7th Grade Science Syllabus
Riverview Gardens Central Middle School
Miss Emanuel
Room 306
867-2603 ext.2955
Dear Family,
Below is a breakdown of the 7th grade Science units your child will study. The big ideas for each topic corresponds to the Missouri State Standards and the Riverview Gardens Grade Level Expectations (GLE).
Scientific Method and Inquiry consists of:
-Ask a question (identify a problem).
-Determine what is known.
-Investigate and do an experiment.
-Interpret results (organize data).
-Share results, state conclusion.
Matter, forms of energy, temperature, and heat
By the time the students have finished this unit, they should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-Everything that has mass and takes up space is matter.
-Matter can be identified on the basis of all its properties.
-Energy has different forms, but it is always conserved.
-Heat is a flow of energy due to temperature differences.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Matter is made of particles too small to see.
-Matter changes form and moves from place to place.
-Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be created of destroyed.
Electricity, circuits, and magnetism
By the time the students have finished this unit, they should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-Moving electric charges transfer energy.
-Circuits control the flow of electric charge.
-Current can produce magnetism, and magnetism can produce current.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Matter is made of particles too small to see.
-Matter changes form and moves from place to place.
-Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be created of destroyed.
Motion, forces, and machines:
By the time the students have finished this unit, they should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-The motion of an object can be described and predicted.
-Forces change the motion of objects in predictable ways.
-Newton’s laws apply to all forces.
-Energy is transferred when a force moves an object.
-Machines help people work by changing the force applied to an object.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Energy changes from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.
-Physical forces affect the movement of all matter on earth and throughout the universe.
Space exploration, system, our solar system, stars, galaxies, and the universe
By the time the students have finished this unit, they should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-People develop and use technology to explore and study.
-Earth and the moon move in predictable ways as they orbit.
-Planets and other objects form a system around our Sun.
-Our Sun is one of billions of stars in one of billions of galaxies.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Physical forces, such as gravity, affect the movement of all things throughout the universe.
-Earth has changed over time and continues to change.
Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns, and climate
By the time the students have finished this unit, they should be able to explain the following BIG ideas:
-Earth’s atmosphere is a blanket of gases that supports and protects life.
-Some features of weather have predictable patterns.
-The interaction of air masses causes changes in weather.
-Climates are long-term weather patterns that may change over time.
The BIG ideas in the chapters support an understanding of the following Unifying Principles of physical science:
-Matter and energy move among the solid Earth, the atmosphere, Earth’s waters, and living things.
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Course Expectations/Attendance
All students are expected to attend classes daily and be on time. Students are expected to come to class prepared to work and conduct themselves in a respectful manner. Students are expected to participate in class. Students are expected to take notes in class and maintain notes and handouts. Students are expected to participate in all class discussions, labs, and complete ALL homework assignments as well as projects. Dishonesty will be handled according to the guidelines of Riverview Gardens School District.
Students will be counted tardy for class if they are not in their seats when the bell rings. Tardy violations will be handled according to the attendance policy listed in the student handbook.
Attendance & Make-up work policy
Students will be allowed one day for every absence to complete and return make-up work. MISSED ASSIGNMENTS ARE THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY. Students are expected to ask the teacher before or after class for the make-up work.
Homework Policy
Students are expected to turn in work at the beginning of class on the day it is due. Late work will result in a reduction of grade. The student, teacher, and parent all share responsibility for the academic success of the student.
Student Responsibility: The student will…
-Come to class on time with required materials.
-Pay attention in class and participate in lessons.
-Complete assigned work and turn it in on time.
-Ask for help when needed.
Teacher Responsibility: The Teacher will…
-Prepare meaningful lessons that are aligned with the curriculum.
-Guide students through activities that engage in meaningful learning.
-Be available to help students needing assistance.
-Communicate regularly concerning homework, assessments and student progress.
Parent Responsibility: The parent will…
-Check student notebook for assignments and upcoming projects.
-Be available to help your child when needing assistance.
-Communicate concerns with teacher.
-Communicate concerns with your child.
Tutoring Policy
If a student needs additional assistance, tutoring may be arranged upon teacher availability either before or after school.
Parent communication system
Parents may contact me via email or phone. If a parent wished to request a conference, times may be arranged upon availability. Parents may also check the schools website under Miss Emanuel’s homepage for additional information as well as SIS Parent Portal.
Grading Policy & Grading Scale
Grades are averaged and based on scores from the following: Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Class work, and Homework.
Grading Scale:
100-97% = A+ / 96-94% = A / 93-90% = A-89-87% = B+ / 86-84% = B / 83-80 = B-
79-77% = C+ / 76-74% = C / 73-70 = C-
69-67% = D+ / 66-64% = D / 63-60 = D-
Any grade BELOW 60% results in an F.
Materials
Pens (blue or black ink)
Red grading pen
Pencils
2 Composition Books/ spiral notebook (one for each semester)
Two pocket folder
Dishonesty/Cheating Information
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense which will result in the student receiving a zero for that assignment. One form of dishonesty is plagiarism – the use of another author’s ideas, statements, or approaches without crediting the source. Academic dishonesty also includes such acts as cheating by copying information from another student’s work, examination, take home test, or work done for another class.
Please note this syllabus is an outline of what will be covered: Additional assignments may be issued. Miss Emanuel reserves the right to ament the syllabus based on the needs of the curriculum and schedule of Central Middle School.
It is a GREAT day to be a Ram!
7th Grade Science Syllabus
The above information has been reviewed and discussed between parent/guardian and child.
Student Name: ______Class Period: ______
I have received a copy of the class syllabus and have discussed it with my child.
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Please return this sheet to Miss Emanuel’s Science Classroom.