7th Grade Science Program
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to 7th grade science at Richard Merkin Middle School! This year we will be studying Life Science. Our program will focus on the study of living things from the tiniest virus to the largest tree. During the year, we will investigate the similarities and differences among living systems. In doing so, we will emphasize “hand-on” experiences that reinforce science content and teach how science works. I am looking forward to an exciting school year and hope you will develop a better understanding of the living world around you.
LIFE SCIENCE TOPICS:
CELLS and the MICROSCOPE
GENETICS
DIVERSITY AMONG LIVING THINGS
EARTH AND LIFE HISTORY
INVESTIGATION and EXPERIMENTATION
MATERIALS:
1. Three ring binder
2. College-ruled, three-hole paper
3. Pencils and pens (black and blue ink only)
4. Provided textbook and workbook
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES/ CLASS RULES
1. Follow the school honor code (including uniform policy)
2. Bring class materials and a positive attitude
3. Do your own work and be respectful to others
4. Follow directions and safety rules (see attached safety rules sheet)
5. Be in your seat and working when the bell rings (no tardiness please)
6. Raise hand and wait for permission before speaking
7. Be ready to participate
8. No student is to leave the room until dismissed by the teacher
CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:
1st Time- Warning
2nd Time- Parent Contact, Possible Seat Relocation
3rd Time- Detention, Behavior Reflection Assignment
4th Time- Referral to the Office
GRADING SYSTEM:
Grades are based on the following:
1. Tests and Quizzes 40%
2. Homework, Class work and Participation 30%
3. Projects and Labs 30%
4. Extra Credit Teacher Discretion
Total: 100%
Assignments must be turned in by the due date in order to receive full credit. The maximum grade that can be received for late work is a C. Laboratory experiments cannot be made up. If a student is absent on lab day, other assignments will have to be made to compensate for the missed lab. All assignments must include a proper heading (name, subject, period, and date). Homework is recorded in Students Planners and posted on the teacher webpage.
GRADING SCALE:
90-100% A
80-89% B
70-79% C
60-69% D
00-59% F
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE POLICY:
Regular attendance is mandatory to receive satisfactory grades. All absences from school are to be verified in writing by the parent and cleared through the attendance office. If you have an excused absence, you must make up the work within the number of days you were absent or it will be considered late. IT IS YOUR RESPOSIBILTY TO GET YOUR MAKE-UP WORK.
CHEATING:
Students caught in the act of cheating will receive an automatic “0” for the assignment. If this is a recurring behavior, parents and school administrators will be notified.
PERSONAL ITEMS:
Personal items not related to science class should not be used or visible during science class (e.g. Cell phones, Ipods, video games, make-up, hairbrushes, ect). The teacher may confiscate personal items that are used at inappropriate times.
I am looking forward to a fun and educational school year! If you or your parents have any questions, please feel free to contact me at: or by email at: korosz@laalliance.org. I am usually available before or after school on a drop in basis and always available by appointment.
Sincerely,
Kelly Orosz
Dear Parents,
Please review this course outline with your child and sign below:
Student signature Parent signature Date