Mrs. Mcnamara S Seventh Grade Science 2014-2015

Mrs. McNamara’s Seventh Grade Science 2014-2015

Welcome to Mrs. McNamara’s seventh grade Science class. I am looking forward to a successful year.

Required Supply List

1 science folder

paper

pencils

blue/black pens

100 page composition notebook, NOT A SPIRAL NOTEBOOK!

at least one dry erase marker for the classroom

sock (for whiteboards)

Optional Supply List

AS MUCH SCOTCH TAPE AS YOU ARE WILLING TO DONATE!

red pens

colored pencils

hand-held pencil sharpener

highlighter

hand sanitizer for class

1 box of Kleenex

Grades

Grades will be determined by the students’ achievement in the following areas: interactive notebook, review worksheets, lab assignments, class projects, possible family assignments, quizzes, and tests.

Grading Scale

(Total Points/Total Points Possible X 100% = grade)

100-93% A

92-90% A-

89-88% B+

87-83% B

82-80% B-

79-78% C+

77-73% C

72-70% C-

69-68% D+

67-63% D

62-60% D-

Below 59% E

Topics to be Covered

Science Curriculum

Scientific Method and Processes: analysis, communication, reflection

Waves

Energy

Properties of Matter: Chemical properties

Changes in Matter: Chemical changes

Organization of Living Things: cell functions, growth and development,

photosynthesis, heredity, and cell reproduction

Earth Systems: solar energy, human consequences, weather and climate,

water cycle, earth’s atmosphere

Students

In order to succeed in this class, you must do the following:

Follow all school rules (found in your planner) and all classroom rules and policies.

Complete all reading assignments, homework, labs, and projects by the due date.

Review at home nightly even when a formal homework assignment is not given.

Participate in class discussions and group activities.

Ask questions! (Other people probably have the same questions!!)

Subscribe to Remind 101 for classroom updates.

Parents

In order to help your child succeed, you should do the following:

Talk to your child daily about Science class.

Check student planner (notes from me may be found in the planner).

Check your child’s completed homework and/or ISN.

Check Parent Connect (student grades and class news section)

Check teacher website regularly.

Encourage your child to review Science at home daily.

Contact me with any questions or concerns that you have.

What! No Homework?

On some days, a formal homework assignment may not be given. Many students feel that this means they have no homework. Here are some ideas of activities the students can do at home on those days:

Study current lecture notes for an upcoming test or quiz.

Review Science Notebook (ISN)

Review graded worksheets and correct incorrect answers.

Re-read current reading assignment.

Read the upcoming reading assignment.

Check the class website.

Review chapter quizzes and study guides to get ready for an upcoming test.

Check out the Glencoe textbook website’s resources.

Contact Information

By phone: (734)783-3400 ext. 2214 between 2:00-3:00
Through my webpage: found on our school website
Through email: EASIEST and QUICKEST!
Through writing in your child’s planner.

Classroom policies

Students will respect the rights of others. Behavior that interferes with the learning of others will not be tolerated.
Bring all required materials to class. This includes books, writing materials, homework, and student planner.
Parents should review the planner daily.

I will communicate with parents through the planner!

Be in class on time. That means being in your seat when the bell rings. If a fourth tardy occurs in class, a detention will be assigned.
Except for emergencies, students will not be allowed to leave the classroom once class begins. Hall passes are to be used for these emergencies. Without a pass, students will not be permitted to leave the classroom.
Each student is responsible for his/her own textbook. At the end of the school year, fees will be assessed for lost or damaged books.
Students shall not talk when the teacher is talking, when announcements are being made, or when other students are talking.
To receive credit on assignments, they must be completed and turned in on time.

No late assignments will be accepted!

After an absence, turn in any work that you should have turned in while you were gone and pick up work from the absent binder. Your assignment due date will be based on the number of days you were absent.
Any student misconduct for a substitute will result in a two-hour detention.
Gum and candy are not permitted at BMS or in my classroom unless given to you by me.

First Day of School Homework Assignment

(This one is for the parents!)

First Day After School Checklist:

______I asked my child how science class was today.

______I read Mrs. McNamara's classroom letter.

______I read Mrs. McNamara's policies and procedures. (syllabus)

______I have made sure that my child understands the policies and procedures for Mrs. McNamara's class.

______I have emailed Mrs. McNamara. (If you have an email address, PLEASE do this. I would like to

create a McNamara Science 2014-2015 email list so I can send daily/weekly emails to families. If you

do not have access to email, please let me know.)

______I have indicated any questions, concerns, or important information about my child in the space

provided below.

Please list any questions you have about science or my classroom.

______

In the space provided, please list anything that would help me to better teach your child and have a successful school year together.

______

Student SignatureDate

______

Parent/Guardian SignatureDate

______

Parent/Guardian’s Initials

Alone we can do little, together we can do much!
-Helen Keller