7th Grade Science

Class Policies

Expectations:

Materials

 Students should report to class each day with a binder, any assigned homework, science textbook, and a pen.  Students will be informed before class if they need additional materials such as science journals, colored pencils, or graph paper.

Behavior

Students should enter class, find their seats, and listen for directions which begin the class period.  The science lab is a special room.  Participation in science class activities requires careful attention to details. Students who are not following directions may become involved in unsafe procedures.  Students should also be careful not to distract others from doing what is assigned in class.

If a student is distracting others, calling out, choosing not to participate, or in any way interfering with the flow of class activities, he/she will be held accountable.  Consequences may include loss of participation points, recess detention, or contact with parents through a pink slip, a note or a phone call.

Absences 

Students are encouraged to make arrangements with a classmate to obtain homework directions and worksheets during an absence.  Homework assignments for the week are written on the board on Mondays.  Students should see me upon their return to school to be certain they make up not only what was missed in homework, but what was covered in class discussion as well.  Make ups for quizzes and tests are scheduled during recess.

 
Grading Policy:

Point values are assigned to every method of assessment.  A grade sheet is usually sent home within a week of interims and with the final grade for the marking period which indicates the percentage of points earned of the total possible.  Students are encouraged to keep a record of their progress.

Extra credit assignments are usually announced at the time of interims.  Effort shown in completing extra credit may help in making up for points lost in any area of assessment.  

 
Daily Homework / Science Journal / Projects -  Daily homework includes answers to questions from reading assignments given in the textbook, worksheets, and various other activities needing further exploration.  Homework is essential to reinforcing what is covered in class and should show evidence of effort.  Late work may be made up by the next day, but will be assessed a point deduction.  A journal is used for current events, personal observations of the natural world, and as a scrapbook of pictures and information on a special subject. Projects are given to assess a student's research skills.

These forms of assessment generally contribute about 35% of the points for each marking period.

Lab Reports / Performance Assessments / Classwork – Formal reports or activity sheets are collected for each lab.  Students are evaluated on their preparation for lab class in addition to their participation in cooperative group work.  Students are required to follow guidelines for safety which are evaluated and included in a performance assessment each marking period.  Points earned in these areas generally contribute about 25% of the total points for the marking period.
 

Quizzes and Tests – Several quizzes per marking period and one test at the end of each unit are given to assess for student understanding of content covered.  Science skills are evaluated on occasion through the use of lab practicals.  Points accumulate to approximately 40% of the marking period grade.  A Mid-Term during the middle of the second trimester and a Final at the end of the third trimester are given.