Syllabus

7th Grade Science Mrs. VanderMolen Room #702 Voicemail # 574-0353 Ext. 34238   Email: julie.vandermolen@kentwoodps.org Web Page: vandermolenclasses.wikispaces.com ** 7th Grade Science Overview ** Welcome to the 7th grade. I am very excited to have you in my Science class this year and look forward to getting to know you better. Science is a very exciting subject and we will have a lot of fun learning about many topics this year. Science is everywhere! How many questions have you investigated already today? Probably more than you realize! Was the weather outside sunny or raining? Have you listened to the news lately and heard about the forest fires out west or any current hurricanes? Did you swim in a lake this summer or hike in the mountains? Did you use the microwave or toaster to make your breakfast this morning? Did you make kool-aid this summer? All of these things relate directly to Science! Again, I am looking forward to this year and hope you all are too. Please feel free to contact me at the above numbers if you have any questions. I am available before school, at lunch, and after school for extra help!

We will be learning about many topics this year that include:
 * Scientific Method ** - //Including metric measurement and lab safety.//
 * Cells and Heredity ** - //Describe the structure// //of// //living things. Examine how cells can become specialized. Compare how characteristics are passed on through sexual and asexual reproduction.//
 * Photosynthesis ** - //Describe how plants make, use, and store// //food.//
 * Waves and Energy ** - //Identify examples of waves**.**// //Describe and demonstrate how waves are produced and transfer energy. Identify how the sun produces light and heat energy through nuclear reactions.//
 * Matter ** - //Identify and describe elements and compounds in terms of molecular structure.//
 * Chemical Reactions ** - //Compare and contrast chemical and physical properties and changes//.
 * Pollution ** - //Explain and describe how human activities affect the Earth’s ecosystems, atmosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere. Describe the origins of pollution.//
 * Atmosphere ** - //Describe the atmosphere as a mixture of gasses. Compare and contrast the layers of the atmosphere. Describe how the warming of the Earth by the sun produces climates and weather.//
 * Water Cycle - ** //Describe and explain the water cycle. Analyze the flow of water between the components of a watershed.//
 * // Weather and Climate - //**// Compare and contrast weather and climate. Describe how different climates and weather conditions occur. //

**__ 3 Golden Rules of Room 702 __** 1. Always be respectful ! 2. Be on time ! 3. Bring all needed materials to class!

*More on Classroom Expectations*
 * Refer to your classroom social contract. You need to respect the teacher, your classmates, and the materials! No putdowns – we are all trying to learn!
 * You need to listen when others are talking.
 * Consequences follow Valleywood policies.
 * You are expected to bring **your** **binder**, **planner**, **paper or** **a** **notebook**, **book to read**, **a** **writing utensil** **and your** **ID**, to class **everyday**!
 * When classwork or homework is assigned, you are expected to participate and complete it on time!
 * You need to be to class on time – see the Valleywood tardy policy!
 * If you are absent check the folders first, then come ask me about the assignments if you have any questions.

The breakdown to earn your grade is as follows: 85% = Assessments 15% = Assignments *Projects, daily assignments, labs, quizzes and other forms of instruction will be utilized daily to ensure students are prepared for and have mastered standards required for assessments *
 * Grading – See Grading Policy Page for more information! **

We will have CLASSROOM sets of books this year. Keep the book you received at registration for use at home. You may check out new books from the library, as we move to new ones throughout the year.


 * Online access is also available at: **
 * MY.HRW.COM **
 * Username: vwscience **
 * Password: Student3 **

The grading scale is as follows: A = 94-100 A- = 90-93 B+ = 87-89 B = 83-86 B- = 80-82 C+ = 77-79 C = 73-76 C- = 70-72 D+ = 67-69 D = 63-66 D- = 60-62 E = 59 or below

If there are any questions please feel free to ask me, look at the assignment board, or check my web page. I look forward to a fun and challenging year!

Mrs. VanderMolen