Science 7 Syllabus
January 09, 2008
Materials required for class
1. Textbook. 6. Pencils (suggested).
2. Pocket folder. 7. Assignment book (suggested).
3. Lined notebook paper. 8. Eraser (optional).
4. Highlighter (any color).
5. Pencil case/holder.
Chapters in textbook to be covered (in this order)
Chapter 1: Exploring and Classifying Life
2: Cells
3: Cell Processes
4: Cell Reproduction
7: Bacteria
8: Protists and Fungi
9: Plants
24: Interactions of Life
25: The Nonliving Environment
26: Ecosystems
12: Introduction to Animals
13: Mollusks, Worms, Arthropods, Echinoderms
14: Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles
15: Birds and Mammals
If time allows additional life science topics will be studied.
Grading Scale
A+: 98 - 100 A: 96 - 97 A-: 94 - 95
B+: 91 - 93 B: 88 - 90 B-: 86 - 87
C+: 83 - 85 C: 80 - 82 C-: 78 - 79
D+: 75 - 77 D: 72 - 74 D-: 70 - 71
F: below 70
Course work
In order to satisfactorily complete this course the student will need to do the
following:
1. Take and keep notes.
2. Create and maintain chapter notebooks.
3. Promptly complete and bring to class all assigned homework. At the end of
each quarter additional points will be awarded for this effort.
4. Participate in class projects and lab work.
5. Perform satisfactorily on exams, assignments, and the notebooks.
Concerning class work
1. The above grading scale will be followed. A 70% is needed to pass the
course.
2. Answer all questions on assignments and exams. Completed answers could
improve scores.
3. An exam is to be retaken if it is failed. Maximum score earned on the
retake is 70. It is strongly suggested that the retake be done within one
week while the information is still fresh in mind.
4. Completed assignments are due as stated by the instructor. At most, the
student will earn half credit for each late assignment.
5. If the instructor determines that a student has cheated on an assignment
or exam, the student will receive a zero (0) for the work.
6. Chapter outlines are required. Only sentence outlines will be accepted. A
chapter’s outline is to have a minimum of 40 sentences, each of which is
to contain no definitions. Outline the book, not notes.
7. No extra credit will be given.
8. An organized notebook is required for each chapter. It will be graded as
to how well organized and complete it is.
9. Excessive mark-outs or markings (especially in ink) on written assignments
and exams can result in lower scores.
10. Each student is required to sign a lab contract.
11. At times, it may become necessary to remove a student from a lab
experience. The student is required to do a research paper or alternative
assignment in place of the lab. Its topic, length, and components will be
determined by the instructor.
12. Dissections are important visual aids used in this class. The following
animals will be dissected: grasshopper, frog, mouse. Additional animals
may be used and/or substituted.
Organization for science 7 chapter notebooks
Each chapter notebook is to be kept in the following order:
Notes
Vocabulary
Chapter outline
Science and Society The time this class is scheduled to meet:
Study guides
Lab ___________________________
Concept map
Chapter review
Additional work
Classroom rules
1. Rules found in the Student Handbook will be followed.
2. Bring all required materials to class.
3. Keep all work in an organized manner. All work must be readable or lower
scores can result.
4. Only one piece of paper (as a bookmark) can be used with the textbook.
Excessive items can cause the book spine to be damaged.
5. Text book is to be covered with a book cover at all times. At the end of the
school year a fine will be assessed for any book damage.
6. No pencil sharpening while classroom discussion is in progress. Sharpen
pencils before class begins.
7. Show respect to others at all times. Do not bother another person's
possessions without permission.
8. Do not touch any lab materials without the instructor's permission. You
may look; just don't touch.
9. Do not leave the classroom without a pass.
10. Cannot leave the classroom to use the water fountain or rest room without
a pass.
11. Students will be fined for missing lab materials or broken, essential lab
equipment due to carelessness. The materials are to be replaced at cost
plus shipping. There is a minimum charge of one dollar per item.
12. The following items will be removed from the student’s possession:
rubber bands, ink pens and pencils that have been taken apart, and
correction fluid/tape that is not being used properly.
13. No eating candy.
14. No sleeping during class.
Detention
Detention can be awarded for the following circumstances:
1. Not following the classroom rules as stated above.
2. Excessive incomplete or missing chapter notebooks. The notebook
must be complete and in the classroom on the day it is due.
3. Excessive incomplete or missing assignments.
4. Inappropriate classroom behavior.
5. Cheating.
Detention is not limited to these circumstances. The instructor will decide when,
where, and how long detention will be served. A period of 20 minutes or longer
immediately after school is not an uncommon detention period. Failure to show
for a detention can result in additional detention time. Detention is a time for
quiet studying, washing lab equipment, general classroom cleaning or other duties,
depending on the needs and desires of the instructor.
Additional information
Class grades for this course are posted, and may be viewed by student and
parent/guardian, on the school’s web site. Student ID and PIN numbers are
required and can be obtained from the high school office.
This syllabus should remain in the pocket folder throughout the school year. It
contains helpful information for this science 7 course.
NOTE: Students are encouraged to seek additional help with any class work before
school, after school, and during homeroom.
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________________
