Advanced Technology Academy
2011-2012
Seventh Grade Science

Instructor: Mrs. Scanland
Room: 132
E-mail:escanland@atafordpas.org
Website: mrsscanland.wikispaces.com

Text: Biggs, Daniel, Feather Jr., Ortleb, Rillero, Snyder, Zike. Science: Level Green. McGraw-Hill, Inc. 2008.

Course Description: The seventh grade science course is a year long course of study that focuses on physical science: energy, properties of matter and changes in matter; life science: organization of living things and heredity; and earth science: earth systems and fluid earth.

Tentative Schedule: Subject to Change
Unit 1- Waves and Energy
Unit 2- Solar Energy Effects
Unit 3- Elements and Compounds
Unit 4- Chemical Properties & Chemical Changes
Unit 5- Solar Energy
Unit 6- Cell Functions
Unit 7- Growth and Development
Unit 8- Photosynthesis
Unit 9- Reproduction
Unit 10- Human Consequences
Unit 11- Weather and Climate
Unit 12- Water Cycle
Unit 13- Atmosphere
*We will be doing a unit on inquiry when science fair projects begin, which is tentatively scheduled to begin sometime in March.

Grading Percentages:
Classwork/Homework- 30% of grade
Tests/Quizzes- 30% of grade
Projects- 25% of grade
Participation- 15%

Grading Scale:
A 100% - 93% C 76% - 73%
A- 92% - 90% C- 72% - 70%
B+ 89% - 87% D+ 69% - 67%
B 86% - 83% D 66% - 63%
B- 82% - 80% D- 62% - 60%
C+ 79% - 77% F 59% and below


Classwork/Homework:
  • Classwork that is not complete will be sent home for homework, however, homework will not be given out on a daily basis.
  • Students must use a pencil and/or blue or black ink to receive full credit.
  • Late work will be accepted for partial credit up until the unit test is given.
  • Students will be given as many days as they were absent to do make-up work, however, it is the student’s responsibility to get the work from and to the teacher. The teacher will not hunt down any make-up assignments.

Tests/Quizzes
  • Pop quizzes may be given.
  • Study guides will be given 1-2 days before the test. Study guides are gone over the day before the test so that students have all the correct answers in order to study for the test.
  • Students are given a week’s notice that a test is coming up.

Extra Help: Students are responsible for letting the teacher know if they are having trouble understanding the material presented or if they are falling behind. I am more than willing to provide extra help, as well as make any special accommodations if needed. It is, however, the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher if he/she is having trouble at any point during the year.

Classroom Rules:
  1. Raise your hand to speak or get out of your seat
  2. Come to class prepared and in uniform
  3. Be attentive and ask questions during instruction
  4. Follow directions the first time they are given
  5. Planners MUST be filled out everyday.

Consequences:
  1. First time- Warning
  2. Second time- Removal from group/seat moved away from all other students
  3. Third time- Call home/Write-up