“Success in Science”
7th Grade Science
Course Syllabus 2015-2016
Teachers:
Mrs. Sara Schymick
Ms. Sue Vitolins
sschymick@waw.misd.net
svitolins@waw.misd.net
Course Description: This year is divided into 3 parts. We start the year off
with Life Science completing units on Cells and Heredity, and Plants. The
Physical Science units cover Properties of Matter and Wave Energy. We will
finish the year studying the Earth’s Systems.
Success in Science: To succeed in my class you must complete all
assignments, pass quizzes and tests and participate in class. Your Attitude
and behavior are very important in determining your success. If you put
forth a good effort, you will succeed!!
Classroom References:
Text: Holt Science & Technology Series (Mini-books by topic)
Websites:
Vitolins - http://wwms7thgradescience.weebly.com/
Schymick – http://sciencewithschymick.weebly.com
Assignments: You will be given a variety of assignments to establish
proficiency for each standard. It is important that all assignments are
completed on time for mastery learning. If you are absent it is your
responsibility to find out what you missed.
Vocabulary Checkpoints:
During a typical week, vocabulary words are assigned weekly and assessed on
Fridays. They can be found on our website. These terms are the focus for
the week. It is imperative that students understand the meaning of the
terms and must be able to apply the terms to reach proficiency.
Supplies: You will need to bring a writing utensil & “take home” folder to
class everyday. You will also keep an interactive science notebook in class
that can be taken home as needed.
What is Standards Based Grading?
In this class, all assignments and assessments are aligned to student-friendly learning targets
which are correlated to the Michigan Science Standards. All assignments and assessments will
receive a “grade” based on the understanding of the target, not completion of the work. The
reason for Standard Based Learning/Grading is it easily communicates how students are
performing on a specific skill at a given time. When you view PowerParent, you will notice all items
are aligned to the learning standards and will receive a score based on a 4 point scale. By providing
scores by standards, versus assignments, students and parents can track how they are doing on a
specific standard, and will know exactly what the student needs to practice before the end of the
unit. Resources and extra practice can also easily be found on my website according to the
standard and there are even more resources that can be search for on the internet.
How are Grades Determined?
Grades are based on tests, quizzes and some projects only. Homework, bell work, notes, and in class
assignments will be given throughout the week and some items recorded in the grade book, but
they will not change the overall grade. My experiences have proven students that are not doing
their homework and class work, do not perform as well on assessments.
Is it Possible to Achieve a 4?
Yes it is. However, a score of 4 indicates a performance that is consistently above what is
expected for mastery (proficient-3) of the learning target. Because of this, the highest score
possible on a quiz is a score of 3.
Are there Opportunities for Re-assessments on Quizzes and Tests?
Yes! You need to see me first. Be prepared to explain what you did to master the target. Based on
our conversation, I will determine if you are ready to be reassessed. The intent of reassessments
is to demonstrate that you have truly mastered the standard - not to guess better.
What
1.
2.
3.
are the Procedures for Reassessment?
Determine the learning target you would like reassessed.
Practice (see resource page on website) until you feel that you are proficient (see rubric).
See me to determine readiness and a reassessment time and date. We will have a
conversation to determine your readiness.
4. Please see me during the pre-arranged time for re-assessment.