7th+Grade+Science+Syllabus

2013-2014 Darlington Middle School 7th Grade Science **__ COURSE SYLLABUS __** ** This class will introduce students to the basics of cell structure, cell functions, cell divisions, tissues, organs, organ systems, natural selection, niches/ecosystems, population dynamics, and basic genetics. Students will also review Earth Science concepts of measurement, mapping, states of matter, basic atomic theory, plate tectonics, rocks/minerals, natural disasters, weather, weathering/erosion, solar system, and the structure of the universe. Students will also develop possible solutions to real life issues related to observation of animal behavior, resources and development of a community, and the use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms.) Depending on the needs of the class, deviations from this plan may be implemented. **   **__ Course Plan __**
 * 1st Semester: 1st & 2nd nine weeks: Life Science **
 * 2nd Semester: 3rd nine weeks: Earth Science **
 * 4th nine weeks: Life Science **

__ Expectations __ __ What will we be doing? __  You will:
 * 1) Learn with passion
 * 2) Act with integrity
 * 3) Serve with respect
 * 1) A. Follow directions/safety procedures
 * 2) B. Read both fiction and non-fiction texts
 * 3) C. Solve problems
 * 4) D. Develop solutions
 * 5) E. Explain processes
 * 6) F. Practice good research methods
 * 7) G. Make careful observations
 * 8) H. Develop Hypotheses
 * 9) I. Perform experiments
 * 10) J. Collect Data
 * 11) K. Analyze results
 * 12) L. Discover/identify cause and effect relationships
 * 13) M. Use your MacBook as a tool for producing meaningful work
 * 14) N. Develop 21st Century Skills through using technology
 * 15) O. Gather and record information in an organized manner
 * 16) P. Solve Warm-up Problems
 * 17) Q. Complete Assignments (HW, CW, etc.)
 * 18) R. Take quizzes, tests, and exams


 * __ Materials List __**
 * 1) A. MacBook
 * 2) B. Composition Notebook
 * 3) C. Pen/Pencils
 * 4) D. Thumb/Flash drive

Warm-ups 5% In-Class Work/Quizzes 30% Homework Grades 20% Major Tests/Projects 30% __ Final Exam 15% __
 * __ Grading System __**
 * Final Grade 100% **

1) How do I get in touch with Coach Smith if I have a problem with my homework, computer, or internet connection? A) All class assignments will be placed on the Darlington Assignments Page. I maybe contacted by e-mail at the following address: rsmith@darlingtonschool.org. Coach Smith’s telephone number is 706-331-9629. I will respond to e-mail on a daily basis. I am usually online until 9:00 PM, unless I have coaching responsibilities or other commitments. 2) What if I am absent, how do I find out what I have missed? A) Every assignment will be posted online on the Darlington ASSIGNMENTS page. If you are absent for 1 day, you will have 1 day to make it up; if 2 days absent, then 2 days to make up the missed work; etc.
 * __ Special Trip __**
 * 7th Grade Living History Trip: Mark your calendars for February 17, 2014 through February 21, 2014. More information will be given later about this EXCITING trip!!! **
 * __ FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) __**

3) What is a 00 and can I improve that grade? A) A 00 means that you have missed an assignment due to an excused absence or Coach Smith is giving you another opportunity to attempt the work after he has worked with you before school or during break to help you perform better. 4) What happens if I do not make up the work where I have a 00? A) A ZERO will be recorded. 5) Is there extra credit? A) Darlington School Policy states that there is NO extra credit work or grades given. 6) What happens when I miss a test? A) If absent on the day of a test, when the student returns to school, he or she will be expected to take the test unless there are extenuating circumstances. 7) What is a flipped classroom? A) Typically, a flipped classroom involves students receiving instruction at night and then discussing, using, and/or applying that information the next day in class. The instruction usually involves watching video, book on video, and/or listening to other student vlog posts. 8) What is a blog? A) A blog is usually an internet location where a community of learners share ideas, opinions, and thoughts with each other. This can be done through the Darlington School FORUM page, [|www.edublog.com], or other blogging site. 9) What is a WARM-UP? A) A WARM-UP is a mental exercise that requires reading, math skills, and infographic interpretation. This warm-up usually takes the first 5 minutes of class. Steps to solving the problem(s) are discussed in class and/or posted in video format. These are only a few of the FAQs that are asked by students at the beginning of the year. More information regarding the class will be given to students at a later time. I have read and understood this 7th Grade Syllabus. ___________________________________________ _____________________ Student Signature Date ___________________________________________ _____________________ Parent Signature Date