7th Grade Life Science
Welcome to 7th Grade Science at McConnell Middle School! I am honored to have your child in my science class, and I am excited to work with you and your child throughout the year. I believe that science is an extremely engaging and interesting subject. It increases our awareness and knowledge of the world around us and opens doors to new and exciting discoveries.
This year your son or daughter will be using a variety of textbooks and instructional materials to help them achieve proficiency in science content. They will also have many opportunities to apply what they have learned in lessons through various lab investigations and activities which can be fun and highly engaging.
My goal is to create a classroom learning environment to help your child:
- Develop a strong science vocabulary
- Build a solid foundation of science concepts and understanding
- Make connections among science and other academic areas
- Utilize technology to learn more about science
- Apply mathematics to problem solving
- Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and solve real-life problems
- Enjoy learning
Behavioral Expectations:
By implementing specific expectations and specific consequences, we hope to help each student develop a sense of responsibility for his or her actions, belongings, and academic requirements. We expect our students to do the following:
· Be respectful and considerate of the learning environment at all times.
· Come prepared for class with all needed materials and use class time wisely.
· Change class in a calm, quiet manner.
· Leave all gum and candy at home.
· Respect school and personal property.
· Respect the rights and feelings of your teachers and fellow students.
Classroom Procedures:
Start of the period: Come in quietly. Sit in your assigned seat. Organize your materials for the day (sharpen pencils, take out homework, clear desk of unneeded materials). Write down the Essential Question and complete warm up assignment.
Daily Materials: Please check your homeroom boards daily to find out which materials you will need to bring to class. You ALWAYS need a pencil, science composition book, agenda, and a book to read.
If you forget your materials: Ask your neighbor to allow you to borrow missing supplies. If they cannot help you, raise your hand and let me know what you need. If I have supplies to assist you, we will barter them (exchange something of yours for something of mine). No student is allowed to return to homeroom to get books or materials from his locker, as this disrupts the learning environment in the other classroom.
Dismissal: 1st-4th periods will sit silently and wait for dismissal instructions. Remember, I dismiss the class, not the bell or the clock. All students are expected to clean up around their desk before being dismissed. During bus dismissal, students must sit silently and listen to announcements and bus call. No one leaves the classroom until given permission.
Tutoring: Tutoring opportunities will be available on Wednesday mornings at 8:15 am.
Make up work: each student will need to arrange a time before, during (lunch) or after school to make up tests or any additional work missed due to an absence.
Grading Scale
Test and Projects 45%
Quizzes 25%
Classwork 15%
Semester Final 10%
Interim 5%
This year your son or daughter will be using a variety of textbooks and instructional materials to help them achieve proficiency in science content. They will also have many opportunities to apply what they have learned in lessons through various lab investigations and activities which can be fun and highly engaging.
My goal is to create a classroom learning environment to help your child:
- Develop a strong science vocabulary
- Build a solid foundation of science concepts and understanding
- Make connections among science and other academic areas
- Utilize technology to learn more about science
- Apply mathematics to problem solving
- Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and solve real-life problems
- Enjoy learning
Behavioral Expectations:
By implementing specific expectations and specific consequences, we hope to help each student develop a sense of responsibility for his or her actions, belongings, and academic requirements. We expect our students to do the following:
· Be respectful and considerate of the learning environment at all times.
· Come prepared for class with all needed materials and use class time wisely.
· Change class in a calm, quiet manner.
· Leave all gum and candy at home.
· Respect school and personal property.
· Respect the rights and feelings of your teachers and fellow students.
Classroom Procedures:
Start of the period: Come in quietly. Sit in your assigned seat. Organize your materials for the day (sharpen pencils, take out homework, clear desk of unneeded materials). Write down the Essential Question and complete warm up assignment.
Daily Materials: Please check your homeroom boards daily to find out which materials you will need to bring to class. You ALWAYS need a pencil, science composition book, agenda, and a book to read.
If you forget your materials: Ask your neighbor to allow you to borrow missing supplies. If they cannot help you, raise your hand and let me know what you need. If I have supplies to assist you, we will barter them (exchange something of yours for something of mine). No student is allowed to return to homeroom to get books or materials from his locker, as this disrupts the learning environment in the other classroom.
Dismissal: 1st-4th periods will sit silently and wait for dismissal instructions. Remember, I dismiss the class, not the bell or the clock. All students are expected to clean up around their desk before being dismissed. During bus dismissal, students must sit silently and listen to announcements and bus call. No one leaves the classroom until given permission.
Tutoring: Tutoring opportunities will be available on Wednesday mornings at 8:15 am.
Make up work: each student will need to arrange a time before, during (lunch) or after school to make up tests or any additional work missed due to an absence.
Grading Scale
Test and Projects 45%
Quizzes 25%
Classwork 15%
Semester Final 10%
Interim 5%