Ms. Karen Gray

Henry Ford Middle School Science Syllabus 2017 - 2018

email:

7th and 8th Grade Science

Office hours: A Days 11:30 – 12:30; B Days 1:00 – 2:00 Call for appointment. I may be available after school hours by appointment.

Wiki page

Welcome.

The science curriculum for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade is changing this year. All three grades will integrate physical science, life science, and earth science. This will be a transition year for 7th and 8th grades since they have had parts of the curriculum in their grade in their previous years. This year, 7th grade will focus mostly on life science and some earth science and 8th grade will focus on earth science with some life science. We will also be exploring more inquiry based instruction and connections to real life phenomena. It’s an exciting time in science.

This is my first year as a full time teacher. My background is in environmental science and geology. I have worked in the oil industry and most recently as a coastal scientist. I want to bring that experience into the classroom. I received my teacher certification from Nicholl’s State University.

Goals:

  • Investigate problems and find a solution supported by data and evidence.
  • Interpret and communicate scientific information.
  • Learn how to solve problems in a team atmosphere.
  • Connect science to other core subjects and the real world and see how different disciplines of science are related to the issues in everyday life.

Grading:

At Henry Ford there is a set grading percentage, 50% is major assessments, 25% is minor assessments and 25% is participation.

Students should expect to be having a test or lab due every Tuesday as that is the designated testing day for Science.

Assessments 75% of grade / Participation 25% of grade
  • Tests
  • Quizzes
  • In class activities
  • Lab reports
  • Projects
/
  • Do now
  • Participation in class
  • Working with partners in class
  • Exit tickets
  • Homework
  • Class activities

A scoring rubric will be used on occasions for grading. The student will be given a copy of the rubric. Disruptions in class will affect the students participation grade. Homework will be posted on the class Wiki page.

I am available for study hall at lunch or after school. I will always be in my room until 3:30 on Mondays before a major test.

Expectations:

I have high expectations for all of my students for their academics and behavior. I expect hard work and won’t settle for less than their best work.

The theme of my classroom is respect. All rules, expectations, and procedures in the classroom are rooted in mutual respect.

Ladder of Consequences:

  1. TAB out (Take a break)
  2. Verbal Warning
  3. Lunch detention with Ms. Gray
  4. After school detention
  5. Removal from class
  6. Referral
  7. *Phone call home at anytime at the discretion of the teacher.
  8. Comments will be posted in JCampus.

Positive Consequences, Rewards

  1. Verbal Praise
  2. Falcon Bucks
  3. Hall of Fame
  4. Positive call home.

The “Be” Attitudes

  • Be kind.
  • Be helpful. Be cooperative.
  • Be happy. Be positive.
  • Be confident. Be brave.
  • Be humble.
  • Be open-minded. Listen with the intent to understand. Be curious.
  • Be the hardest worker in the room.
  • Be respectful.
  • Be safe.