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Curriculum

The following topics will be covered in 7th grade science:

1. Cell in Action
2. Plants
3. Heredity
4. Genes and DNA
5. Rocks and Minerals
6. Ecosystems (Biomes)
7. Earth's Systems and Cycles
8. Earthquakes
9. Volcanoes
10. Periodic Table of Elements

Class Activities

1. Students will be using the red level Integrated Science textbook published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. The strength of this science program is the use of higher level application of science concepts and it's extensive use of technology.
2. Students will be expected to read most of the text on their own and come prepared to contribute to class discussions with either comments or questions.
3. Students will be given a blank outline in which to copy teacher directed notes.  Scienctific concepts will be written in their notes as well as observed through the on-line text visual concepts (see below: my.hrw.com). Notes will be collected the day of the test and graded.
4. Homework will be given either from the text or worksheets.  All of which can also be found through the my.hrw.com website. (see below: my.hrw.com) Assignments will be checked in class and collected.
5. Students will observe demonstrations and complete hands-on experiences to better understand science concepts. Interactive web-sites will be utilized in order explore the concepts further. (see below:  scilinks.org )
6. Study guides, notes, vocabulary and activities on the on-line edition of the text can be used to study for tests. 
7. Videos will be used to explain some science concepts.
8. Students are encouraged to read the newspaper, watch the news and visit web-sites in preparation for discussion of current events in science.
9. Students may be expected to complete projects. These may include posters and models as examples.

 
Tests and Quizzes

1. A quiz, a test, or both will be given during each chapter to check student's comprehension of vocabulary and concepts.
2. A unit test will be given at the end of each unit. Students will be given unit reviews approximately one week prior to a test.
3. A separate study guide will be sent home for semester exams.   Students  should save all their notes in order to  study for this exam.
4. Arrangements must be made with the teacher to complete missed tests, quizzes, and labs.

 
Expectations

1. All work is to be done neatly in pencil or blue or black ink. Paper that is torn, defaced, or torn out of a spiral notebook will not be accepted.
2. Students must use the following heading on their papers. The heading should start on the top line of the paper.
   

   First and Last Name                                   Date
   7A Science                                                 Hour
                              Assignment (p. #)

    

3. Questions should be answered in complete sentences, and have correct spelling and punctuation.
4. All work must be done on time. Missing or incomplete work will receive a parent notice, and the grade will be lowered one letter for each day it is late. If the signed parent notice and work are not received the day after issued, the student will receive a demerit.
5. Missed activities (labs) and assignments due to absences may or may not need do be made up. If an assignment is to be made up, it may be completed at home or school. If completed at school, the student must arrange a time with the teacher as soon as possible. The student has as many days to make up work as he/she was absent.
   

Grading Scale			Grade Weightings
93 - 100	A		Homework	25%
86 -   92	B		Tests/ Quizzes	30%
76 -   85	C		Notes	15%
70 -   75	D		Projects/Labs	20%
Below 70	Failing		Participation	10%

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION:

On-line text link:   my.hrw.com

Each student has their own username and password to gain access to an on-line, interative edition to their text.  Please contact Mrs. Hoover is you need the codes. 

bhoover@holyfamilyrockford.org

This web-site includes the following:

1.  Complete version of the text

2.  E-activities- interactive activities to help the students better 

     understand the concepts.  Mini- animations (Visual

     Concepts), concept mapping, virtual investigations, and

     virtual labs are included for each chapter. 

3.  The Student Resources page gives the students access to

     any worksheets assigned including chapter reviews.  They

     are prinitable.

4.  There are more resources available for struggling learners

     and and those who use English as a second language.