Welcome to 7th Grade Life Science
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.
Instructor - Melissa Jones
Science In The News
Textbook
-Type in your username and password given in class for online textbook
Chapter Outlines, Flashcards, & Quizzes
Class Description
This is a hands-on lab course, which teaches 7th grade students the GA State standards.
The Internet will be used for research and tutorials; PowerPoint slideshows and United Streaming videos will provide visual learning for both scientific concepts and facts.
Homework
Homework is due the next day unless other directions have been given.
Although most students finish class work in class, any class assignment, not finished
in class, becomes homework.
Essential Question - How does an understanding of life science affect our daily lives?
Goals
- To understand the key concepts, principles, and theories of life science as defined by the GA content standards
- To practice scientific inquiry through scholarly, active learning
- To cultivate a love of science and a love for the beauty and complexity of our planet and its organisms.
Supplies for School
- Folders with pockets
- 8 1/2" x 11" notebook paper
(please do NOT purchase paper that is smaller and if you use a spiral notebook, make sure that it tears cleanly)
- Sharpened pencils with erasers
- Post-its
- Calculator
- Red pen for correcting
Supplies for Home
- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- Ruler
- Stapler
- Paperclips
- 5" x 3" index cards
Absences
All class work and homework missed due to absences is expected to be made up. Excused late work for those absent must be completed within the same number of days that the student has been absent. (i.e. 2 days absent = 2 days to hand in work)
Science Notebook
Science notebooks serve as a portfolio of learning over the year. You will make a notebook section for each unit by keeping all information in order by date.
Labs
Students will conduct numerous labs which will bolster science literacy and complement the lectures and textbook assignments. The intent of these labs is to enable students to master science concepts, to develop scientific reasoning, and to work as a team. Most missed labs due to absences will need to be made up.
Evaluation
Grades, which are updated weekly, are posted on I-parent. Grades are weighted and calculated on a point system based upon:
* Major Projects, and Tests (40%)
* Classwork, Activities, Labs, and Quizzes (50%)
* Homework (10%)
How to earn an A in Life Science
Expectations - Be prompt, polite, prepared, and productive
At the tardy bell, be in your seat and follow the agenda on the board. Have a sharpened pencil on your desk and have any assignments ready. Respect others, including their space and property. Raise your hand when asking questions or participating and to ask permission to get out of your seat.
On a personal note to parents and guardians...
Welcome to an intellectually stimulating year in science! I am pleased to have your child in my class. I love to teach, and I hope to help inspire Mabry students as part of the next wave of American scientists.
Your child will be learning many new terms and concepts this year in life science. So if extra assistance is needed to master the content, please encourage your child to ask me for help. I am usually available at 8:15 before school.
I have an 'open door' policy and welcome any questions or comments that will help your child succeed in my class. If you ever have any concerns, please email me. It is in our best interest not to pass judgment on any issue until we have had a discussion. Communication is the key to success.
