Mrs



Mr. Borcherding’s -7th Grade Gifted Science

2016-2017 Syllabus

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year at OLJH. We will study the concepts of life, earth/space, and physical sciences, and their applications to everyday life through a variety of exploratory lab experiences and activities. During this course we will be deepening our understanding of the scientific method, characteristics of scientific knowledge, and the role of theory, laws, hypotheses and models. We will also explore forms of energy, energy transfer, heredity and DNA, genetic variations, plate tectonics, and earth structures.

Materials Needed

• 1” three-ring binder notebook with pockets for loose papers. (Used for Science only)

• Notebook paper (wide-ruled)

• 1 Pack of dividers (5 subject)

• 1 Composition Book (Science Journal)

• Highlighter

• Pencils

• Colored Pencils

• 1 pack of 3x5 lined index cards

• Calculator (basic to be shared with Math)

• Colored pencils

• USB drive (to be shared with other classes)

Educational Lab Fee

This year the science department is requesting a $5.00 Lab fee to be spent on consumables.

Science Textbook

Each student will be issued a Pearson Interactive Science textbook. This book is a consumable, write-in textbook. Students are responsible for their textbook for the duration of the school year. It will be used by students in and outside of the classroom. It is important to bring the textbook to class each day. An online version of the textbook is also available to each student. Information on accessing it will be sent home sometime during the first few weeks of school.

County funding allows us to issue one textbook per student. Unfortunately, there will not be replacements available for purchase. Responsibility for the textbook is of the utmost importance.

Behavioral Expectations*

In order to make the best use of our academic time, students are expected to follow certain guidelines:

• RESPECT: Students are expected to treat the teacher, others, and themselves with respect at all times.

• RESPONSIBILITY: Students are responsible for getting to class on time and following all school rules.

• READY TO LEARN: Students must be prepared to work each day. They must have the necessary materials and do as the teacher instructs the first time it is instructed.

*Students engaged in inappropriate behavior will face consequences, which include: verbal warnings, refocus, parent contact, detentions, and/or referral to a counselor or an administrator.

Assignments

Students will master all academic standards set forth by the district and state. My grade distribution is as follows:

Tests**/Projects (Summative Assessments)………..……………………………….60%

Quizzes, Labs, Classwork (Formative Assessments)……………………………...30%

Homework (Formative Assessments) ………………………………………………….10%

As part of a curriculum that reflects rigor and relevance, students will be expected to produce a

1st Semester Science Fair Project. More information will follow in the coming weeks.

**Grade recovery will be available for any student who chooses to retake a test. If a student chooses to participate in grade recovery, he/she will receive different assessment from the original and the grade of the 2nd assessment will replace the first, regardless of the grade.

Absences/Late work

When a student is absent from class, it is his/her responsibility to obtain and complete any work that is missed. All assignments will be listed on the board in the classroom, as well as on my website. Students with an excused absence are given two days for each day missed, to make up the work once they return to school. If work is requested before an absence, the work is due the day the student returns to school.

All other late assignments will receive a 10% penalty for each day late.

Communication

The best way to reach me is via email at gregory.borcherding@ . You will find helpful information concerning this course on my website, borcherdingscience. . I encourage you to check the website frequently to keep informed.

Curriculum Quarterly Outline

Inquiry based science is the focus of our curriculum. Students will engage in concrete observations before studying abstract explanations contained in content. When possible, students will engage in activities before content. These activities will demonstrate concept before vocabulary.

|Quarter 1 |Big Idea 1 – The Practice of Science (Chapters 1, 2) |

| |Big Idea 2 – Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge (Chapter 2) |

| |Big Idea 3 – The Role of Theories, Laws, Hypotheses and Models (Chapter 2) |

| |Big Idea 10 – Forms of Energy (Chapter 9) |

|Quarter 2 |Big Idea 11 – Energy Transfer and Transformations (Chapter 10) |

| |Big Idea 6 – Earth Structures (Chapters 3, 4, 5) |

|Quarter 3 |Big Idea 6 – Earth Structures (cont.) (Chapters 6, 7 , 8) |

| |Big Idea 15 – Diversity and Evolution of Living Things (Chapter 11) |

|Quarter 4 |Big Idea 16 – Heredity and Reproduction (Chapters 12, 13) |

| |Big Idea 17 – Interdependence (Chapter 14) |

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download