WELCOME TO 7TH GRADE SCIENCE!
In our year together we will investigate life: What is it?, Where did it come from?, How is all life related (including to you)?,and What is the future of life on this planet? projects.
You will work and think like real biologists and You will do simulations, investigations, and dissections in order to gather evidence about life on planet earth. You will learn to master the tools and skills of real biologists. You will use scientific methods, and collect data in order to solve real life problems. You will work individually, in pairs, and as part of a team. By doing investigations and projects you will learn skills that we hope will serve you the rest of your life.
See the course outline under handouts for the topics we will study.
You will be assessed on your ability to:
· Understand and apply Scientific Concepts
· Design and conduct scientific investigations (experiments, surveys & research )
· Collect & Use Evidence to Solve Problems & Find Answers
· Evaluate information from the internet and media
· Weigh Evidence (pros & cons) to make decisions and recognize tradeoffs
· Communicate scientific information: written, oral, visual (graphs, images)in Power Poins & posters.
· Work effectively and responsibly as part of a science team
· Use tools such as microscopes, dissection equipment, cameras & internet
· Master Project Management skills:persistence, organization, problem solving, follow through, time management & work flow.
Topics we will study:*
Needs & characteristics of Life Reproduction/HIV
Cellular Biology Biodiversity
Epidemiology /Micro life Evolution/classification
Genetics Natural History
Structure and Function Light and Optics
You will learn and apply your scientific understanding to issues and weigh solutions though designing and completing projects.
CLASS Rules : Jump in and work, help others, respect people and property, be honest and cite your sources. Infractions earn a warning, demerit, then a parent contact, loss of citizenship grade, referral to associate principal-in that order.
HOMEWORK: You use time at home to finish class work, read, collect data, and work on projects. It is always due beginning of class on the due date. Late work become a ”0” after unless you have a parent note. Good news: You will get one late HW pass per quarter! This will allow you to turn in an assignment late up until 2 days before the end of the term. Re-Dos will be due the next day and will earn a 50% . See Classwork and Homework on this web site for postings.
EXTRA CREDIT: There will be an opportunity for you to flex your muscles and explore. You may research a topic we are studying or take a cool field trip. See Extra credit opportunities. Check out handouts and forms on this web site under Extra credit. You may do one extra credit per week.
ASSESSMENTS: You will get a chance to show off your knowledge and abilities in the biweekly quizzes, investigations and projects. You may redo quizzes to earn up to a or B- (82%).
GRADES:20% class work,20% homework,40% assessments 20% projects.
PARENT PARTICIPATION: Parents are encouraged to help in class, drive on field trips, shop for supplies, and share expertise and relevant materials. Parens please fill in Green Parent & Student Introduction Introduction Form
NEED HELP? Check my Web site: www.orindaschools.org I’ll post Homework, assignments, instructions, extra copies of handouts, and extra credit opportunities. I am available Thursday at lunch. I prefer e-mail at mailto:ksnelson@orinda.k12.ca.us I want to hear of any concerns you may have.
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED TO BRING TO CLASS DAILY: form Binder Check
1. Small binder, 1” or a SCIENCE Section in larger binder: Label the section “Science"
2. Three dividers (with pockets are best): Label one Handouts,
one Notes,and one Projects
3. A supply of lined paper & graph paper under “Notes” divider.
4. Pencil pouch with: 5 pencils, two pens, and a set of colored pencils (8 or 12)
5. small pad of post-its
* I have extra graph paper if you can't find any.
Your first Home work due Friday Aug 26th:
1. After reading this letter, have your parents read it, and you both fill in Green Introduction form below or click this link:
Introduction
2. Get your binder organized and supplied. I will check it Friday
I’m looking forward to our year together and meeting your parents next Wednesday August 31sat 6:30 pm at Back To School Night.
Karen Snelson
ksnelson@orinda.k12.ca.us
Prep. 1:55-2:40 Tues -Friday (925) 258-6281
