7th Grade Life Science Syllabus

Helms Middle School

Ms. Brown
2015-2016
Curriculum:
7th grade Life Sciences combines animal and plants biology as well as the human body. This
class focuses on the CA standards for 7th grade Life Science. This class will prepare your for
8th grade Physical Science. Students will learn to apply science knowledge to new situations in
and out of the classroom. Students will be introduced to the basic science concepts needed to
be speaking using scientific terms. Through exploration and investigations, students will
develop an understanding of the personal social, ethical, and environmental implications of
science in our community.

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Materials Provided
Life Science textbook
Other Materials (Students are required to bring these to class every day.)
Purple Planner
Lined paper
Previous night's homework
Pens and pencils
As seventh graders, you should know that you must bring your uniform and I.D. In
addition, you must bring all materials to class. You must bring your pencil, purple
planner, last nights homework, and the science textbook. Finally, food, sodas, and gum
are not permitted in class. Use of cell phones without teacher permission is prohibited. If
I see it/hear it, it will be confiscated. There will be days were we might use cell phones or
mobile devices for researching topics
Absentee Policy:
It is the students responsibility, not the teachers, to collect this work and see that it is handed
in. It is also recommended that the student check in with the teacher to ask any questions about
the missed work and make sure that there are no other missing assignments. Students have
two days once they arrive back make up any missing work. Missed tests and quizzes must be
made up within two school days. Failure to make up test and quizzes will result in a 0 for that
test/quiz.
All
class
powerpoints
and
homework
can
be
found
on
msbrownteachesscience.weebly.com, I do expect students to make up missing work.
Homework Policy:
Homework is an integral part of the curriculum and essential to reinforcing material that was
taught in class. Students are required to copy down homework into their planners the first 5
minutes of class, planners will be checked frequently. Students will receive half credit for late

homework. Homework is considered late if it is incomplete and/or not in the teachers hands at
the start of class. If students have lost assignments they can go to my website,
msbrownteachesscience.weebly.com and reprint any assignment. Students and parents can
also sign up for homework text/email reminders by texting the number 81010 with the message
@msbrowns7 or by downloading the app REMIND in the apps store (apple) or google store
(android) & finally by going to remind.com/join/msbrowns7.

Extra Help:
I will be available after school for tutoring and homework help. During lunch help is available by
appointment. Students will need to arrange for their own transportation home.
Grading Policy:
Several factors make up the grade in Science. In addition to daily classwork, students will have
regular homework assignments, quizzes, tests, projects, demonstrations and laboratory reports
to complete. Effort and participation are very important. Students are expected to be on time to
class and to come prepared.
Assessment
Homework:
Quizzes
Tests:
Projects and labs
Participation/Attendance:
Class work:
TOTAL:

13%
7%
7%
30%
13%
30%
100%

Turning in Assignments: 100% credit when work is completed and on-time

50% credit when work is a day late
Grading Scale:
Grades are assigned as based on a percentage of the total points earned. The following grading
scale will be used:
A = 89-100%
B = 80-88%
C = 70-79%
D = 59-69%
F = 0-58%
Retake Policy:
If a student has concerns about their grade, they should discuss with the teacher the reason(s)
behind their current average and the necessary steps to take. At teacher discretion, students
may earn points for being able to explain the correct response to the problem missed for half
credit. Note: Its much easier to do well on a test the first time around because in addition to

preparing for a retake, you still need to keep up and do the current work in all of your other
classes!
Lab Activities: A good portion of the science curriculum involves hands-on lab activities.
Students and parents are required to read and sign the Laboratory Safety Contract. ANY
inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated for the safety of everyone in the room.
Students who cannot conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner during a hands-on
activity will be given written work to do instead and loss of lab participation for rest of term.
Discipline Policy:
Anyone/anything disrupts the class or stops the learning process is subject to disciplinary
action/confiscation.
First Offense: Students that are disruptive or off task will be confronted by the teacher with
class infraction note (this is a warning)
Second Offense: Students that continue the negative behavior will be asked to fill a behavior
reflection sheet and moved to another seat in the room or buddy classroom.
Third Offense: Students that continue the behavior will receive a call home to parents from Ms.
Brown.
Fourth Offense: Further disruptions will result an administrative referral.

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Goals
Students will:
Explore how life sciences affects their lives, the environment, and their community
Develop scientific, critical, and analytical thinking skills.
Enhance organizational skills, as well as oral and written skills.
Increase their use of academic language.
Improve their reading and writing skills by learning about science concepts
Purpose:
To present content in a variety of different formats so that material can be accessible and
easily understood by all learners in their journey toward competency in understanding Life
Science curriculum according to the adopted California Science Standard for grade 7.
To become more aware of how biology plays a role in humans lives and how it is related to
our society.
To provide an opportunity for self-discovery through understanding life science concepts.
To create more conscious critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Teachers expectations:
Be Responsible
Being responsible means that students need to be in their seats with their pencils, previous
nights homework, purple planner, and lifeline open ready to start the lifeline before the bell
rings. Being responsible also means that students take ownership for their actions as well.
Be Respectful

You must respect, support, and listen to each other in this class. It you fail to do so, your
parents or guardians will receive a phone call (this rule will further be discussed in class.)
Be Safe
This rule is based on the notion that students must keep their hands to themselves and be
respectful towards other students, adults, and the school grounds.
AGAIN: Sign up for Homework notifications! Text @msbrowns7 to 81010
Please keep this syllabus for future reference in your binder and return the last page to:
Ms. Brown
Contact Information:
Marissa Brown
CAPA House
Science 7 Lead
Helms Middle School
Phone: (510)231-1423 ext: 24351
Email: marissa.brown@wccusd.net or msbrownteachesscience@gmail.com
Website: msbrownteachesscience.weebly.com
*E-mail is the best way to reach me. I will do my best to return all emails within 24 hrs.

PLEASE PRINT AS NEATLY AS POSSIBLE

___________________________________
Student Name

____________________
Period you have science & todays date

____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name #1

__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name #2

____________________________________
Phone number to reach you

__________________________________
Phone number to reach you

____________________________________
E-mail address

__________________________________
E-mail address

*Please put a star next to the best way(s) to reach a parent/guardian during the school day.
Is there a computer available at home?
YES

Are you able to log-on to the Internet?

NO

YES

NO

Is there anything that would be helpful for me to know?

___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
I have read this syllabus with my son/daughter and we have discussed and understand all of
the policies and procedures.
_________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date_________________________
___________________
Student Signature

Date ________________________