Mr. May
Room 107
2012-2013
http://mrmaysclass.weebly.com
http://www.edmodo.com/northstarscience
Welcome to Science 7 – Syllabus & Classroom Expectations
About the Class
Science 7 Description from WCS Middle School Course Guide
Course ID: MS4741 / MS4742
This course further explores science concepts through exploration and is enhanced by activities that build on
student’s initial ideas. The course is an issues-based design that combines a rigorous approach with an
engaging, hands-on instructional framework. Students learn to analyze, assess and make decisions concerning
these issues by using scientific data. This program explores Issues and Physical Science (Chemistry of
Materials & Studying Materials Scientifically), Science and Life Issues (Micro Life, Food Storage and
Photosynthesis & Our Genes) and Issues and Earth Science (Weather & Atmosphere).
Required Materials
You are REQUIRED to bring the following things to class every day:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Your textbook – Science: Grade 7 (remains in class/on-line text is available)
3-ring binder (notebook to remain in class unless going home to study)
Pen or pencil and paper
ID & Agenda
Being prepared for class is part of your overall grade and not having these items
daily will affect your studies and of course your grade!
Expectations
1. Everyone is expected to come prepared each day.
2. Everyone is expected to participate in class. This includes turning in homework, volunteering and
participating in the lab experiences.
3. All students are to be in their assigned seat when the bell rings; otherwise you may be marked tardy.
4. Homework is always due at the beginning of the hour, unless I say otherwise.
LATE WORK IS ONLY ACCEPTED FOR ½ CREDIT THE NEXT CLASS PERIOD.
5. Your ID & Agenda is needed to leave the room. NO ID & AGENDA = NO PASS
6. Food is PROHIBITED in this lab class, but you may have bottled water on a case by case basis. This is a
privilege and will be taken away if trash is left in the room.
7. All district and North Star rules are expected to be followed, including PBI, attendance policies, cell
phone/ECD policies, and general rules of conduct (including use of appropriate language). Your actions
cannot take away from other students’ educational experience. Failure to follow these rules will result in
calls/letters going home, detentions, referrals, and possible removal from class.
8. I may make additions or deletions to these rules throughout the semester.
Attendance / Absences
Tardiness
Tardiness is a detriment to the student themselves as well as those that are interrupted by your late arrival.
North Star’s Tardy Policy is strictly enforced, including arriving on time with the appropriate materials and
according to school dress code.
Missed Homework
If you are absent it is YOUR responsibility to see about missed work. Homework will be posted on the
homework board/weekly agenda and any worksheets will be in the Classwork bin according to the day of the
week (M-F). You will have the same number of days that you were absent to complete and turn in the work for
full credit.
Tests and Quizzes & Labs
If you miss a test or quiz you must make it up the day you return to class. You will be required to take it during
class time. Lab activities that cannot be made up due to time and set-up restraints will be excused if the
absence was excused. Failure to make up the test/quiz/lab in a timely manner or after they are returned to
other students, and Unverified absences result in an F being issued.
Grading
Your final grade will be calculated based on the following elements:
Homework
Labs
Quizzes
Tests
Participation/Skills
20%
20%
20%
30%
10%
100%-98 = A+
89%-88 = B+
79%-78 = C+
69%-68 = D+
50%-59 = E
<50% = F
97-93 = A
87-83 = B
77-73 = C
67-63 = D
92-90 = A82-80 = B72-70 = C62-60 = D-
Assessments not completed or turned in will receive a score of 0.
Incomplete homework earns a 49%.
You cannot afford to not complete and turn in work and do your best on all assessments.
2 A’s and 2 0’s does not average to a C, it averages to an F.
Homework includes: practice tasks designed to help students master new concepts. These assignments are
generally based upon completeness, effort, neatness, and attention to detail.
Labs include: formative assessments and activities that allow students to apply what they have practiced using
critical thinking and detailed observation and explanations.
Quizzes and Tests include: assessments to determine the level of mastery that students have achieved.
Participation/Skills include: Observational assessments as to notes, binders, and completion of daily tasks.
Other examples are Sustained Silent Reading, Standardized Test Preparation, Lab Skill Activities, and more.
Science Notebook Requirements
 Notebook must be a 3-ring binder (1 ½ inch size suggested), not a folder.
 Class Info (Includes this syllabus as well as other future reference material)
 5 TAB DIVIDERS (NOTES, HOMEWORK, VOCAB, LAB/ACTIVITY, & TESTS/QUIZZES)
As the semester continues, at the conclusion of units I will provide a checklist for each unit’s material.
*ALL WORK SHOULD BE KEPT UNTIL THE END OF THE SEMESTER! THIS INCLUDES HW, NOTES, VOCAB,
LABS, TESTS/QUIZZES AND ANY REFERENCE SHEETS.
PURPOSE OF THE NOTEBOOK:
1.
You will always have all of our class materials on hand in order to aid in your studies.
2.
Open-Notebook quizzes/tests will also be given on a random basis during each marking period.
3.
During each marking period I will randomly collect and grade the notebooks on something specific and
this will count as a Participation/Skills grade.
4.
If a grading dispute happens, you will be able to present the work to me to correct the problem.
Mr. May can be reached by email at MMay@wcskids.net or by phone through North Star Academy at (586)
574-3171 ext. 20107. E-mail is the preferred way to contact me, as I can respond quickly to your concerns
throughout the day. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have throughout the
course of the semester.
Science Text On-Line
I am awaiting the new website & log in information
Class Websites
http://mrmaysclass.weebly.com/
http://www.edmodo.com/northstarscience
Science 7 Rules and Expectations Contract
Return to Mr. May
Student name (print) _____________________________________________Hour __________
Please read over the course rules and expectations carefully. Once you have done so, have your parent or
guardian read this as well. Both you and your parent/guardian need to sign below and return this sheet to Mr.
May.
*I understand and agree to adhere to the classroom rules and expectations.
_______________________________________
Student Signature
_______________
Date
________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
_______________
Date
Please include any/all information below that you feel will aid in our communication.
Parent/Guardian's E-mail address _________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian's Home Phone #_________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian's Work Phone #_________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian's Cell Phone #___________________________________________________
Note: Below please list any information I should know about your son or daughter. Special concerns,
accommodations and health issues should be listed.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
MUST BE RETURNED TO MR. MAY