7th Grade Science Survival Guide

2005-2006

7th Grade Life Science Class Syllabus

Ms. Cox, 7th Grade Science

Room 30

S. Gordon Stewart Middle School

e-mail:

phone: (540) 245-5046

Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to aid students in the discovery of science in our everyday lives. From the smallest microorganism to the most majestic animals that walk the planet, science is everywhere. Students will engage in activities and concepts that will teach them new scientific skills while challenging their growing minds.

Goals and Objectives:

Goals for the upcoming school year are as follows:

Curricular Goals:

· Discover the practical nature of the scientific method, its tools and usefulness.

· Gain knowledge of the microscopic nature of science, cells, heredity and evolution.

· Experience the amazing diversity of life on Earth

Philosophical Goals:

· Increase self-confidence.

· Develop greater critical thinking skills, including relationships between ideas or events.

· Function as a productive member of a classroom team environment.

· Practice good study habits and class preparation.

· Understand that all students can succeed if they choose to do so; meaning nothing is so challenging that they will fail if they have put forth their best efforts.

Course Expectations

I expect all students to subscribe to the philosophy that “success is a choice,” meaning:

· Belief that you’re able to succeed if you put your mind to it.

· Bring appropriate materials to each class

· Do assignments to the very best of your ability and turn them in on time.

· Participate actively and enthusiastically in class activities.

· For disciplinary issues, please refer to team and school information provided.

Course Outline

The theme for this year in science class is “discovery.” The course will be outlined by semesters, first

discovering the measurability and “omni” nature of science. The second semester will focus on the “living

sciences,” how infinite and complex science can be. Students will discover the amazing diversity and

complexity of forms of life and how they interact with their environments.

· For more specific information as the school year unfolds, please visit www.augusta.k12.va.us then click on the team tab, M-n-M team, then Cox-Science homework button.

· At any time please visit my site at porta p ortal.com and log in as a guest as COX-SCIENCE.

Semester One: Discovering Science – Areas of focus will include the scientific method, using scientific tools, experimental design, science fair introduction, exploring life characteristics, light, photosynthesis, cell structure, cell organelles and their function, mitosis, DNA, heredity, and finally genetic disorders. (SMS Science Fair: September to February of the new year.)

Semester Two: Living Science - This unit of study will concentrate on the beginnings of life on planet Earth and progress to evolution and natural selection, then continue with the concepts of taxonomy (naming and classification of species), biomes, and finally issues in ecology and conservation.

Evaluations and Grading Procedures

· TESTS = 20-25% of report card grade*

· QUIZZES = 20-25% of report card grade*

· CLASSWORK = 15-25% of report card grade*

· LABS/PROJECTS = 15-25% of report card grade*

· HOMEWORK = 10% of report card grade

· PARTICIPATION = 10% of report card grade

*percentages will vary each six weeks depending on the actual number of tests, quizzes, and other assignments

Grading Policy: Refer to the student planner, page 2.

Late work: LATE WORK IS DISCOURAGED. If circumstances at home prevent a student from competing assigned homework, please send a note so the late work is not penalized. If no attempt is made to complete an assignment, a grade of “0” will be recorded in the grade book.

Absences: If a student is absent from class, it is the responsibility of that student to obtain missing notes from classmates. A record of assignments is maintained in a planner that stays on top of my filing cabinet and is accessible to students at all times. It is also a goal to post assignments on-line through the Stewart Middle School webpage.

How to Succeed in Science Class:

Homework: What NOT to do

Students tend to do homework by what I like to call the “Search and Destroy” method. Students will skim assigned reading as they search for the answers on the homework. By doing this they only read small parts of the chapter. They skip vital background information that can help them understand concepts taught in class much more clearly. Once they’ve filled out their study guides and received their points, they put it away only to take it out again just before the test. As you can imagine, the worksheets and other assignments can pile up and there you have it, 7-8 pages worth of information to digest a week or less before the test. Not good!

Homework: What TO do:

Take the time to read the chapter sections. I mean really read them! (Often this will take place in class.) Then take out the questions and try to answer them before referring back to the book. Write thorough, clear, and detailed answers. For the questions you can’t fill in, go back to the text and re-read that specific paragraph. Write definitions in your own words; please don’t look them up from the back. Get the information from within the reading. As the weeks progress, take 5-10 minutes a week to quickly review your notes. Finally, come see me before school (8:00-8:30) for extra help or review.