7th Grade Life Science Syllabus – 2015 – 2016
Life Is All Around
Mrs. Wasmoen – Room 308
Welcome to a new year of science! Life science
and chemistry are our two main themes this year. We will
learn what life is, the 5 kingdoms of living things and how they relate to each other. We will discuss how we, as people,
have an effect on nature. In a chemistry unit called Properties of Matter, we will run experiments that involve density,
solutions and mixtures. Our last unit covers the interactions of the human body systems.
Materials for class this year
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3 ring binder that will only be used for Science ( at least 1 ½ inches) (AVID Students will keep the science binder in class.)
wide lined loose leaf paper for your binder
colored pencils to keep at home for homework and projects you need to finish
pencil with eraser
Here is a quick overview of the year in science:
September to mid December
A. Unit Title: Natural Systems
Statement of Inquiry: The sustainability and balance of
natural systems is affected by interactions within the environment.
populations & ecosystems
habitats and survival conditions
cycles
understanding of the relationships and patterns of nature.
genetics & heredity
evolution
December to March
C. Unit Title: Physical Properties of Matter
Statement of Inquiry: Patterns of Evidence drive decisions
volume
*Create a solution for the loss of penguin habitats.
*MN Food Web and invasive species
food chains & webs
ecology
trophic levels
B. Unit Title: Diversity
Statement of Inquiry: Science transforms our
over time.
mass
Projects for the unit Natural Systems
density
D. Mixtures and Solutions
Statement of Inquiry: Evidence leads to scientific
innovations that create change in our society.
solutions & mixtures
separation techniques
E. Unit Title: Elements, Compounds and
Chemical Reactions
Statement of Inquiry: Changing conditions
Project of the unit Diversity
*Sesame Street Genetics – If Zoe and Elmo get married and have
babies, what might their kids look like?
*Selectively Breeding Dogs
Project for the unit Physical Properties of Matter
*Object project – Students will choose a common item and
research the materials that are used to make the object.
Project for the unit Mixtures and Solutions
*Separation Technique Lab
*Separating Rock Salt Lab
*Mystery Substance
create patterns in the environment.
periodic table
compounds
April to June
F. Unit Title: Structure & Function of
Living Things
Statement of Inquiry: Form and function drive
the relationships in living systems.
digestive system
respiratory and circulatory system
musculskeletal system
unrinary system
nervous system
skin system
disease
General Information:
1. Anthony Science Teachers use an
MYP approach to grading. All
Project for the unit Elements, Compounds and Chemical Reactions
* Earth Day Project – All Things Are Linked
LevelProject
Level
Letter
forStandard
the unit Structure and
Function of%Living Things
Grade
8
Exceeds
Expectations
A
92%
*Germs
Project
7
A85%
*Human Body Project
6
Meets Expectations
B
72%
5
B60%
4
Meets Some Standards C
48%
3
C36%
2
Meets Few Standards
D
30%
1
D20%
0
Meets NO Standards
F
0%
assignments are based on an 8 point scale.
2. Homework is assigned each Monday and is due Thursday.
Homework may be an assignment that supports our learning in class, a project that needs to be finished, a
current events article or a review for tests.
3. Late work is not accepted.
I do have a system that allows students who have earned late points for homework turned in on time to be able
to turn in an occasional late homework assignment. For every homework assignment a student turns in on time, the
student earns a point. Each point equals one day of being late with an assignment. Weekends do not count when using
points. A maximum of 5 points may be used on one late assignment.
For example:
Please note that this system only
Assignment #1 is on time = 1 point
applies to homework. All classwork
Assignment #2 is on time = 1 point for a total of 2 points
and assessments may be turned in
Assignment #3 is on time = 1 point for a total of 3 points
Assignment #4 - oops! Forgot assignment and turns it in the
until the end of the quarter. Late
next day – lose 1 point for a total of 2 points
Points are for homework only.
materials that are used to make the
3. Extra Help
object.
If a student needs some extra help with science or with organizing their work, I am available for help after
school on Tuesdays. Please ask your student to notify me before the extra help time. This helps me be prepared.
4. Communication
Please contact me if there is anything that I need to know. As I often say, “I try to catch everything, but sometimes I
miss something.” Please let me know if this happens. I can be reached many ways.
Call me at school
668-3240
Voice mail 692-0869
Email
barb.wasmoen@mpls.k12.mn.us
Web page
http://anthony.mpls.k12.mn.us/
I have 2 simple expectations of every student. I expect each student to come to class prepared to work as hard
as possible and to be respectful of all people at all times. It is my job with this expectation to provide an environment
in and out of the classroom that allows this to happen. I work to make every moment a learning moment in a safe,
harassment – free, ability appropriate setting. I do this by seeing each student as a person first, then as a student who is
in my science class. Students will be given every opportunity to succeed in my class. They will only be treated with
kindness and respect.
I am looking forward to a great year!
Barb Wasmoen
Science Syllabus
I have reviewed the syllabus with my child.
Student Name _______________________________(first & last name, please)
Science Period ___________________________________________
Parent Signature _________________________________________
Parent phone ____________________________________________
Parent Portal is a great way for you to check your child’s progress in class. If
you have not done so already, please take a moment to check and update your
contact information on Parent Portal. Thanks!
Things you would like me to know about your child, questions or comments
you may have . . .
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Students!
Here is your first homework assignment. It is due Thursday August 27th.
1. Have you discussed your lab safety sheet with your parents?
Yes No
2. Have you and your parents signed the lab sheet and
this syllabus sheet?
Yes No
3. What day is homework given? _________________________
4. What day is homework due? __________________________
5. How do you earn Late Points? ___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
6. What day is Mrs. Wasmoen available to help after school? ______________