7th GRADE SCIENCE SYLLABUS

Mrs. Keller Room 612 Phone: 269-548-3677bkeller@gulllakecs.org

Welcome to 7th Grade! This year in science well explore a bit of everything - from tiny cells
to the outer layers of the atmosphere. We will also examine the suns impact on all of those things how it sustains life and changes the conditions of Earths atmosphere.
First Trimester - Energy Sources
Atoms and their Properties - how they interact through changes and
reactions
Energy from the Sun - nuclear reactions
Energy Transfers - conduction, convection, radiation; wave energy - light,
sound, heat, etc.
Second Trimester - Life Energy
Building Blocks of Life - plant and animal cells
Cell Functions - photosynthesis, respiration, cellular reproduction, etc.
Passing it On - and introduction to heredity and genetics
Third Trimester - Atmospheric Energy
Suns Influence on Earths Atmosphere
Weather/Climate - Theres a difference!
Human Interaction - How our actions make a difference

Expectations
Class Structure
Each student needs a composition notebook for science! Well use these as
our Interactive Science Notebook (ISN) - to organize our materials and record
our learning. This needs to come to class EVERY DAY.
Classroom resources - including the online planbook, learning/review
resources, extension activities, and our classroom blog - can be found at:
mrsbkeller.weebly.com
Together well design a classroom contract of expectations - everyone will
have the opportunity to agree by signing it - and well use it to guide our
behaviors all year.

Student Work
Daily Work (ISN, Investigations, Practice) - 60%
This is the biggest part of your earned grade. Craftsmanship is so important.
Take pride in your work; and do it well. Your completed ISN will become your study
guide for assessments.
Formative Assessments (Quizzes) - 10%
Checkpoints and quizzes are tools used to assure students are understanding
content and mastering skills. Re-takes or 1-on-1s with Mrs. Keller allow for fixing
mistakes or trying again.

Summative Assessments (Tests and Projects) - 30%

There will be a variety of ways to show what you know throughout the year.
These assessments are the culmination of all weve learned in class - and there
may be times your ISN will be allowed as a resource during these assessments.
Grading Policy
Completion of all classroom activities, labs, and assessments is essential to
mastering the material covered. Grades will be posted on SYNERGY, the
parent/student portal, and are updated regularly. The GLMS grading scale will be used
in calculating your final grade.
Absences / Late Work
We need you here! We do important things in class, and your input and
participation is vital. If you do miss class, please check our classroom blog and
online planbook (on the website) for assignments and materials. YOU are
responsible to stay on track!
There is a two day grace period for ALL late work (whether absent or not).
On the third day past the due date, work will be automatically marked down to
70% of the total EARNED score.
EXAMPLE: Work is due on Monday. Student has until Wednesday
to receive full credit. Student turns in work on Thursday, with 85% accuracy.
Work score is reduced to 70% of 85%. Student earns 59.5% on assignment.
After one week from original due date any work that is still missing IS STILL
DUE - and will receive credit for completion - but will be counted as a ZERO for
grade calculation. (Extenuating circumstances will be considered and addressed
case by case.)

Syllabus Agreement
To verify that you and an important adult have read and agree this syllabus, EITHER:
Send an email confirmation to bkeller@gulllakecs.org OR
Please complete the form and return to Mrs. Keller by FRIDAY SEPTEMBER
16th.
Student Name __________________________________________________________
Student Signature _______________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________________________________

Best Phone Number to Reach Me ___________________________________________

E-mail Address __________________________________________________________