Dear Parent or Guardian,
We are looking forward to a great year of 7th grade Science and Health class this year.
During seventh grade, your child will be studying Life Science and Health. In Science
we focus on the cell, genetics, the structure of living things, and evolution. Students
enjoy learning how living things work, how genes cause inheritance, and how species
change over time. This year’s class is a good foundation for High School Biology.
Students will be assessed through quizzes, tests, team projects, writing assignments,
presentations, and creative projects. Our Health curriculum includes: stress and mental
health, nutrition, exercise and fitness, effects of drugs and addiction, hygiene, puberty
and sexually transmitted diseases, genetic disorders, personal and public safety,
consumer health and accident prevention.
Science includes experiments and engineering activities. Magnet students participate in
team projects to help develop the qualities in the IB learner profile: to be a
knowledgeable inquirer, thinker, communicator, who is also a principled, open-minded,
caring, balanced and reflective risk-taker. All students will be expected to show
teamwork that is constructive and respectful, use materials appropriately, and work
scientifically to communicate accurate results and thoughtful conclusions.
HOMEWORK and PROJECT DUE DATES- Students are responsible to write down
assignments and due dates in class and read all printed directions several times.
Due dates are to be taken seriously. Students should not expect any credit for late work,
except after an absence, due date extensions may be given. Homework assignments
and directions for projects are posted online on the school website for parent and
student convenience.
The study challenges of 7th grade, combined with preparing for presentations, class
projects and videos, require an organized effort.
STUDY METHODS:
1. Studying begins in class- Students who do not focus in class end up trying
to recall information they do not fully understand, and will be confused on tests.
2. Science/Health only spiral notebook- Please check that your child has a
science only spiral notebook with them every day.
3. Study Science Notes and/or flashcards daily – 5-15 minutes will save
energy and stress later.
4. Flashcards- use to practice memorizing and reviewing terms.
5. Writing- includes short essays and connections to real world experiences
6. Posters- Making and studying posters helps students understand how
processes and events take place.
7. Reading Science – Science textbooks and articles give nonfiction reading
practice to prepare for high school textbooks.
8. Creating special materials- Students participate in experiments,
presentations, projects, and meetings. These will be sometimes be videotaped or
photographed.
SCIENCE GRADING POLICIES1. CLASSWORK- 30% Notebook, Reflections
2. ON TIME HOMEWORK - 10%
3. PROJECTS- 10%
4. TESTS, QUIZES, ASSESSMENTS- 30%
5. TEAM PROJECTS- 20% of grade
GRADES AND PERCENTAGES90% AND ABOVE= A Grades must be a
80% UP TO 90%=B C or higher to
70% UP TO 80%=C receive
60% UP TO 70%=D culmination credit
BELOW 60%= F
SUPPLIES CHECKLIST (This list was sent home on the first day with your child.)
Please check during the year to see if your child is running out of any supplies. Students
have a difficult time when they are running out of supplies, but often forget to ask.
___1. a one subject spiral notebook
___2. flashcards (100 minimum)
___3. a small box or large envelope to store flashcards
___4. black pens for notebook (a pack of pens is recommended)
___5. colored pencils or markers to finish projects at home
___6. a flash drive or drop box account for digital assignments
___7. Recommended: printer paper (to print and to do small posters)
PARENT TEACHER COMMUNICATIONI am really looking forward to working with you and your child. Your support and
encouragement of your child are especially valuable during the last year of middle
school.
email- You are welcome to email me directly at exb3047@lausd.net. Please provide
your email on the tear off and return section below for frequent updates. If you prefer to
call, you can email requesting a call, or leave a message at the Magnet office.
Please keep the letter portion above and sign and return the tear off below.
I appreciate the opportunity to work with you for your child’s success and well-being.
Sincerely,
Ms. Buck
______________________________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Please return this portion only.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
STUDENT NAME_______________________________________ Science Period ____
Dear Ms. Buck,
I have read and will keep the letter concerning Science class content and expectations.
SIGN X________________________________
DATE____/____/___
Parent Name_________________________ Please provide EMAIL________________
PHONE: day:______________________ evening: ____________________________
SIGN X________________________________
DATE____/____/___
Parent Name_________________________ Please provide EMAIL________________
PHONE: day:______________________ evening: ____________________________