7^th GRADE SCIENCE (2008-2009): Mrs. Martha Bowman

Information for Students and Parents

Content: The 7^th grade curriculum addresses broad areas of physical science, Earth science, life science, scientific thinking, and the use of mathematics in science. As we study these diverse science topics, we will explore the connections between science and other subject areas, and discuss current events in science as appropriate.

Methods and Expectations: In this class, you will do many different things to help you learn about science, including hands-on activities, library and Internet research, reading and writing about science topics, group and class discussions, and some videos. When possible, students will be given choices of materials, methods, and topics. Brief lectures, notes, tests, and quizzes will be balanced with projects, hands-on activities, group work, and other creative ways to show what you have learned. I expect all students to take responsibility for their own learning. Whatever the task, remember that it is an opportunity for you to show me what you know—so always give your best effort!

Reading and Writing: Reading and writing are absolutely critical in science. The reading you will do for this class will help you to develop new vocabulary, and will help you develop reading strategies that can help you succeed in other areas besides science! Some assignments will also require you to express yourself in writing. Writing can help you refine your ideas, develop your understanding of a topic, and remember what you have learned. When homework assignments require writing, answers must always be written in complete sentences; spelling, grammar, and punctuation count!

Homework and Assignments: Homework assignments are usually not long, but each one is important and should be taken seriously. All homework assignments must be recorded in your Academic Handbook. Late homework loses points, and some assignments cannot be made up. I realize that everyone has emergencies sometimes, so if you need extra time on an assignment (for a good reason) please talk to me! Missing assignments can really hurt your grade, so make sure you turn all work in on time! I will do my best to have homework assignments posted on my website at http://www.mccsc.edu/~mbowman, and to make worksheets available at this site, but please remember that some assignments cannot be made available in this way. A problem with Internet access or a printer failure at home IS NOT a valid excuse for a late or missing homework assignment!

Required Supplies: You will need to bring a pen (dark blue or black) or a pencil to class each day; assignments completed in other colors of ink, colored pencil, marker, etc. WILL NOT be accepted in Mrs. Bowman’s science class. You must have a pocket folder for science classwork; it is important to always bring your science folder to science class. You will need a calculator for many of our activities (a simple 4-function calculator is fine!); please bring your calculator to class each day. You should always bring a notebook or writing paper to class, and of course, you must also bring your Academic Handbook to every class, every day!

Attendance and Absence Policies: Make-up work will be made available whenever possible; please remember, however, that some activities cannot be made up. I will follow the policies outlined in your Academic Handbook (page 9) regarding make-up work. When you return after an absence, it is YOUR responsibility to request make-up work. Please ask me about make-up work before the bell rings or at the end of the class period; do not expect the whole class to wait while you catch up.

Grading: Your grade in this class will be based on your total points earned. A grade sheet will be available to help you keep track of your grade. You are responsible for keeping your grade sheet up to date. Course grades will be assigned according to the school-wide grading scale on page 7 of your Academic Handbook. Grades will be assigned both for your performance on work that is turned in, and for your participation in class.

Helpful Hints:

1. READ all the information in the Academic Handbook. The school has clear policies and guidelines regarding absences, tardiness, grading scales, behavior, and other expectations.
2. Be organized! You will be expected to use the agenda calendar in your Academic Handbook to record homework assignments and due dates!
3. Keep all of your materials for this class (especially completed assignments) in your science folder, and ALWAYS bring the science folder to class.
4. Pay attention in class. Being a good listener invites success!
5. Look at the chalkboard when you come in each day. Assignments and announcements will always be written on the board and communicated verbally.
6. If you are confused or unsure about anything, please ASK! Questions are always welcomed; there is no such thing as a “stupid question” if you have a sincere need or curiosity for the information requested!

Please…

Take this paper home and discuss it with a parent or guardian. Complete both signature lines, and keep the paper in your folder. DO NOT TEAR OFF THE SIGNATURE SECTION. I will check it for your signature and your parent’s/guardian’s signature and then you will keep the sheet in your folder.

Our signatures below indicate that we have read this paper and understand the guidelines and expectations outlined here. We have reviewed the school rules and policies in the Academic Handbook. We have discussed this information and agree to do our part to make this a successful year in science class.

___________________________ ___________________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE