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Teachers: Mrs. Christine Forte and Miss Kaitlin Hennighan
 Geologic
Time
 Plate Tectonics
 Rock Cycle
 Distribution of Natural
Resources
 Mechanical and
Physical Weathering
 The
Biosphere
 Human Impact on the
Environment
 Carbon Footprints
 Global Climate Change
 Atmosphere
& Weather
Factors
 Weather Patterns
 Extreme Weather
 Our
Solar System
o Earth, Sun, Moon
Relationships
o Scale in the Solar
System
 Stars
& Galaxies
Monday
Class Lab
Activity
Tuesday
Stations
Activities
Wednesday
Class Lecture
Thursday
Topic
Reinforcement/
Review
* Tests and
Quizzes are
typically
scheduled on
Thursdays
Friday
Friday
Challenge

“When we think science education, we tend to think
preparation for careers in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics, which are wellsprings of innovation in our
economy. Why then is ensuring scientific and technological
literacy for all students of equal concern? Over the past
decades, demands have shifted in favor of skilled jobs
requiring more education than the unskilled jobs they
replaced. Moreover, many of the fastest growing
occupations are those where science and mathematics play
a central role.” - www.nextgenscience.org
November 2015 Earthquake Resistant
Structures
 Mrs.
Forte
Miss Hennighan
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
Points calculations can be found at the top of all quizzes
and tests.
Category weights for report card calculations are based on
the GCMS whole-school model:
o 10% = Homework
o 40% = Formative – includes: vocabulary quizzes, station
summaries, lab reports / conclusions, Friday challenges, & some
projects
o 50% = Summative – includes: Tests & some projects
 Late
homework
assignments are only
given partial credit.
 Late homework is not
accepted once the test
has been given.

Assessments in science class are challenging. We are
working toward a common goal of developing critical
thinking skills and creating life-long learners

Quizzes – Students receiving a non-passing score (70% or
below) can re-take the quiz. The greatest score awarded for
a re-take is a “B” letter grade.

Tests – Tests incorporate the use of notes to some extent.
o Some tests may be completely open notebook, while others may
only have an open notebook portion of the test.
No test re-takes will be offered.

Extra credit is offered throughout the marking period,
particularly in the middle, never in the last week!

How to get Extra Credit:
Complete extra credit assignments
o Bringing in items from home that relate to the topic we are talking
about
o Bringing in brochures or pictures from museums or trips you took as
a family, that relate our science units covered throughout the year
o
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
Student’s developmental readiness in middle school is akin
to that from birth to age two; the most changes happen in
the shortest amount of time. Some children may be ready
more quickly than others.
Accommodations are tailored to students as needed.

Academic rigor in middle school will adequately prepare
your child for high school.
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We look forward to a great year with your children! Please
feel free to reach out via email when necessary.
Conferences can be scheduled upon request.