7th Grade Science 2017-2018
Mrs. Borrelli
Room 802
Welcome to 7th grade Life Science. My goal is to educate students on the importance of science and its many components. I view my classroom as a forum for learning. I expect students to come to class with an open mind and an eagerness to learn. It is my hope that your child will walk away from my class having experienced a positive learning environment, fun and knowledge that will last them a lifetime. Please refer to the team syllabus regarding our team rules, consequences, materials and other information. The following information has been made available to help your child succeed in my class.
COURSE OUTLINE AND HOMEWORK
The William S. Hart Union High School District utilizes the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Last year, teachers in our district collaborated to create dynamic, interactive lessons based on the Next Generation Science Standards. The innovative NGSS lessons integrate science content, engineering practices and the cross-cutting concepts in order to help students discover how different science disciplines are interrelated. NGSS focuses on critical thinking and problem solving in science, and applies it to real world phenomena and occurrences. The following content areas are covered in 7th grade this year: ecology, photosynthesis and respiration, cells, human body systems (including the reproductive system, HIV/AIDS, and the “Healthy Lifestyles and Relationships” curriculum,) genetics, and evolution. Our textbook is Prentice Hall’s, Focus on California Life Science.
I understand that students must devote time to other classes and for this reason I will try my best to limit homework assignments to a minimal amount of time. The homework I assign is to coincide with what the student is learning in class. These assignments will also give you, the parent, an opportunity to get involved with your child’s learning. Please check your child’s binder reminder for homework assignments and due dates. Students are responsible for writing down their assignments in their Binder Reminder daily! Occasionally assignments will change and your child should make note of it in his/her binder reminder.
LABS
A variety of labs and demonstrations will be completed to allow students the opportunity for hands on learning. Labs will be graded based on completing of an accurate lab write-up, actively participating and ability to demonstrate learning. All dissections are optional and no student will be forced to participate. However, an equivalent assignment will be assigned through book activities and reports. If a student is unable to participate in a constructive manner they will be removed from the activity immediately. All students must take a safety test prior to participating in any labs.
GRADING
Grades will be determined using a point system. Points will be given for: class work, tests and quizzes, labs and activities and homework. Each assignment will be given a point value with more points given to labs and tests. Students will also take quizzes using their folder notes to demonstrate mastery of extended learning activities. These quizzes typically range from 20-30 points. Students will keep all work in the folder as determined by the table of contents listed in class and on my website. Homework is typically graded in class with points awarded for correct answers. Some homework assignments will be graded on completion. I update Infinite Campus on a regular basis (typically weekly). Students and parents are encouraged to use Infinite Campus as a tool to monitor student success.
98-100% = A+ 88-89% = B+ 78-79% = C+ 68-69% = D + 59% or below is a fail
93-97% = A 83-88% = B 73-77% = C 63-67% = D
90-92% = A- 80-82% = B- 70-72% = C- 60-62% = D-
LATE WORK
Regular attendance is extremely important in order to succeed in class. Homework and other assignments missed due to an absence are to be completed and returned in a reasonable amount of time. If a student is absent the day of a test they will be expected to take the test on the day they return. If a student turns in an assignment late (not due to an absence) the student will lose 1 point for every day the assignment is late. EX: if the assignment is worth 5 points they will be eligible to receive 4 points for turning it in one day late, 3 points for turning it in two days late etc. If a student turns in a project late (not due to a school absence) the student will lose 5% off of their grade for every day the project is late.
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit will be assigned on a very minimal basis. To be eligible for extra credit a student must have all of his/her regular assignments turned in. Extra credit will typically be given towards the end of each quarter.
TEST IMPROVMENT/LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Students will have the opportunity, on occasion, to improve a test score by completing a relearning activity. Student’s will be given the opportunity to complete this activity on a specific day (at brunch or lunch) after all the tests have been graded. Students must complete the activity at the time that will be announced in class. Completion and understanding of this assignment will allow for an improved score on the test.
FILMS
Throughout the year we will periodically be showing films in class to coincide with our current science standards. Such films include Osmosis Jones, which is rated PG, during our cell biology unit. Jurassic World (PG-13) during our genetics unit and other films include content on genetics, Earth history, reproduction and HIV/AIDS. I wanted to give you, the parent/guardian, the opportunity to discuss with me any questions or concerns you may have regarding any films we watch in class. If you do have any concerns please write me a note on the following page or send me an email.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
In an effort to help all students succeed and create a positive learning environment students are expected to be: READY, RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE. Listening to music and the use of fidget cubes and fidget spinners will be allowed during teacher approved times. Students may only use these devices with permission of the teacher. If any of these items become a distraction in class they will no longer be allowed.
No student is allowed to take pictures of, or film, any students or staff in the classroom without prior approval from the teacher.
WEBSITE
My website will be updated with information regarding the class including the table of contents and homework assignments. Please keep in mind that assignments might change periodically and it is best to check in class for the correct assignment. The website can be found at www.sierravistajuniorhigh.org. Click on staff and then my name to access my information.
CONTACT
I am available most days at lunch and right after school (except Tuesdays). Please let me know if you would like to come in for help and we can arrange a time. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at: 252-3113 ext 2802 or preferably via email at .
Natalie Borrelli