absence you will get an excused in the gradebook which means it will not count toward or against your grade).
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE:
Students are expected to do their own work. Students who cheat on any work in class given a zero and parents will be notified.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES (e.g. Smart phone, Ipads, Laptops):
Students can have their cell phones in the classroom if they are kept away and not causing a distraction. Students are permitted to use their cell phones for quizizz, kahoot, calculators or pictures of specimens when directed to do so by the teacher. If you are permitted to use your device you will not be allowed to take photo/video of anyone in the classroom, use social media sites, make phone calls or send messages. If you are caught breaking the policy your phone will be taken by the teacher and given back at the end of the day (not class). After the first unacceptable use any other unacceptable uses will result in loss of phone until parents come pick it up from the office.
PROJECTS
Several projects will be assigned throughout the year. Poster projects may require tag board and poster material resources.Model projects may require items found in the home ranging from old recyclables, old fabrics, toys or anything you may find in what is termed as a "junk drawer". Some students do elect to buy figurines or materials for projects but it is not a necessary component for the grading process.
DOCUMENTARIES
There are several documentaries that will be shown throughout the year. Parents will be emailed about each documentary prior to being shown. All documentaries shown are non-rated (some may present controversial ideas). Science is a field of curiosity, critical thinking and open mindedness to all perspectives to become aware individuals with the knowledge and background to form well thought out opinions and ideas. That said if you should find issue with a documentary that is to be shown you can request your student not to be allowed an alternate assignment. There will be no penalties and the alternate assignment will have the same amount of points given for the documentary guide, quiz and discussion.
The syllabus is a statement of intent and serves as an implicit agreement between the instructor and the student. Every effort will be made to avoid changing the course schedule but the possibility exists that unforeseen events will make syllabus changes necessary.
Edgerton Public
GOOGLE CLASSROOM CODE: 37xniig
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Seventh grade Life Science provides students with an opportunity to develop scientific process skills. Students will engage in “hands on” and a student centered approach to learning science. The course focuses on the study of life and life processes. It allows the students to develop concepts in life science and critical thinking through observation and experimentation. Throughout the year students will explore life science as a process, chemistry related to living organisms, cell structures and function, genetics and heredity, evolution, diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles, and an introduction to animal structure and function.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will recognize and analyze the amazing diversity of life on our planet and including conservation needs. Students will recognize the vast opportunities and solutions that science provides & that there are many possible scientific career choices.
COURSE TEXTBOOK:
This class uses an interactive workbook series designed by Savaas education.
RULES, ATTENDANCE, TARDINESS, GRADING:
As a classroom teacher, I don’t have the authority to modify policy given to me by administration. Consequently, expect me to follow details given in the Student Handbook. (both can be found linked from District websites).
GRADE SCALE:
100-94% = A
93-90% = A-
89-87% = B+
86-83% = B
82-80% = B-
79-77% = C+
76-73% = C
72-70% = C-
69-67% = D+
66-63% = D
62-60% = D-
59 below = F
Semester Grades is determined by: 45% for each Quarter and 10% for the Semester final
Nothing in this class will be weighted I use a cumulative scoring system (everything is assigned points).
It is important for students to keep track of their recorded grades. If you notice a problem with a grade, speak with the teacher. Note: grades will not be taken on every assignment. Grades can be viewed online via JMC.
EXTRA CREDIT:
If provided, all extra credit will be provided to the class as a whole. Students should not rely on extra credit to pass the class.
REQUIREMENTS FOR LAB CLASSES:
You should follow in order all teacher directions and perform no unauthorized procedures.
During lab classes students should:
· Wear appropriate lab clothing and safety equipment (e.g. goggles, gloves) during lab exercises. Labs will be announced in advance, so that you should be prepared. If you are not prepared for the lab, you will not participate, and a make-up assignment will be given.
· Avoid bringing food/drink into the classroom on lab days
ASSIGNMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES:
Assignments are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated.
LATE WORK:
· An assignment is due when requested or it may be considered late.
· Late work will be reduced by 10% per day up to three days.
· After 3 days, work will not be accepted, and it is a zero.
MAKE UP WORK:
We will follow the policies in the student handbook. Please note not all assignments can be made up (if it was an excused absence you will get an excused in the gradebook which means it will not count toward or against your grade).
ACADEMIC HONOR CODE:
Students are expected to do their own work. Students who cheat on any work in class given a zero and parents will be notified.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES (e.g. Smart phone, Ipads, Laptops):
Students can have their cell phones in the classroom if they are kept away and not causing a distraction. Students are permitted to use their cell phones for quizizz, kahoot, calculators or pictures of specimens when directed to do so by the teacher. If you are permitted to use your device you will not be allowed to take photo/video of anyone in the classroom, use social media sites, make phone calls or send messages. If you are caught breaking the policy your phone will be taken by the teacher and given back at the end of the day (not class). After the first unacceptable use any other unacceptable uses will result in loss of phone until parents come pick it up from the office.
PROJECTS
Several projects will be assigned throughout the year. Poster projects may require tag board and poster material resources.Model projects may require items found in the home ranging from old recyclables, old fabrics, toys or anything you may find in what is termed as a "junk drawer". Some students do elect to buy figurines or materials for projects but it is not a necessary component for the grading process.
DOCUMENTARIES
There are several documentaries that will be shown throughout the year. Parents will be emailed about each documentary prior to being shown. All documentaries shown are non-rated (some may present controversial ideas). Science is a field of curiosity, critical thinking and open mindedness to all perspectives to become aware individuals with the knowledge and background to form well thought out opinions and ideas. That said if you should find issue with a documentary that is to be shown you can request your student not to be allowed an alternate assignment. There will be no penalties and the alternate assignment will have the same amount of points given for the documentary guide, quiz and discussion.
The syllabus is a statement of intent and serves as an implicit agreement between the instructor and the student. Every effort will be made to avoid changing the course schedule but the possibility exists that unforeseen events will make syllabus changes necessary.