Johnston Middle School
Course Syllabus for Science: Grade 7, House J
Mr. Rivera 2015-2016
Email: mrivera5@houstonisd.org
Course Overview
Science is how we learn about the natural world around us. In Grade 7, students will conduct field and laboratory
investigations using scientific methods, learn to think critically, problem-solving and appropriately use scientific equipment to
collect and analyze information.
Science education in 7th grade will be significantly more challenging than in previous years. Students will be preparing for
either 8th grade science or Integrated Physics and Chemistry, as well as the rigors of high school science courses. Students can
expect to have some kind of homework each night that they have science class.
Assignments and grades will be updated in the online grade-book weekly. Products of projects and laboratory activities will
require additional time for grading. Please review the JMS grading policy and the information below regarding late work. I
will adhere strictly to the late work policy.
Absent Student Work
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Upon returning from an absence, students
should check the “While You Were Out”
board for any assignments that were missed.
If for some reason a “While You Were Out”
form is not completed, absent students remain
responsible for being informed of all work that
is due.
Absent students are given the next class
period plus the total number of days missed to
turn in work that is assigned during an
absence.
Staple work to “While You Were Out” form
before turning it in so that your work is not
marked as late.
Late Work:
 Any work due on the day of an absence will be
due immediately upon your return.
 Late work will not receive full credit
consideration except for absences that are
excused.
 Work turned in one (1) day late will receive a
maximum grade of 75% with a 5-point deduction
each day up to 5 days.
 Students must attend academic detention to
submit late work that is five (5) or more days
late.
**PLEASE NOTE: No late work will be accepted within the same week of progress reports or report cards!!
Grading Policy
The JMS Science Dept. uses the following grading rubric:
Labs (Lab reports/ Projects)
Assessments (Tests/Exams)
Classwork/Quizzes
Homework
40%
30%
20%
10%
Materials Required for Class
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2-3 blue/black pens
2 composition notebook (college ruled, 100 sheet count)
1 bottle of personal hand sanitizer (small enough to carry with you)
1 USB flash drive (recommended, but not required)
1 “ Binder with 5 tab dividers
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2-3 sharpened pencils
pencil sharpener with a cap
Loose-leaf paper
Pocket folder w/ brads
Colored pencils
Classroom Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Be respectful of adults, peers, and property.
Be on time and turn assignments in on time.
Be prepared to participate and contribute.
Do not use electronics in class without permission (cell phones, game systems, MP3 players, cameras, etc.)
Follow instructions and observe safety rules.
**PLEASE NOTE: There are several projects in 7th grade. ** Please email me at mrivera5@houstonisd.org with any
questions, or leave comments on the JMS Website in Mr. Rivera’s class section.
Fall Semester
1st 6-Weeks
Unit 1: Levels of Organization
Unit 2: Structure and Function of Cells
2nd 6-Weeks (Human body systems group project assigned)
Unit 3: Genetics and Heredity
Unit 4: Human Body Systems Intro (Nervous, Endocrine, Respiratory, and Circulatory Systems)
3rd 6-Weeks (Human body systems group project due)
Unit 5: Human Body Systems – Stimuli and Responses
Unit 6: Human Body Systems (Muscular, Skeletal, Digestive, Reproductive, Integumentary, and Excretory
Systems)
Spring Semester
4th 6-Weeks
Unit 7: Variations within Species
Unit 8: Natural Selection and Selective Breeding
5th 6-Weeks (Biome group project)
Unit 9: Plants
Unit 10: Biodiversity of Ecosystems
6th 6-Weeks
Unit 11: Catastrophic Events and Ecosystems
Unit 12: Characteristics of Our Solar System
Student (Estudiante):
I have read the class syllabus for Mr. Rivera’s science class. I understand the class policies, supplies, and grading system.
Yo he leido la sílaba de la clase de las ciencias de Mr. Rivera. Entiendo las pólizas de la clase, los materiales, y el sistema de graduación.
__________________________________
Student’s name (Nombre de estudiante)
_______________________________
Signature (Firma)
_____________________________
Date (Fecha)
Parent/Guardian (Padre):
I have read the class syllabus and parent letter for Mr. Rivera’s science class. I understand the class policies and grading system.
Yo he leido la sílaba de la clase de las ciencias y la carta para los padres. Entiendo las pólizas de la clase y el sistema de graduación.
__________________________________
Parent’s name (Nombre del padre)
_______________________________
Signature (Firma)
_____________________________
Date (Fecha)
__________________________________
Relationship to student
(la relación al niño)
_______________________________
Telephone number
(Numero de teléfono)
_____________________________
Email address
(Correo electrónico)