Name:_______________________ Date: ________ Period:______

How to be Successful in 7th Grade Science

Teacher: Dr. Polizzotti Dr. P Email: Polizzotti@swampscott.k12.ma.us

Welcome to your seventh grade science experience! We are going to have a fun year learning
about a variety of science topics and solving problems! In order to have fun while learning, it is
important that each class member understands what is expected from you this year in order to
be successful. Some of these expectations may seem obvious, but wed like to be clear, so you
know how to be successful in class.

RESPECT other students, teachers, guests, the equipment and yourself. We are a T EAM.
Learn the names of your classmates. You will need to work with your classmates throughout
veryone
the year and will need to support and help one another in order to be successful. E
brings value to this classroom and should feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their
thoughts and opinions. Rudeness and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated in our
classroom. This class covers a wide range of topics, you will discover that working together
makes it easier (and more fun) to learn the material.

PARTICIPATE- Participation isnt just raising your hand to answer a question. We want to hear
your ideas, have you ask questions, challenge one another, communicate kindly and
productively during group work, follow directions, and be open to others ideas. Good
participation means you are paying attention, staying on task, and learning.

BE AN ACTIVE LEARNER If you do not understand something please C OME SEE Dr. P or
Mrs. Regan. Some topics will come more easily and others more challenging for every student.
It is normal to not understand everything right away, but everyone can figure it out with hard
work and the right support. We want you to understand the material, but you need to let us
know when you need help. Remember an excellent student is one who asks questions and
uses all their resources to learn.

BE PREPARED You must have the following E

VERY DAY
Pencil
Science Binder
Assignment Binder
Homework
You should also do your FIRST FIVE every day. The First Five is an activity you will complete
independently during the first few minutes of class to help get you organized, collect your
materials for the day and start you thinking about science. This will be written on the board
when you come into class. You are to quickly go to your assigned seat and complete the first
five.
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS- may be typed or neatly handwritten in pencil, black ink, or blue
ink only. Each assignment must have your full name, date, period, and assignment name at the
top. It needs to be turned in on a full sheet of paper that is hole punched and not ripped out of a
binder or on google classroom when assigned. Assignments are due at the b eginning of class
the day they are due and will n ot be accepted late. Homework is a significant part of your
learning and should be completed to the best of your ability. When you are given multiple days
to complete an assignment, it is expected that you start right away, that way if you need help
you can get it before it is due.

IN CLASS ASSIGNMENTS- Follow the same rules for homework assignments as for in class
assignments. Frequently, time will be given in class to begin assignments which are expected
to be finished at home.

ABSENCES- If you are absent it is YOUR responsibility to collect, complete and turn in any
make up work. Students often remember to collect their missing work, but neglect to complete
and turn it in for credit. If your absence is due to a vacation, school policy states Teachers will
not provide work ahead of time for this vacation period. For most absences the time given to
complete the make up work is equal to the number of days absent plus one extra day. For
longer illnesses we will work with a student to create a schedule for make up work. You will find
your missing worksheets at your tables file station and should check in with Dr. P to find out if
there are any other components such as video clips or readings you missed.

SAFETY Follow ALL safety guidelines outlined on the Lab Safety Rules. If you do not follow
the rules you will have to sit out of the labs until we can find a way to allow you to participate
safely.

MATERIALS The materials that we use in class from the colored pencils to the microscopes
are either items we have personally purchased or items purchased by the school. Regardless,
you will use them properly and return them when you are done with the activity. At the end of
each class, no one is dismissed from the table until all materials are cleaned up. If your tables
materials go missing or is left a mess, there will be consequences such as having to stay after
school and loss of participation points.

SKILLS This year, while learning scientific concepts, we will develop and refine skills that will
last you a lifetime. So be prepared to graph, summarize, analyze, problem solve, study,
measure, estimate, work with a group and be curious about the world around you. We will also
learn which study skills are best suited for your learning style and practice using those skills.

UNITS OF STUDY We are currently spearheading the implementation of the Next Generation
Science Standards (NGSS). The NGSS promote inquiry focused, project based, collaborative
learning. Based on these new standards our topics include, changes on earths surface
ecosystems, the earths resources, human impact on the environment, the forces of magnetism
and gravity, kinetic and potential energy, thermal energy transfer.
GRADING:
Participation (approximately 10% each term)

In-class Assignments and Homework Assignments- (approximately 20% each term)

Quizzes These are given to check your understanding throughout a unit. It is important to
spend time studying for theses quizzes to fully prepare for tests and recognize areas that you
need to review or seek additional help with.
(approximately 20% each term)

Tests and Projects Tests require a greater depth of understanding to demonstrate your ability
to think critically and apply what you have learned. A significant amount of time should be spent
studying and preparing for tests, we will review various studying techniques throughout the year.
Projects will be completed each term for you to apply your understanding of concepts to plan
and create both individually and on a team. Working with others is a critical life long skill you will
need no matter what career you have. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of
classmates throughout the year to complete projects.
(approximately 50%)

Grade Scale
A+ 97 -100
A 93 - 96.5
A- 89 - 92.5
B+ 86.5-88.5
B 83-86
B- 80-82.5
C+ 77-79.5
C 73-76.5
C- 70-72.5
D 60-69.5
F 59 or below

GOOGLE CLASSROOM To show that you have read this sheet, please register for your
science class using your google drive account.
1. Sign into your google drive account
2. Go to classroom.google.com
3. On the Home Page, click the +
4. Enter the code for your class. Your classs code is ______________________