Mrs. Mitzi Levine mlevine2@houstonisd.org Science 7M Room 203 Science Information 2013-2014 School Year Course Overview Science is how we learn about the natural world around us. In Grade 7, student scientists will conduct field and laboratory investigations using scientific methods, learn to think critically, problem-solve, and appropriately use scientific equipment to collect and analyze information. 1st Semester Safety Scientific Inquiry Organic compounds Cells & cell theory Heredity & genetics Human body systems 2nd Semester Classification Organism adaptation Biodiversity Plant structure & function Energy in ecosystems Ecological Succession Catastrophic events Weathering, erosion, & deposition Groundwater, surface water, & watersheds Solar system characteristics ************************************************************************************************************************ Illness: It is your responsibility to check the “while you were out” find out what was missed and complete missing assignments within 5 days. Late work: 20 points will be deducted from late work. Work missing will be noted in gradebook as “missing” which calculates to a 0. The code “missing” will be changed to a “0” when work is 10 days late and can no longer be turned in per JMS grading policy. Supplies 1 composition book #2 pencils are used every day. 1-2 glue sticks per month 1 usb flash drive (recommended) 1 folder with brads 1 red correcting pen 1 personal pencil sharpener Period 2 and 3-1 box of tissues Period 4 and 5-1 roll paper towels Period 6 and 7-1 container antibacterial wipes Bringing supplies to class every day not only helps with success in class, but also gives you an opportunity to earn a Greyhound Bucks! Consequences for violating class and JMS guidelines 1. Non-verbal warning, verbal warning 2. Student /teacher discussion 3. MIR Form with parent contact by phone or email 4. 3 MIRs will result in referral to AP office Daily Do Now Students enter the classroom and turn in any work due to the appropriate class period drawer before the tardy bell rings, then take their seat and begin work on the do now using the next new page in your notebook. Students may not speak to Mrs. Levine or ask any questions while the timer is running. Do now /warm-ups introduce a new topic or review previous classroom discussion. Interactive Notebook The ISN will contain most of the student’s science work. Students will use the notebook every day in class and will work through the book chronologically; completing the table of contents as they go so they may refer back to information previously studied in class. Restroom Students may visit the restroom 2 times per 6 weeks and must be in possession of a restroom pass from Mrs. Levine. Tutorials Tutorials are held most Tuesdays from 3:55-4:30 pm. Students may attend tutorials to complete missing assignments or receive help. Students sign in on the tutorials clipboard. Gum Detention Gum detention is served on Wednesday morning from 7:45-8:15 am. Gum detention is assigned to anyone chewing gum and requires you to remove gum from school property. Important for Parents Parents are an essential component to their child’s education. Please check your child’s agenda and discuss assignments on a regular basis. You can monitor your child’s progress on Parent Connect at houstonisd.org by opening a parent connect account. Monitor grades and be aware of problems before they become serious and give your child timely praise. Parent connect (gradespeed) can be set so you or your child receive text messages alerting you of a grade dropping below standard. The Science of Sleep The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 9.5 hours of sleep for children 11-13 years old. Sleep has been clinically proven to be the time when energy is restored, growth occurs, and brain growth is built. Please monitor your child’s use of time, electronics, and caffeine in order to help them reach their sleep goals. Build in quiet time prior to bedtime so relaxation can begin. The result will be a child who is well rested and focused in class and at home. Student (Estudiante): I have read the class syllabus for Mrs. Levine’s science class. I understand the class policies, supplies, and grading system. Yo he leido la sílaba de la clase de las ciencias de Ms. Levine. Entiendo las pólizas de la clase, los materiales, y el sistema de graduación. _____________________________ Student name (Nombre de estudiante) ____________________________ Signature (Firma) _____________ Date (Fecha) Parent/Guardian (Padre): I have read the class syllabus and parent letter for Mrs. Levine’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) Student (Estudiante): I have read the class syllabus for Mrs.Levine’s science class. I understand the class policies, supplies, and grading system. Yo he leido la sílaba de la clase de las ciencias de Mrs. Levine. Entiendo las pólizas de la clase, los materiales, y el sistema de graduación. _____________________________ Student name (Nombre de estudiante) ____________________________ Signature (Firma) _____________ Date (Fecha) Parent/Guardian (Padre): I have read the class syllabus and parent letter for Mrs. Levine’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)