7th Grade Life Science Syllabus Mrs. Quinn Rm. 146 Welcome to 7th Grade Life Science! This year we will be exploring biological science according to the state standards. We will be doing many laboratory experiments, engineering projects, and using the internet as well as the Holt Science and Technology Textbooks to supplement the curriculum. This year will be an exciting introduction to biology! Science Objectives: Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills which will aid them in knowing how the world works, the ability to think critically and independently, and the drive to lead interesting, responsible, and productive lives in a culture increasingly shaped by science and technology. The main units that will be covered are: 1. Scientific Method 2. Characteristics of Living Things 3. Chemistry 4. Cells 5. Organ Systems 6. Ecosystems 7. Evolution/Reproduction 8. Human Factor 9. Diseases Materials: Pencil and/or Pen Colored Pencils Calculator (Simple) Notebook Science Book Folder Agenda Students are expected to bring all these items to class every day (except calculator and colored pencils)! Grading Policy: Students earn credit through accumulation of points from all assignments, tests and labs. Academic grades are assigned using the following scale: 93-100 – A 90-92 – A87-89 – B+ 83-86 – B 80-82 – B77-79 – C+ 73-76 – C 70-72 – C67-69 – D+ 63-66 – D 60-62 – D0-59 – F Final academic grades are calculated using the students’ academic performance, participation, and extra credit. Homework and Make-Up Work Policies Students will need to finish anything not completed in class as homework. Homework assignments may include preparing for a quiz/text, reading, completing a worksheet, finishing a project or finishing a lab. Students will have some class time to complete homework assignments. Homework must be turned in on the day that it is due for full credit. Late assignments will be accepted for 50% reduced credit (except for excused absences) but must be turned in before the chapter or unit test or they are a zero! If a student has an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to find out missed work on the day they return. The student is allowed two days for each day missed to make-up the missing assignment(s). If a test or quiz is missed, the student will take the test on the day the student returns to class. If a student is absent for an extended period of time (5+ days); quizzes and tests must be made up during a pre- arranged time (before/after school, lunch/noon rec., etc…). If a student does not make-up assignments, tests, and/or quizzes; they will receive a zero. If a student has an unexcused absence or is truant, all credit for that day is lost (zero). If a student misses a test or quiz due to an unexcused absence or truancy, all credit earned for that test/quiz is reduced by 50% and the test can NOT be retaken. Test Retake Policy Students may retake one test per quarter. Students must go over their test with me and schedule a retake time. Students will receive the average of the two scores. Retakes must be taken within one week of the original test. Hall Passes Students will be allotted three hall passes each quarter. These passes may be used to leave the classroom during instruction time (restroom, nurse, drink, other classrooms, etc.). Passes may not be transferred to other students. Unused passes at the end of each quarter are worth 2 points of extra credit each (6 points total). Academic Dishonesty Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If students are found copying work, they will receive a zero on that assignment. If students are not honest on a quiz, or exam, they will receive a zero. Parents will be contacted anytime this occurs. Class Website and Technology Website: http://www.annandale.k12.mn.us/ The class website can be viewed through the Annandale School District website. In addition, students and parents have access to grades through Parent Portal and infinite Campus. Please receive your individualized password to access these from the office. Please check the box on the bottom of this page if you do not have internet access; in which case communication will be made by mail or phone. Contact Information and Office Hours I can be contacted at the following e-mail and phone extensions: Becky Quinn rquinn@isd876.org 320-274-8226 ext. 2330 My office hours are as follows: AMS Office: Rm. 146 10:23 A.M. – 11:23 A.M. (Mon-Friday) and 3:05 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. (Mon. – Thurs.) Please return this page by Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 I have read the 7th grade science syllabus and understand my responsibilities for this class. _____________________________________________________________________________ Student Name I have read the 7th grade science syllabus and have discussed it with my child. _______________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________________________________________________ Primary E-mail Address I do not have internet/e-mail access.