Science
Brownell Middle School
Welcome to 7th grade life science. We will be exploring the following topics:
 Chemistry
 Evolution & Classification
 Cells
 Ecology
 Heredity & Adaptation
Supplies:
I am asking that you have your supplies for class by Thursday. You will need the following items:
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1 ½” 3 ring binder
loose leaf paper
pencils
checking pen/pencil
4 x 6 index cards
Colored pencils
Highlighter markers
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Metric ruler
Clorox Wipes
(optional)
Roll of paper towel
Calculator
Zip lock storage bags
(optional)
Grading Policy:
Test = 2.0
Grades will carry the following weights:
Quizzes = 1.0
Daily Work = 0.5
Homework = 0.5
Grading Scale:
100-98 A+
97-93 A
92-90 A-
89-88 B+
87-83 B
82-80 B-
79-78 C+
77-73 C
72-70 C-
69-68 D+
67-63 D
62-60 D-
59- 0 U
Class Expectations:
 Everyone will be treated with respect
 Put-downs or hurtful comments/actions will not be tolerated
 No one will be allowed to disrupt the learning process of others
 More specific “rules” are posted in the classroom
Absences:
It is your responsibility to complete any assignments you miss due to an absence. With so many
students I will not always remember you were absent and what you missed. When you are absent make
sure that you find out what assignments you missed and make them up promptly (see me before
school, please avoid asking me during class time, unless it is during “down” time). Check my web
page for assignments. Missed worksheets are available in the absent folders in the classroom (with
your name listed on them), and on my web page (in most cases). You should have the phone number
of at least two reliable classmates so that you can contact them as needed.
Homework:
You have homework EVERY night. If an assignment is not given then you are expected to study your
class notes for a minimum of 10 minutes. Doing this will help you prepare for any test or “pop” quiz
that may be given – not to mention that it is a good habit to develop. Homework assignments are
graded as pass or fail. If the assignment is complete full credit will be received, if parts are missing
reduced credit will be given. I do not accept late homework, it will receive a grade of zero. Any class
work not finished during class time is considered homework for the evening, so use your class time
wisely (sufficient class time is always given to complete work). If you are often completing class work
as homework then there is a problem with your work habits.
Notebooks:
You are to keep all your notes, assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. in your 3 ringed binder. DO NOT
THROW AWAY ANY SCIENCE PAPERS! Binder, textbook and needed supplies are to be brought
to class every day. You may need to work on your binder at home, so it is imperative that you DATE
and NUMBER every handout/worksheet you receive! Binders will be periodically graded and
Ms. Gallik’s 7th grade science
Welcome Letter Np. 1
Science
Brownell Middle School
organization is a key factor in this. This grade is treated as a QUIZ grade and is done in the form
of an open note “Scavenger Hunt” quiz. I will be showing you how to set up your binders. It is
helpful to have dividers to separate the various sections. If you have problems with organization you
will want to see me in the mornings for help (7:45 a.m. till first bell) – an unorganized binder generally
means you will score low on your Scavenger Hunt Quizzes.
Daily Warm Ups:
During the first five minutes of each class you will complete a daily warm up. The questions will
reference work we are studying and that you are expected to master. You should have a separate
section in your binder for your warm ups as the questions are frequently found on tests and quizzes.
Warm ups are turned in on Thursday and are graded as a daily assignment grade. In order to receive
full credit students must answer the questions using complete, meaningful sentences or by titling and
labeling their work (I will go over this in class). Warm Ups are posted on my web page in case of an
absence (or lost paper!). These count for the majority of your daily work grade.
Late Work:
Late work will not earn a grade above a D+. Think about it … is late work the average we are hoping
for? Is it fair to students who completed their work on time for you to earn a similar grade for turning
your work in late – and having more time to complete it? Of course it is not; therefore late work cannot
receive a grade of average or above. I am very firm on this standard, so please don’t upset yourself by
testing me on it. However, I do have a heart, if you know in advance that there is a conflict, and
discuss it with me, I may make exceptions.
Labs/ Activities:
You will be given written and verbal lab safety procedures. Following these procedures will keep you
and your classmates safe. Any irresponsible lab behavior will result in NO CREDIT on a lab. Failure
to follow lab rules/guidelines will result in your not being able to complete labs – you will then only
observe. You are responsible for cleaning up your lab station before leaving class, failing to do so will
result in a lower grade and a low work habits grade. All materials and equipment will only be used as
intended. Labs will often be preset up at your stations; please do not touch anything until you are
instructed to. The general rule is HANDS OFF until instructed on procedures.
Contacting each other:
You may come see me any morning after 7:45 a.m. until first bell. Please feel free to e-mail me with
questions or concerns: Susan.Gallik@gpschools.org I will generally respond to all emails within a 24
hour period. Parents: Voice messages are more difficult for me to respond to, due to confidentiality.
Please fill out the Parent Contact/Signature sheet your child brought home, I will be using this
information to know how to best contact you regarding your child.
Web Page
My web page is set up to be used as a tool for you and your parents. I update my web page daily, so
please check back frequently for any changes. I only post extra credit online! You will be able to
find the following information on my web page:
 Daily Warm Ups
 Assignment calendar (includes daily work with links to the assignments, quiz/test dates, etc.)
 Homework assignments
 Web links used in class for assignments/homework
 Policies and Schedules
*If I expect students to have something I will post it on my web page! If a link is not working, please
let me know so I can correct the problem.
Other procedures may be added as needed to keep our class running smoothly.
Keep this sheet in your science binder. You may want to refer to it throughout the school year.
Parents, this sheet, and all other handouts, are available on my web page for you to refer to.
After reading, make sure to check this off on the Parent Contact/Signature sheet!!
Thanks!
Ms. Gallik’s 7th grade science
Welcome Letter Np. 1