7th Grade Science Expectations & Procedures

Welcome to 7^th Grade Science!!

Expectations and Procedures

Contact:

 Ms. Katie McClanahan…aka Miss Mac

Email: katie.mcclanahan@eagleschools.net

Science Blog, Class Information & Assignments: http://MacHPS7thscience.blogspot.com

Welcome to 7^th grade science!

This year is all about you, and I have many exciting things in store for you, and a few surprises as well.

This year we’ll be investigating the cause and effect of oil spills, researching extinct animals and studying their remains, exploring mountain geology, undergoing a death and destruction unit, studying cells and dissecting organisms, exploring injuries and diseases, and discovering the connection between producers and consumers. I can’t wait for this year, and as many of you have asked….yes, there will be explosions. J

We will mix, experiment, and discover, and along the way you will inquire, explore, invent and play. You will be encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and try new things. Expect to be shocked, awed and perhaps even a little grossed out.  J

UNITS

UNIT 1: Physical Change

UNIT 2: Geology Affects Life on Earth

UNIT 3: Adaptations of Organisms

UNIT 4: The Cell

UNIT 5: Body Systems

UNIT 6: Producers and Consumers

Through these units you will be learning and practicing fundamental science and research skills, reading, and writing. This class will also encourage you to think critically, problem-solve, and use creativity to explore science-related issues. You will be asked to do this independently and collaboratively with your peers through labs, projects, field work, and expeditions.

In order to do all these cool things, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to arrive on time and be prepared. I will not tolerate any messing around. You do not have the right to disrupt the learning of other students. It is expected that you listen, participate, and use common sense. I expect you to respect yourself, others and the lab. Mostly, I expect you to use caution and safety.

Science Notebooks:

Science Notebooks are where we’ll keep track of all of our work, with the exception of tests, homework, and other assessments. We will set these up together in class. It is your responsibility to bring this to class every day.

Assignments

There are 2 trays for your class, an IN and OUT. The IN tray is for you to turn any work in to me, and the OUT tray is for any work I have for you.  

Absences

Students must keep track of the days they miss and make up the work in a timely manner.   Students can check with a friend, the 7^th grade science blog, http://MacHPS7thscience.blogspot.com, and collect any assignments from the weekly hanging Work Folders.

Missed Work

If you miss a day of school, check the hanging work folders, and take any sheets or instructions from the day you missed. Ask me if you have any questions about the assignments. When completed, turn it into the IN tray. Make sure your NAME and DATE are written clearly on the assignment. Please write ABSENT on the day you missed, so as to avoid a late grade.

Missed labs must be made up!  These can be made up during recess or after school. See me to schedule a time. Any friend who comes in help you with the lab will get extra credit. J

Late Work

Late Work is accepted for up to 5 days late.

Timetracker/Homework

Bring your timetracker to class every day to keep track of your assignments. You will be given homework assignments approximately 2-3 days a week. This may include assignments started in class that need to be finished, and long-term assignments.

Bullying:

This is absolutely not tolerated in this classroom under any circumstances and disciplinary action will be taken if it occurs. All of your peers should be treated with respect at all times. If you see bullying occur please let Ms. Mac know.

Restroom:

Please ask to use the bathroom during work time, and you MUST have a pass written in your timetracker.  

Power School/Grading:

Power School can be found at https://ps.eagleschools.net to view all grades for 7^th Grade Science. You should have a login, but if you are unsure of what this is you can contact the main office. Your login should be stored in your HPS timetracker.

Teacher comments in Power School are available when you see a number in blue on the screen. Click on the blue number to see the comment.

Keep in mind that a “55” in the grade book does NOT represent a failing grade, but an area of high concern. It represents a beginning. PEAK grades are also recorded and can be viewed in power school as well. For example; an exemplary assignment turned in 2 weeks late would receive a 95 for the learning target grade, and a 65 for PEAK.

Exemplary	Exceeds Target	95
Accomplished	Meets Target	85
Developing/Accomplished	Does not meet the target, but is close	75
Developing	Does not meet the target, but is making progress	65
Beginning	Does not meet the target	55

Science Toolkit

In addition to your school supplies, you will each have access to a toolkit at your lab table. These supplies will have to last you for the entire year, and you have to share it with the other class periods. Please act responsibly with the materials and return them once you are finished.

Each lab table will also have a cleaning kit. It is the responsibility of each table to make sure that the lab table is clean. If necessary, it will have to be swept, and or scrubbed.

Weekly Responsibility Cards & Sheet

When you enter class in the morning, you will see a basket with your table number on it. You will pick a responsibility card from this basket and this will be your job for the class period. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for this task being completed. You will initial your job on your weekly responsibility sheet. These sheets will be turned in every Friday. You’ll receive a weekly PEAK grade for this. At the end of class, you will turn your card back into the basket.

Tardy:

It is YOUR responsibility to be on time. The 7^th grade policy is that

*3-4 tardy = loss of recess time & call home

*5 tardies = referral

The First 5 minutes…entering class

1.     Come to class on time

2.     Pick up any handouts/warms on the desk outside the room.

3.     Take out materials (science notebook, pencil)

4.     Hand in homework

5.     Read agenda

6.     Begin warm-up

Exit Procedures

1. THE BELL DOES NOT DISMISS YOU!!! Continue working until Ms. Mac instructs you to do otherwise.
2. When instructed to, put away any classroom materials you are using so that they are exactly the way you found them.
3. Gather all of the materials you need to do your homework and put them in your binder.
4. Write down any assignments you need to complete in your time tracker.
5. Leave the room only once Ms. Mac has instructed you to do so.

Lab Equipment

We will be doing many labs this year in 7^th Grade Science. You may only touch lab equipment once all instructions have been given. Each lab group will be responsible for the lab materials at their table. The eye wash station should never be handled. We’ll go over other lab safety issues in addition to these.

Promethean Board

We have the good fortune this year of having access to a Promethean Board in our classroom!!! Please do not write on or touch this unless instructed by Ms Mac. We will be using this interactive white board later on in the year, and everyone will have the chance to use it.