7th Grade Science Course Syllabus and Expectations
Mr. Jarad Hicks, Room 303
North Laurel Middle School
(606) 862-4715
jarad.hicks@laurel.kyschools.us
http://www.laurel.kyschools.us/olc/teacher.aspx?s=832
Course Description:
Seventh grade science is a required yearlong course of middle school students. It is the combination
of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, and Earth-space science. Students
will use and build upon prior knowledge as well as develop and explore new scientific concepts.
Seventh grade science is very rigorous and it is expected that students will work in and out of the
classroom.
Classroom Instruction and Group Work:
Students will work in collaborative groups and individually on a regular basis to approach topics
conceptually. The only way students will master the ideals in science is by being actively involved in
their learning.
Daily Assignments and Homework:
Assignments and classwork will be given on a daily basis to practice and master the skills and topics
addressed in the standards and core content for seventh grade. Homework will be given on a weekly
basis. Homework assignments should take between 1 and 4 hours to complete. Those that require
more time to complete will not be due the next day.
Technology:
Technology will be used frequently in science for daily assignments, homework, and assessments,
Students will be using computers, calculators, and iPads in class. The public library has access to
computers for students if it is needed for homework assignments.
Student Assessments:
Quizzes will be given weekly in class to determine students understanding of topics previously
taught. Tests will be given at the end of each unit. Tests are cumulative, meaning any content
covered previously throughout the year will appear on the test. Tests consist of 30 – 50 multiple
choice questions and one extended response question. Vocabulary tests will be given quarterly.
Vocabulary:
Students will be learning an extensive amount of scientific terms throughout the year. We will be
making flash cards of vocabulary terms throughout the year. Students must keep these cards with
them at all times in class. We will have a vocabulary final that will consist of 100 vocabulary terms
at the end of the year.
Cheating Policy:
Cheating is not tolerated. If a student is caught cheating, they will receive a zero for the assignment
or assessment and will not be given the opportunity for a retake. Cheating consists of talking during
a test or quiz (whether the conversation is about the test or not), borrowing another student’s work
to copy, or looking at another students work and using it as your own.
Late Work:
Late work will only be accepted if the student has been absent. The number of days absent will be
equal to the number of days students have to turn in their work. If a student is absent on the day an
assignment is due, then it must be turned in the day the student returns to school.
Parent Involvement:
Parents, the following suggestions will help students be successful and have a positive experience in
science:
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Encourage and support risk taking on homework. Seventh grade is very rigorous and
requires a large effort on the student’s part.
Talk on a regular basis about the concepts being taught.
Create an atmosphere at home where there is a designated study space and study
time.
Offer to help with homework and suggest that students get help at school when
necessary.
Look through student’s science notebook on occasion and help with organizational
strategies.
Remind 101:
To receive texts about homework, tests, or upcoming team events, sign up for my remind texts. To
sign up, text @elitesci to 81010. You will be prompted to give a name. Parents and students are
encouraged to sign up.
Supplies:
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(1) Composition notebook
Pencils
Paper
(1) 3-prong folder
300 index cards
Attendance:
Please see the student handbook about NLMS attendance policy. Understand that if students are
frequently absent, they are not learning the content that they need to be successful
Grading Scale: A (90-100) B (80-89) C (70-79) D (60-69) F (59-0)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please sign and return this section of the syllabus. Students need to attach the other part of the
syllabus to their folder for a reference. Thank you.
Do you have a computer with internet access at home?
YES
NO
Student Signature:____________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_____________________________________________________________
Home Phone Number:___________________________ Cell Number:___________________
Parent Email Address:____________________________________________________________