7th Grade Science
AMS
by Ashley Smith
August 21, 2008
Andover Middle
School
7th Grade Science Syllabus
Instructor
Information:
Mrs. Smith
Room: 707
Phone: 218-4610
Email: smitha@usd385.org
Topics Covered:
1. Cells, heredity, and classification
2. Forces, motion, and energy
Objectives of the course (skills developed):
Students will…
1. demonstrate proper safety procedures.
2. design and conduct simple investigations.
3. use appropriate technology as a tool in problem solving.
4. demonstrate problem-solving skills through the scientific
method.
5. generate scientific questions based upon observations.
6. identify and control variables in experiments.
7. interpret the results of experimentation using statistical
reasoning.
Grading:
Your semester grades will be comprised of class assignments, labs,
activities, group participation, tests, and projects and a grade
will be issued using the school’s grading scale. Tests are worth
100 points, while other assignments, labs, and activities will
range from 5-100 points, depending on the difficulty of the
assignment. *All assignments will be posted weekly on
http://new.schoolnotes.com.
Classroom rules &
expectations: BE PREPARED, BE RESPONSIBLE, BE RESPECTFUL, AND STAY
ON TASK
1. Bell work- Be seated when the bell rings. If you are out of your
seat when the bell rings, YOU ARE TARDY! Conduct points will be
taken for tardies. When you enter the classroom, get organized and
fill out your agenda with the day’s assignment. There will also be
additional instructions on what to do to start class. I start and
end the class, the bell does not!
2. Homework- Most assignments will be done in class, or at least,
you will be given time to get started on the assignment. But,
occasionally some work will have to go home. You are responsible
for completing and returning any assignments that are not finished
during class. Late work- Late work is not accepted, homework that
is not turned in on time will result in a ZERO. Assignments are
assigned for a reason, for you to learn, if you don’t do them,
you’re not learning. If you have trouble completing an assignment,
you should see me before school.
3. Make-up work- If you are gone, it will be your responsibility to
get the work you missed, including any notes that were taken while
you were gone. If you have ANY questions, you should ask your
neighbor first, then if you still don’t understand, SEE ME!!! You
will have the number of days you missed plus one day to make up the
work. So, if you missed two days, you will have three days to turn
in the work.
4. Cheating- Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a
detention as well as a zero for the assignment.
5. Materials- BE PREPARED! NO PASSES WILL BE GIVEN! You should
ALWAYS bring your agenda, conduct card, book, completed
assignments, paper, pencil, science notebook/journal, and a library
book. Other materials may be required upon advanced request (look
for signs outside my door).
6. Labs- Lab work and hands-on activities will be done
periodically, according to class behavior. A safety contract must
be on file with me before any students will be able to participate
in a lab (this is for safety purposes). Equipment- Students will
NOT touch any equipment or materials until instructed to do so.
7. Food and drinks- No food will be permitted in my room. Water
bottles are permitted when it is extremely hot outside.
8. Cleanliness- You will be held responsible for keeping your area
clean. There will be NO writing, carving, or any kind of
destruction to the property. If you come in and see these types of
things, you must report them immediately to me so you won’t be held
responsible.
______________________________________________________________
LAB SAFETY CONTRACT
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. We will be doing lab activities periodically which require use of household chemicals and sensitive equipment. Safety in the science classroom is the #1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe classroom, a list of rules have been developed and provided for you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all time.
GENERAL
GUIDELINES
1. Do not touch ANY equipment, chemicals, or other materials until
you are instructed to do so.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do
not understand, ASK!
3. Never work in the lab without the teacher present.
4. Be prepared to work by reading all procedures before working in
the lab.
5. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy.
6. Know how to use safety equipment and where it is located.
7. Keep hands away from face and wash with soap and water after
performing all procedures.
8. Clean, dry, and store all equipment as instructed.
9. Stay in your assigned work area so that you will not interfere
with the work of others.
CLOTHING
1. Goggles must be worn when working with chemicals, heat, or
glassware.
2. Lab aprons will be provided for use and should be worn to
protect clothing if necessary.
ACCIDENTS AND
INJURIES
1. Report any accidents to the instructor immediately- NO
MATTER HOW MINOR!
2. If a chemical splashes on your skin or in your eyes, flush with
running water and inform the instructor immediately.
3. Do not attempt to pick up broken glass. Inform the instructor
and I will sweep it up.
AGREEMENT
The LAB SAFETY CONTRACT AND SYLLABUS have been discussed with me
and my questions have been answered. I agree to follow these
guidelines and safety precautions.
Student’s signature ________________________ Date _____
I have discussed the LAB
SAFETY CONTRACT AND SYLLABUS with my student and I am aware of what
is expected of them.
Guardian(s) signature _________________________ Date
_____