Science 7 Class Outline
2010-2011
Mrs. Jennifer Joyce
Spencer-Van Etten Middle School, room 202
Phone number: 607-589-7120
Email: jjoyce@svecsd.org
Course description: In 7th grade science we will study Life Science.
Textbooks: Glencoe Science Publication, New York Science (2008) 7th grade and 8th grade versions.
Course content: Students will study the major concepts of life science
I. Life
a. Traits of life
b. Functions of cells
II. Staying alive
a. Metabolism
b. Homeostasis
c. Human body systems
III. Life goes on
a. Reproduction
b. Genetics
IV. Classifying life
a. Bacteria to animals
b. Kingdoms through species
c. Common traits
V. Change over time
a. The fossil record
b. Natural selection
VI. Life in community
a. Ecology
b. Conservation
VII. Review of major topics 5-8 grade
a. Performance exam review
i. Equipment
ii. Measurement and calculations
b. Written exam review
7th grade science will be challenging and fun. We should be able to spend a lot of time working on projects, labs and activities in the classroom. The goal will be to provide opportunities for you to be successful in the classroom and to master the material. I plan to offer many activities that involve moving around the room. Of course, this can only be done with full cooperation of the class. I am looking forward to an active year with great success.
Grading: Grades will be based on a weighted grade system. Point values are:
homework assignments are worth 10 points and represent 20% of the total grade
warm ups are worth 1 point each day and are counted as labs
homework assignments are worth 10 points and represent 20% of the total grade
warm ups are worth 1 point each day and are counted as labs
labs are worth 50points and represent 30% of the total grade
quizzes are worth 50 points and represent 20% of the total grade
tests are worth 100 points and represent 40% of the total grade
projects are worth 100 points and are counted as a test grade
As a team, we have adopted a 7th grade policy for homework and projects:
vHomework
o Homework will earn 100% if handed in on time and it is quality work.
o Each day, it will drop by 10% assuming the work is still quality.
o After one week, no work will be accepted.
o Work not completed is worth 0 points.
vProjects (one each marking period)
o Project grading works the same but must be turned in by the end of the unit.
o On the last day of the unit, it will be worth a maximum of 65%.
o Once the unit is ended, it will not be accepted and will be recorded as 0%
The key to success is to keep up with class and homework. Getting behind is the biggest mistake students can make. I am available to help you be successful. (You can arrange to meet with me during the day or before or after school. Don’t just show up, let me know in advance.) I am planning for your success! Together we can do great things.
Class Rules:
1. Respect YOURSELF
· Bring a pencil, notebook and homework.
· Always do your best.
· YOU deserve respect.
2. Respect your CLASSMATES
· Treat each person as valuable.
· Even if you are not friends, treat all classmates with respect.
· They will respect YOU in return.
3. Respect the TEACHER (Mrs. Joyce or any other adult in the classroom)
· Allow the teacher to teach and your classmates to learn.
· Raise your hand to speak.
· Use appropriate language and attitude.
· Your teacher deserves respect and will always respect YOU.
4. Respect the CLASSROOM
· Do not disturb equipment or supplies.
· This classroom is a place where learning is the priority.
· RESPECT the place where YOU learn. The rewards are great!