7th Grade Science Syllabus

Riverview Gardens Central Middle School

Miss Emanuel
Room 306
semanuel@rgsd.k12.mo.us

Dear Family,
Below is a breakdown of the 7th grade Science units your child will study. The big ideas for each topic corresponds to the Missouri State Standards and the Riverview Gardens Grade Level Expectations (GLE).
Throughout the document are little ducks. Please count them as you read. You will be asked how many ducks
appear at the end.

Scientific Method and Inquiry consists of:

-Ask a question (identify a problem).
-Determine what is known.
-Investigate and do an experiment.
-Interpret results (organize data).
-Share results, state conclusion.

Electricity, circuits, and magnetism

By the time the students have finished this unit, they

should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-Moving electric charges transfer energy.
-Circuits control the flow of electric charge.
-Current can produce magnetism, and magnetism can
produce current.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding
of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Matter is made of particles too small to see.
-Matter changes form and moves from place to place.
-Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be created of destroyed.

Earths atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate

By the time the students have finished this unit, they

should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-Earths atmosphere is a blanket of gases that supports
and protects life.
-Some features of weather have predictable patterns.
-The interaction of air masses causes changes in weather.
-Climates are long-term weather patterns that may
change over time.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding
of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Matter and energy move among the solid Earth, the
atmosphere, Earths waters, and living things.

Matter, forms of energy, temperature, and heat

By the time the students have finished this unit, they

should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-Everything that has mass and takes up space is matter.
-Matter can be identified on the basis of all its properties.
-Energy has different forms, but it is always conserved.
-Heat is a flow of energy due to temperature differences.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding
of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Matter is made of particles too small to see.
-Matter changes form and moves from place to place.
-Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be created of destroyed.

Motion, forces, and machines:

By the time the students have finished this unit, they

should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-The motion of an object can be described and predicted.
-Forces change the motion of objects in predictable ways.
-Newtons laws apply to all forces.
-Energy is transferred when a force moves an object.
-Machines help people work by changing the force
applied to an object.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding
of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.
-Physical forces affect the movement of all matter on
earth and throughout the universe.

Space exploration, system, our solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe
By the time the students have finished this unit, they should be able to
explain the following BIG ideas:
-People develop and use technology to explore and study.
-Earth and the moon move in predictable ways as they orbit.
-Planets and other objects form a system around our Sun.
-Our Sun is one of billions of stars in one of billions of galaxies.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding of the
following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Physical forces, such as gravity, affect the movement of all
things throughout the universe.
-Earth has changed over time and continues to change.

Course Expectations/Attendance

All students are expected to attend classes daily and be on time. Students are expected to come to class prepared
to work and conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Students are expected to participate in class. Students
are expected to take notes in class and maintain notes and handouts. Students are expected to participate in all
class discussions, labs, and complete ALL homework assignments as well as projects. Dishonesty will be handled
according to the guidelines of Riverview Gardens School District.
Students will be counted tardy for class if they are not in their seats when the bell rings. Tardy violations will be
handled according to the attendance policy listed in the student handbook.

Attendance & Make-up work policy

Students will be allowed one day for every absence to

complete and return make-up work. MISSED ASSIGNMENTS ARE THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY. Students are expected to ask the teacher before or
after class for the make-up work.

Student Responsibility:
The student will

-Come to class on time with required materials.

-Pay attention in class and participate in lessons.
-Complete assigned work and turn
it in on time.
-Ask for help when needed.

Homework Policy

Students are expected to turn in work at the beginning

of class on the day it is due. Late work will result in a
reduction of grade. The student, teacher, and parent
all share responsibility for the academic success of the
student.

Teacher Responsibility:
The Teacher will

-Prepare meaningful lessons that

are aligned with the curriculum.
-Guide students through activities
that engage in meaningful learning.
-Be available to help students needing assistance.
-Communicate regularly concerning homework, assessments and
student progress.

Parent Responsibility:
The parent will

-Check student notebook for assignments and upcoming projects.

-Be available to help your child
when needing assistance.
-Communicate concerns with
teacher.
-Communicate concerns with your
child.

Grading Policy & Grading Scale

Materials

Grades are averaged and based on scores from the

following: Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Class work, and
Homework.
100-97% = A+ 96-94% = A
89-87% = B+ 86-84% = B
79-77% = C+ 76-74% = C
69-67% = D+ 66-64% = D

Pens (blue or black ink)

Red grading pen
Pencils
2 Composition Books/ spiral
notebook (one for each semester)
Two pocket folder

93-90% = A83-80 = B73-70 = C63-60 = D-

Dishonesty/Cheating Information

Academic dishonesty is a serious offense which will result in the student receiving a zero for
that assignment. One form of dishonesty is plagiarism the use of another authors ideas, statements, or approaches without crediting the source. Academic dishonesty also includes such acts
as cheating by copying information from another students work, examination, take home test, or
work done for another class.
Tutoring Policy

If a student needs additional assistance,

tutoring may be arranged upon teacher
availability either before or after school.

Please Cut and Return

Parent communication system

Parents may contact me via email or phone. If a parent

wished to request a conference, times may be arranged
upon availability. Parents may also check the schools
website under Miss Emanuels homepage for additional
information as well as SIS Parent Portal.

Please note this syllabus is an outline of what will be covered:

Additional assignments may be issued. Miss Emanuel reserves the right to ament the syllabus based on the needs of
the curriculum and schedule of Central Middle School.
Please Cut and Return

Please Cut and Return

7th Grade Science Syllabus

The above information has been reviewed and discussed between parent/guardian and child.
Student Name: ___________________________________________

Class Period: _________

I have received a copy of the class syllabus and have discussed it with my child.
Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________________________
Please return this sheet to Miss Emanuels Science Classroom.
Number of Ducks: __________