Life Science Class Syllabus

7th Grade Life Science


Room 309

Mrs. Emily Johnson

2011-2012


COURSE DESCRIPTION:

7th grade science focuses on a hands-on, inquiry based exploration of the MYP criterion for life science.

Topics we will study are: Studying people scientifically, body systems, cells, genetics, ecology, and evolution.

We will be dissecting hearts, eye balls, and frogs this year and each student will be doing a science fair project this year.





CLASS EXPECTATIONS: (behavior, procedures, etc.)



Students are expected to follow the student code of conduct (planner pg 13-14)



Product Expectations:

Students will be expected to:

• Use a proper heading on all assignments

• Have neat, organized, legible work

• Complete all classwork and homework on time

• Put forth their best effort and ideas on every assignment or assessment

• Use their binder and planner effectively

• Write and speak using complete sentences and referring to the question

• Utilize information learned in class to demonstrate mastery of the 7th grade science standards

Behavior Expectations:

Students will be expected to:

• Be on time & prepared for class (HW complete, proper materials, appropriate attire, positive attitude)

• Use appropriate, courteous, and respectful behavior in the classroom

• Take care of equipment and materials belonging to self, school, or other students

• Be on task at all times

• Put forth their best effort every day

• Participate in classroom discussions

• Work and contribute cooperatively with other students in pairs and groups

Follow the Rules! Be Organized! Really Listen! Give and Earn Respect!

Do It Right! Be Worthy of Honor! Have Integrity! Use the Opportunity!



MYP Criteria: (Each of the 6 areas will be assessed each grading term.)

A. One World: How does science affect the world we live in? How can we use it to help?

B. Communication in Science: Can I demonstrate my knowledge by talking and writing about science?

C. Knowledge and Understanding in Science: Can I show that I know the scientific facts and concepts?

D. Scientific Inquiry: Can I plan an effective, fair experiment, make hypotheses & control variables?

E. Processing Data: Can I draw conclusions, process and display data, and evaluate my methods?

F. Attitudes in Science: Do I work safely, efficiently, considerately, collaboratively & independently?















MYP Grading 8 point scale for Life Science





8

EXCELLENT Excellent academic achievement and understanding. Consistent evidence of critical thinking skills, creativity, and application in different situations. Always produces high quality work.





7

VERY GOOD Very good and consistent academic achievement and understanding. Frequent evidence of critical thinking skills, creativity, and application in different situations.





6

GOOD Good consistent academic achievement and understanding, generally uses critical thinking skills and occasionally demonstrates creativity.





5

SATISFACTORY Satisfactory academic achievement and understanding, occasional evidence of critical thinking skills.







4

LIMITED Limited academic achievement and understanding, able to apply knowledge and skills with support.







3

POOR Poor academic achievement and difficulty understanding, able to apply knowledge and skills with support.







2

VERY POOR Very poor academic achievement, even with support.









1

NO ACHIEVEMENT No evidence of academic achievement.















MAKEUP WORK POLICY:

If a student has an excused absence and work was due the day they were absent, they must turn it in to the teacher the next time they have the class.



If work was assigned the day they were absent, they will receive the work the next time they attend the class and they will be given the same number of days to turn it in as they missed. For example, if a student is absent on a Thursday and an assignment was given that is due on Monday, they will receive the work they missed on Friday and it will be due on Tuesday. No makeup work will be given if it is an unexcused absence.



When a student misses class due to school business or an excursion, work is to be picked up and turned in according to the regular schedule – no extensions will be given. In all cases, it is the student’s responsibility to get all assignments from the teacher and to turn them in according to the expectations.



LATE WORK POLICY: It is Henry World School’s policy that all work be completed on time and submitted when it is due. At the teacher’s discretion, some work may be accepted within a week after the due date for a reduced rating of effort.



HOMEWORK POLICY: Students can expect an assignment on each day that they have class. Activities that begin in class are often completed as homework if needed. Students are expected to hand in their homework on due date.



MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES REQUIRED:

School Wide:

All students are required to have a school Passport Planner and 3-ring notebook. The notebook must contain a zipper pouch with pens and pencils, loose leaf paper and 10 divider sections. The school planner and 3-ring notebook are to be brought to every class every day.

Class Specific:

The school planner and 3-ring spiral science notebook are to be brought to every class every day (There is a place in class for students to leave their notebook if it is not needed for homework.)



ASSESSMENT TASKS: Tests, quizzes, lab worksheets, essays, and projects will be given throughout each unit to check the student’s understanding. Unannounced quizzes can be expected. At least one assessment will be given every trimester, for each of the 6 MYP criteria, to assess the student’s mastery of the curriculum. Students will be notified prior to tests and projects to allow sufficient time for preparation.



TUTORING AVAILABLITY: Tutoring is available after school by appointment.



HOW TO CONTACT TEACHER: E-mail: Emily_Johnson@dpsk12.org Voicemail:(720) 423-9637