Science at Pacific Middle School
Welcome to 7th Grade Science at Pacific! We have an exciting year ahead of us. We hope this guide will
help you and your family know what to expect of your Science class; what to expect of your Science
teacher; and what is to be expected of you.
Teaching & Learning
Science at Pacific is not about memorizing information and collecting facts, but rather about asking
questions and forming evidence-based ideas about the world around us. It is to be expected that students
will come to understand Science concepts in their own ways, and in their own time. For this reason,
students will need to be mindful and reflective of their own learning, and to acknowledge which concepts
they have mastered, and those they have not. In order to best access what is being taught, it is essential
for students to actively and intelligently engage in class activities and discussions. Students will be
expected, on a daily basis, to practice critical thinking, and to advocate for their own learning.
In order to meet the individual strengths and needs of our students, a variety of teaching methods will be
used. Instructional delivery methods include direct instruction, collaboration, Socratic discussion, use of
models and simulations, and laboratory investigations.
Students will be provided with a variety of assessment opportunities. Assessments will be designed to
show true understanding and critical thinking, and will include writing, drawing, and discussion. In
addition, students will be expected to complete frequent self-assessments of their own growth in learning.
Classroom Expectations:
In addition to the school expectations outlined in your planner, Science students are expected to
contribute to a positive, thoughtful learning culture. This includes:
 Engage and participate. Every student receives the same experience; it is up to you to be actively
involved in your learning. This includes participating in collaborative experiences and during class
discussions. There is no opting out!
 Think for yourself, and do your own work. Copying is a form of academic dishonesty; disciplinary
action will be taken.
 Stay on top of your work. Falling behind in your assignments results in falling behind in
understanding.
 Ask for help as soon as you feel like you might need it. Advocate for your learning, and ask for what
you need to be successful.
 Help others learn. Encourage your classmates to do their best, hear their ideas and share yours.
Your Science teacher will model what it means to be kind, fair, and respectful. If you cause a problem, you
will be expected and trusted to find a reasonable solution. If you are unable to find a solution, your
teacher will come up with a solution that has a minimal impact on your learning, and on the learning of
those around you.
Curriculum for 7th Grade:
This year, 7th graders at Pacific will study topics in Chemistry and Earth Science. Here’s the break-down of
this year’s units.
Properties of Matter:
In this physical science unit, students investigate characteristic properties of matter such as density, boiling
and freezing points, and solubility and utilize these properties to identify substances. Later they use the
characteristic properties to separate mixtures into pure substances, and investigate the interaction of
compounds and elements.
Catastrophic Events:
This earth science unit builds on student interest in natural disasters to introduce students to the use of
local and global data, simulations, and multimedia resources to investigate earthquakes, volcanoes, and
atmospheric storms. From their investigations, students infer patterns, make predictions, and develop and
support theories to explain past events and forecast future occurrences.
Waves:
In the waves unit we will explore properties of waves, how they influence your daily life, and where they
are found in the world. Topics will include sound and earthquake waves as well as energy transfers and
transformations.
Skill-building:
Throughout the year, students will develop a multitude of skills which will help them access and
communicate about the science content they are learning. These skills include writing, reading for
meaning, data analysis, developing models, and designing an experiment.
Making the Grade
We know your grades are important to you. They are a reflection of hard work, and they allow you to set
goals. At Pacific, student grades reflect mastery of content standards. Because we understand that
students learn in their own ways and at their own pace, our grading policies and procedures are set to
encourage students to continue growing and learning, and to advocate for their own success.
In this class, you can expect:
 Quarterly notebook checks
 Several exit tickets per month
 At least one summative writing assessment per month
Late Work
Late work will be accepted without penalty. We will work together to establish a deadline that is both realistic for
the student, and fair for the teacher. It is to be understood that habitually turning in work late negatively impacts
your learning, as all of our assignments and assessments will make the most sense to you while it is still relevant.
Re-assessment
Students will be allowed the opportunity to demonstrate learning after an assessment by completing test
corrections. These test corrections will not demonstrate that the student “knows the correct answer,” but rather
that they understand the content. Instructions for test corrections will be provided in class, and will involve
considerably more effort than the test itself. Thorough, accurate test corrections can result in full credit.
Students will also be allowed to re-do assignments on which they have received a low score. Notebook assignments
to be re-graded should be distinctly marked and placed in the designated “re-do” shelf or bin, and will be graded at
the teacher’s convenience.
In order to positively impact your grade, it is recommended that reassessments and re-do’s are submitted well in
advance of end-of-quarter grading periods.
Illuminate
Your Science teacher will do their best to make sure your grade in Illuminate is an accurate, up-to-date indicator of
your progress. In return, it should be your priority to check your grade regularly, and to take opportunities to
improve your grade in a timely manner.
In addition to numerical scores, we will be using the mark “R” to indicate an assignment that needs to be re-done,
and “M” to indicate an assignment that is missing. These custom marks will be stand-in grades, and will be factored
as a 50% until improvements are made.
Because mastering standards is a priority, 75% of your grade will be based on assessments; and 25% of your grade
will be based on other responsibilities, such as in-class work, notebook checks, and homework.
Absences
While attendance is not a part of your grade, it is your responsibility to make up missed work. Because so much of
what we learn in Science is based on collaboration and in-class experiences, frequent and extended absences will
create a hardship, and negatively impact your learning.
Need Help?
You are encouraged to recognize when you need help, and to advocate for yourself to get the help you need. Your
science teacher will be available before and after school, by appointment only.
Contact:
If you know you will be absent, if you have a question about a grade, or if you need help with an assignment, please
get in touch with your Science teacher right away. Email is the best way to communicate, as we are often busy or
out of our classroom.
Ms. Sarah Ruppert (8th grade)
Mr. David Pixton (8th grade)
Ms. Kathy Onorati (8th grade)
Mr. Mike Garasi (7th grade)
Ms. Stef Stanley (7th grade)
Ms. Kristi Greenaway Cirignano (7th grade)
Sarah.ruppert@highlineschools.org
David.pixton@highlineschools.org
Kathy.onorati@highlineschools.org
Michael.Garasi@highlineschools.org
Stephanie.Stanley@highlineschools.org
Kristi.greenaway@highlineschools.org
206-631-5830
206-631-5800
206-631-5831
206-631-5829
206-631-5827
206-631-5867
******Please RETURN this page with your student to your science teacher by: (date) ________________________*******
By signing below, you acknowledge you have read and are willing to comply with the expectations as listed above on
the Science syllabus. Please write legibly and provide all information asked for.
Printed Student Full name: _________________________________________________________________Period:
Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date _______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date _______________
Guardian Contact Information:
Name:__
______________________________Relationship:
Phone Number:
cell / work / home
Phone Number:
cell / work / home
Email:
personal / work
Email:
personal / work
Name:__
______________________________Relationship:
Phone Number:
cell / work / home
Phone Number:
cell / work / home
Email:
personal / work
Email:
personal / work
What is the best way to contact you regarding your child’s progress in Science? Email /
Phone
What languages are spoken in your home?______________________________________
Every student has unique strengths and challenges. Please share anything that will help me
better meet the needs of your child on the back of this page.
_