Welcome to Ms. Komm’s Science Class
Grade 7 - 2023-2024 Syllabus
Contact Information - [email protected]
I look forward to being your 7th grade science teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. Science will be fun and engaging as students learn about the world around them, how it works and relate their discoveries to their personal lives as well as other academic subjects. In order to create and maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning, I ask that you please review the syllabus for student performance expectations in our classroom and lab safety contract. Please sign and return the accompanying electronic form (found in OnCourse Classroom) to ensure that both student and parent/guardian have reviewed this information. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Email is the best way to reach me.
THE YEAR IN A GLANCE
Physical Science - Waves, Sound, Light
Life Science - Body Systems and Interactions
Physical Science - Thermal Energy and Chemical Reactions
Earth Science - Weather and Human Impacts
GRADING POLICY
- Your grade will be based on academic achievement and comprised of assessments (80%), homework (5%), and a quarterly assessment (15%) as per district policy.
- Assessments include classwork, labs, quizzes, tests and projects.
- Late assignments - Points will be deducted each day an assignment is late past the due date. After the fifth day, the assignment will earn a zero. Once an assignment is reviewed, it may not be made up.
- Assessments are based on achievement, as opposed to standards; therefore they are assigned points based on the rigor of the assignment. Example: 20/25 = .80 x 100 = 80% = B-
- Plagiarism, including AI responses, is an academic infraction within our integrity policy.
LETTER AND NUMERICAL GRADE
A+ = 97-100
A = 93-96
A- = 90-92
B+ = 87-89
B = 83-86
B- = 80-82
C+ = 77-79
C = 73-76
C- = 70-72
D = 65-69
F = 64 or below
ADVANCED PLACEMENT FOR GRADE 8 SCIENCE
- Grade A or higher in Science 7402
- A or higher in both LAL and math courses (B+ in Algebra, or B+ in 01 LAL)
- Teacher Recommendation - includes but not limited to academic independence and positive behavior
BE SUCCESSFUL IN CLASS - BRING THE REQUIRED MATERIALS
- A notebook or 3-ring binder, or notebooke with paper for note taking, folder to store important documents and/or worksheets and writing utensils (pencils, erasers and blue or black pens) for daily classwork.
- Student Issued Chromebook and charger.
- Sling bag to carry class materials throughout the day
- Student ID - to be worn throughout the school day, and used to swipe in and out.
- Students will be trained in the following virtual platforms and should have access to: Mosa Mack, Discovery Education, Brainpop, Achieve 3000, Clever, and various other websites to be determined. **Links to websites will be available in OnCourse Classroom.
- Recommended Agenda pad to record important dates.
ONCOURSE AND ONCOURSE CLASSROOM
STUDENTS
This year, assignments and assessments will be posted in OnCourse Classroom. It is extremely important that you check the assignments that are posted in OnCourse classroom every day.
*Check OnCourse Classroom for assignments that you miss when you are absent from school.
PARENTS
It is strongly encouraged to check Oncourse weekly with your child to monitor student progress. Homework assignments populate at 3pm each day.
RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
1. TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAMWORK. Science requires a great deal of collaboration. Students are expected to be respectful of their peers, their teacher, and others’ personal items. It’s ok to agree or respectfully disagree during class discussions.
2. BE ON TIME FOR CLASS. Attendance will be recorded at the start of class each day. As per school rules, after the 5th late a student will be given a 2 day detention. A 3 day administrative detention will be given for the 10th late, and Saturday detention or ISS will be given for 15+ lates.
3. BE PREPARED. When class begins, have materials ready, be seated and silent when the bell rings. Copy new homework and important dates into an agenda pad or notebook, and Do Now into the science notebook. All assignments are expected to be submitted prior to the start of the class period unless instructed otherwise. Pencil sharpening, organizing handouts, etc. should all be done quietly in the beginning of class while students are working on the Do Now.
4. PARTICIPATION PARTIER!! Show understanding and respond when the teacher engages in class discussions. ALWAYS ask questions!
5. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE GIVEN. No lab or activity materials on desks are to be touched until directions are reviewed and permission is given. Additionally, misuse of any class materials will result in an immediate referral to administration and potentially a grade of zero will be earned. Please review lab safety contract for more information.
6. STUDENT ID/HALL PASS WILL SERVE AS STUDENT’S HALL PASS. Permission, Student ID AND a hall pass are required to leave the classroom for ANY reason. Unless the academic activity requires movement, students should not be out of their seat for any reason. Students will ask for permission before leaving their seat, or the classroom. Students will be required to sign in and out of the classroom.
7. THE BELL DOESN’T DISMISS STUDENTS. The teacher will dismiss the class when materials are cleaned, the lesson is complete, chairs are tucked in, and any trash or items are either picked up or thrown out.
8. WEAR SCHOOL APPROPRIATE CLOTHING. Please see the dress code in the student handbook, and follow accordingly to ensure a non-distracting and safe learning environment.
9. In the event a student is absent, it is the student's responsibility to gather and complete missed assignments upon return to school. Missed assignments and worksheets will be stored in the “absentee bin” and in OnCourse classroom. It is recommended students have a study buddy to get their missed “Do Nows” or notes. For clarification check in with the study buddy first or teacher. Students will respectfully have the number of days out to make up missing work.
10. EVERY ACTION HAS A REACTION. All school rules apply at all times. It’s not magic, it’s Science! Science is educational but can be fun and exciting too; however, requires students to be safe, respectful, pay attention, and follow procedures and guidelines. Students will be given a warning and/or a consequence deemed appropriate for their action.
After reviewing the class syllabus and lab safety contract with a parent or guardian, please complete the acknowledgement form (found in OnCourse Classroom).