7th Grade Science Mrs. Andria Macdonald amacdonald@lejardinacademy.com

Text: Prentiss Hall Science Explorer: Human Biology and Health
         Prentiss Hall Science Explorer: Cells and Heredity
         Current Science magazine:

Seventh grade curriculum focuses on life science. The year begins with safety in the science classroom, the nature of science, the scientific method and a review of the metric system. Health curriculum is integrated into the units of study.

• Students begin the year studying cells. This unit covers animal and plant cells, cell structure and function, and cell processes and energy. Students will focus on native Hawaiian plants as they study plant cells.

• The second unit is a study of the brain and nervous system.  In addition to learning about the anatomy and physiology of the brain, students discover the role of the brain in learning as well as strategies to maximize their learning.  The unit continues with a study of the eye and the connection between the brain and vision. This unit also includes an alcohol awareness curriculum developed by the National Institute of Health especially for middle school students.

• Human anatomy and physiology make up the third unit of study. Students focus mainly on the cardiovascular, digestive and reproductive systems.  As part of the health curriculum, students receive CPR training during our study of the circulatory system, learn about nutrition during our study of the digestive system and sex education as part of our study of the reproductive system. Students also learn about the immune, respiratory, and excretory systems.

• Unit 5 focuses on heredity and genetics.  Topics include genetic traits, pedigrees, DNA, human inheritance and genetic engineering.

• Students finish the year studying changes that occur or have occurred through time.  Topics include the fossil record, dinosaurs, natural selection, camouflage, and evolution.

Students are required to keep an organized notebook with a section for science containing tests, quizzes and handouts.  In addition, students will be keeping a science journal and need a marble composition book. These journals will be used to take notes, for recording labs, journaling and reflecting on information learned in class. This journal will contain a table of contents and will be checked throughout the year.  Once each semester, the student journal will be assessed for organization and content as a project grade.

In order to become scientifically literate citizens, students are required to read and summarize science-related articles during the year in addition to regular reading and comprehension activities in Current Science magazine.

Students are encouraged to write their assignments in their planners, complete their daily work and check their grades on K12 Planet regularly.

Students are expected to bring the following materials to class daily:

• 3 ring binder with a section for science
• Science notebook (composition book)
• Paper
• Textbook
• Pen or pencil
• Students will also need colored pencils, graph paper and a calculator for some assignments

Supplies for in-class projects and activities will be provided by the school.  Any materials or supplies needed for homework projects will not be provided.

Students who come to class unprepared will lose points in the “Responsibility” category of their report card.

Grading
Grades are based on the following percentages:
            -  Homework                                      20%
            -  Tests/quizzes                                 35%
            -  Projects                                         35%
            -  Responsibility/Participation             10%

After an excused absence, students will have two days per day missed to complete assignments.  It is the student’s responsibility to find out what assignments need to be completed. Please refer to the parent handbook for policies regarding absences due to trips.

All homework is due at the beginning of the class period. Homework not completed by the due date will not receive full credit and will affect the student’s “Responsibility”grade. Late assignments will be docked 10% each day and will not be accepted for credit after two consecutive school days.  Some homework will be corrected in class and receive a “completion” grade.  These assignments are normally worth 10 points with less credit for incomplete work.

Classroom Behavior Expectations
The expectations for classroom behavior are based on the 4 school-wide agreements: Mutual Respect, Attentive Listening, Appreciation/No Put Downs, and Right to Pass/Right to Participate.  Any student who compromises the teacher’s right to teach or classmate’s right to learn will first be issued a verbal warning.  A second disruption will result in counsel by the teacher and a possible level and/or being sent out of the classroom. Classroom behavior and participation are reflected in the “Responsibility” category of the science grade.

Please use the contact information listed above if you have any questions or concerns.