WELCOME TO 7TH GRADE SCIENCE!

Dear Families and Students,

Welcome to 7th Grade Integrated Science. I am looking forward to working with you and your
student this year. This class will incorporate learning strategies including hands-on discovery,
inquiry-based labs, engineering practices, project-based learning, independent projects and class discussion. In addition
to a rigorous exploration of the following Next Generation Integrated Science content,

Scientific inquiry & engineering practices Watershed conservation

Structure & properties of matter Structure & properties of matter
Chemical reactions in ecosystems Earths materials, systems, & natural resources
Organisms, populations & biodiversity Plate tectonics & natural hazards
Cycle of energy & matter in ecosystems

Students will also develop the 21st Century competencies of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and
creativity. Students will be challenged to think deeply with complexity throughout the year. I have high expectations for
all students, and I look forward to supporting your student through the learning process. The rigorous learning in 7th
grade science will prepare students for 8th
grade, high school, college, and beyond.

Good communication between parent, teacher, and student is essential for your childs academic and personal growth.
To facilitate communication between the classroom and home, you can see what your scholar is learning on our class
website at www.scorpionscience.weebly.com. Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time regarding your students
progress in science this year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Page

CLASS MATERIALS

Below is a suggested/recommended supply list that students will need this year:
o Hard cover composition book (not spiral o Lined loose leaf binder paper; should be in back or
bound) for field science activities front section of binder
o Subject divider labeled SCIENCE o 3 ring binder for all classes (get one sturdy, BIG
o Hand held pencil sharpener binder for all classes)
o Independent reading book (must be kept in o Self-adhesive reinforcement labels (to repair holes)
backpack everyday for every class) o Helpful: calculator and colored pencils
o Several #2 pencils with erasers
*If you need help obtaining any of these supplies, please let me know. I would be happy to help.

CURRICULUM MATERIALS

Students will be issued online access to earth, life and physical science textbooks this year. Students who do not have
online access at home can use the library or check out hard copies from the teacher. Students will be charged for any
damaged or missing textbooks that they borrow. (Textbook titles listed on following page.)
 Focus on Life Science. (2008). Pearson Prentice-Hall; Boston, MA.
Focus on Physical Science. (2008). Pearson Prentice-Hall; Boston, MA.
Focus on Earth Science. (2008). Pearson Prentice-Hall; Boston, MA.

GRADING POLICY

Grades are weighted as follows:

o 50% - Practice
o 25% = Classwork/Homework (including daily collaboration points)
o 25% = Labs
o 50% - Mastery
o 25% = Critical Thinking in Content
o 15% = Communication
o 10% = Collaboration

Evaluation Methods: Assessments will be evaluated based on a variety of components, including, completion, accuracy,
credit/no-credit, rubrics and letter grades. Rubrics will be provided to students in advance of assessment evaluation.
Progress reports will be accessible to parents online approximately every five/six weeks. Whenever your grade falls
below a C- after the second Progress Report for either semester, a parent/teacher conference will be arranged and/or a
written report will be sent home. Grades will be posted periodically in the classroom for view. Parents and students may
log into Aeries to check student grades at https://aeries.nusd.org/parent/LoginParent.aspx?page=default.aspx

COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS

Class Commitment: All people in the classroom will be respectful and responsible at all times. There is zero tolerance for
disrespect of people, ideas or materials. Students will be ready to learn and work hard on their own and with others.

Behavior: See the SJMS planner for the school behavior policy. Poor behavior in the classroom may result in the loss of
collaboration points or lab privileges in science, phone call/email home, lunchtime trash pick up, parent/student/teacher
conference, detention, etc.

Homework: Completing homework is not optional! In science class; homework is assigned as needed to provide an
extension of classroom learning. Assignments are posted on the classroom whiteboard daily. It is part of the class
routine to copy the exact assignment or write no homework in the planner daily.

Homework that is not completed on time may be completed in Credit Recovery BEFORE the next science class
for full credit. Students MUST receive a signature from a credit recovery teacher for credit. After that time, the
maximum credit available for late homework is 80%.

ABSENCE POLICY
Students are accountable for all missed work. Once you return to school, it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to take the initiative
to find out what you missed. Missed work can be found by checking the Missing Work Binder. An alternate assignment
is available for missed labs.
o You have the same number of days absent to make up any missing assignments.
o After that time, the maximum credit available for late/missed work is 80%.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

o Get help! If you need extra help or have concerns about anything, please ask! Im available before school, during
lunch and after school by appointment. Please dont hesitate to contact me!
o Stay organized! Keep track of your assignments in your planner. Plan ahead and organize your free time accordingly.
o Do all assignments! Classwork is not optional! Much of the material in this class builds on prior learning. You will
understand current work if you have completed prior work.
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