7th GRADE PHYSICALSCIENCE
Think! Ask Questions! Be Curious!
Mrs. Jodie Cole
Baseline Middle School
Course Syllabus 2014 - 2015
Email: Phone: 637-0530 ext: 2561
Website:
I am pleased to take the opportunity to welcome you to our science classroom. I strive to make our classroom an environment in which all students are respectful, responsible learners. I want everyone to experience and enjoy science and the learning process. With your support and participation, we can look forward to a productive and fun year together.
Science should not just be studied; it should be experienced!!
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The study of science includes learning and using the many skills necessary for scientific inquiry along with the knowledge that is gained as a result. Science involves how we look at the world and attempt to explain all the amazing things happening in it. Sixth grade scientists will be learning many new concepts in the branch of life science as well as working to improve their skills as scientific inquirers.
Scientific Inquiry: The Processes, Analysis, Communication, Reflection, and Social Implications of Scientific Knowledge
Big Ideas (Key Concepts) (These will be applied throughout 7th grade.)
-Inquiry involves generating questions, conducting investigations, and developing solutions to problems through reasoning and observation.
-Inquiry includes analysis and presentation of findings that lead to future questions, research, and investigations.
-Reflecting on knowledge is the application of scientific knowledge to new and different situations.
-Reflecting on knowledge requires careful analysis of evidence that guides decision-making and of the application of science throughout history and within society.
Unit 1: Waves and Energy
Big Ideas (Key Concepts)
-Objects and substances in motion have kinetic energy.
-Objects and substances have potential energy due to their relative position.
-Different types of waves have energy and are produced through vibrations.
-Waves transfer energy when they interact with matter.
-Nuclear reactions that take place in the sun produce heat and light.
-Heat energy is transferred by radiation, conduction, and convection.
-A fraction of the light energy from the sun provides energy to heat Earth.
-Everything we do is connected to energy in one form or another.
Unit 2: Matter
Big Ideas (Key Concepts)
-Physically changing the states of matter does not create a new substance.
-Matter has chemical properties. The understandings of chemical properties helps to explain how new substances are formed.
-Elements are composed of a single kind of atom that is grouped into families with similar properties on the Periodic Table.
-Compounds are composed of two or more different elements. Each element and compound has a uniqueset of physical and chemical properties.
-Mass is conserved during chemical changes.
-Chemical changes occur when elements and/or compounds react or decompose to produce new substances.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
-Students will be expected to follow all classroom and school rules in order to maintain a positive learning environment for all students. Students will be expected to accurately follow directions and procedures.
-Students will be expected to participate fully in all classroom discussions, activities, simulations, and experiments and to perform learning tasks independently and in cooperative groups.
-Students will be expected to take notes using a variety of formats, to complete daily assignments and homework, and to turn them in on time. Late work will be penalized.
-Students will be expected to participate in assessment activities including tests, writing assignments, lab activities, and projects.
-Students will be expected to follow all safety requirements during lab activities and experiments (failure to comply may result in removal from lab activities).
COURSE EVALUATION:
Students will be evaluated using a point system based on the following criteria
-Science notebook and participation
-Daily assignments
-Lab work
-Projects
-Tests and quizzes
PROJECT BASED LEARNING:
We will begin using the teaching method of Project Based Learning, or PBL, to help students learn better. A project motivates students to gain knowledge, and they remember it longer. Projects give students the chance to apply the skills they learn inschool to personally relevant and real-world situations. PBL also encourage life skills such as how to think critically, solve problems, work in teams, and makepresentations. These skills will help students succeed in the future, both in school and intoday’s work world.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
We all learn best in a safe and organized environment. Students are also expected to behave in an appropriate and responsible manner and to respect their teacher(s) and classmates, their learning, and the learning environment, and to follow classroom and school rules.
Be a Responsible Learner
- Be honest.
- Be on time.
- Follow directions.
- Cooperate. Do your share.
- Be positive, participate, and do your best!
- Avoid distracting others or doing anything that interferes with classroom teaching or learning.
*Remember: You control your success!!
Be a Respectful Learner
Show respect for:
- Yourself and your learning;
- Your classmates, their learning, and their possessions;
- Teachers and all school staff; and
- School property, inside and outside of your classroom.
*Remember – Treat others how you wish to be treated.
Materials required for class:
-Notebook
-Pencils
-Planner
-Completed assignments
Daily Work:
Completing assignments, labs, and projects allows students to practice and review targeted content and skills. It is very important to complete all required work for each unit, with learning in mind.
*Remember – Think! Do your best!
-Late work will be penalized 30 % off the total points earned for that assignment for the first day. Any work not submitted after two days will receive a zero.
-Students may re-do work that received a low grade, but it is each student’s responsibility to take the initiative to resubmit the work.
Attendance/Absent Work:
Due to the collaborative nature of science, it is extremely important to be in class every day. Each student is responsible for asking her/his Science Team what she/he missed and checking the absent pocket for any handouts, notes, or worksheets. Sometimes required work cannot be completed at home, and it will be necessary for a student to do make-up work in my classroom before or after school. Assignments and information can also be accessed on the website at anytime.
Tardies:
Class time is short and we have so much to get done! Students are expected to be in their seats on time, with all necessary materials. If it is necessary for a student to return to his/her locker after class has begun, he/she will receive a tardy.
GETTING HELP:
I will be available to help students with work after school Monday through Thursday from 2:453:30. Any student who is having difficulty completing an assignment may stay after school for additional help on those days. Please make sure arrangements are made with me beforehand. I can also be available anytime, if prior arrangements are made. I am here to help!
Please feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns anytime throughout the year. I will return your call or e-mail as soon as possible.
I am looking forward to an exciting and successful year!
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