• Welcome to seventh grade and Introduction to Life Science. In order for us to have the best year possible, remember the Three R’s:

    1. Respect yourself - do your absolute best in everything you do.
    2. Respect others - Allow others to express their opinions.
    3. Responsibility for your actions - You control your own destiny.

    If everyone follows each of these items, I guarantee we will have a great year! I want you to succeed!

    The general course of topics we will follow this year is as follows:

    Introduction to Life Science and the Scientific Method

    Environmental Science
    Cells and Heredity
    Life Systems as an introduction to the five Kingdoms:

    Kingdom Monera – Bacteria & Archeae
    Kingdom Protista
    Kingdom Fungi
    Kingdom Plantae
    Kingdom Animalia

    Throughout the year, we will also be discussing many issues that affect our environment.

    Grading Policy:

    Homework    

    Homework is very important for each and every class. I assign homework so that you may practice a skill or gain background knowledge for an upcoming topic or concept. If you choose to not complete an assignment, you will most likely be behind the rest of the class. I may check homework by giving a quiz the day after it is assigned. Not every quiz will be entered into my gradebook, however. In order for you to succeed, you must keep up with your work and try to complete all assignments. I do not assign “busy work” and therefore consider each assignment important.

    My homework will be posted on the Homework Board in my classroom and on the team website. We will begin posting soon.

    Labs and Projects

    Laboratory activities and group and individual projects will be required throughout the year to help reinforce important concepts covered in class; grade weighting will vary.

    Tests and Quizzes

    Most chapters will conclude with a chapter test or project, usually worth between 25 and 80 points. Quizzes will be administered throughout as well, each worth between 5 and 20 points. Not every quiz will be entered into my gradebook; some may be dropped. I have been known to give the same quiz several times as a learning aid. One or more units will be assessed orally with the student explaining to me what they have learned.

    Class Materials

    In addition to your Agenda, you are expected to have your science notebook with loose leaf paper and writing utensil for each and every class. Textbooks will remain in my classroom. I will give you the password for our online version of the textbook soon.

    Make-up Work

    If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to see me to get the assignment and to show it to me at completion. Email me if you are out or check our website. When a student is absent for an assignment, full credit may be earned when the work is completed within the middle school guideline for absence. An assignment that is 1 day late is given a maximum of 80%. An assignment that is 2 to 3 days late is given a maximum of 50%. Assignments 4 or more days late will receive a zero. I will place missed worksheets and quizzes in a folder in my classroom. If you are out, check it.

    Help and Make up Work Availability

    I am available in the mornings, during Team Time, during CST, and after school most days for help and for you to make up work such as tests and quizzes. If there is time before class starts, I can give you the assignments then; however, please do not interrupt after class has begun.