7th Grade Gifted/Advanced Science Syllabus ---Mrs. Noelle Belaski--- 2018-19

Gifted/Advanced courses are classes that provide academically talented students an enhanced and enriched learning experience. Curriculum in a gifted/advanced classis extended beyond the core topics and places additional emphasis on independence of learning, critical thinking, and advanced research skills. Gifted/advanced classes require students to cultivate habits of independent thinking, creativity, collaboration, leadership, and advanced intellectual skills

The seventh grade course of study is Life Science. Below is a chart listing out each unit along with an approximate time frame of when each unit will be studied:

Unit / Time Frame
Characterizing and Classifying Life / August-September
Cells / September-October
Organization of Life / November-December
Genetics / January-February
Interdependency of Life / February-March
Change Over Time / March-May
STEM / May

Grading Weights:

  • Classwork: 40%: Includes assignments started and (usually) completed during class. There may be times you will have to finish a classwork assignment at home as time did not allow you to finish during the class period.
  • Homework: 15%: Most HW assignments will be vocabulary or on-going project based. Expect HW nightly.
  • Assessments: 30%: This category includes all quizzes and tests. At least a two day notice will be given before each quiz, and I give at least a 5 day notice before tests are given. All tests will be supported by at least one day of in-class review.
  • Project: 10%: A project will be assigned each nine weeks. It will relate to the current unit of study. While some class time will be allotted for project work time, students may have to work on some sections at home as well.
  • Student Science Fair projects will be entered into this category (All Gifted 7th Grade Science students will be required to complete a project).
  • Science Fair info to follow in coming weeks
  • With the exception of the performing experimental trials, class time will be allotted for students to work on their Science Fair project. In general, this time will be available on Fridays during the 1st semester
  • Participation:5%: Warm-ups will be taken up and graded weekly as proof of class participation
  • Parents may view their child’s grade at any time after signing up for Parent Portal! Sign up info can be found by clicking the PARENTS icon on the DCSS webpage
  • I subscribe to the Remind texting service. Text @gftsci7 to: 81010 to sign up.

GENERAL INFO

  • Notebooks:
  • I provide each student with a file folder at the beginning of each unit. Inside the folder, several sheets of notebook paper will be stapled. These sheets are for daily warm-ups (see above for description). Other assignments will be placed inside the folder. A table of contents will be kept on the 7th grade bulletin board. Folders may be kept in your table’s basket. At the end of each unit, you are to take home your folder, store it someplace safe, and use it when you study for spring testing
  • Late work will be accepted at a reduced in grade (70%) up to one week late.
  • Absences: Please see me the DAY you return to school to get your make up work and to get a due date. In general, you will have one day per day out (ex: out two days = two days to make up work) to turn in work assigned during your absence
  • Website: I keep a very up to date website that can be accessed via the FMS site. I post all PPTs, most handouts and weblinks for each grade level. This is a great resource for test review, make-up work after being absent, or replacing missing handouts/notes

Contacting Mrs. Belaski:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me as soon as you feel there is an issue. It’s much easier to correct a problem in its early stages. I can be reached by phone: 770.651.5300, or by email: .

It’s going to be a great year of Science!

Mrs. Belaski

Please review the syllabus, then sign and return by ______. This sheet will be returned within 2 school days for your records.

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