Introduction
HELLO and WELCOME to 7th Grade Integrated Science! My name is Mrs. Batt and this is my third year at HMS. This year will be action-packed with lots of LABS and hands-on ACTIVITIES. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
course objective
To help students become independent thinkers and critical consumers capable of using the SEPs (Science and Engineering Practices) and CCCs (Cross-Cutting Concepts) to better understand real-world phenomenon. Students will be working on laboratory activities in cooperative groups, asking meaningful questions, conducting detailed investigations/experiments, and will become familiar with the use of appropriate tools and technology for Science and Engineering. Students will formulate explanations for real-world phenomena by using logic and evidence, performing tests/retests, collecting data, analyzing relationships, and communicating results as we explore the NGSS 7th Grade Integrated Science Guiding Concept, “Natural processes and human activities cause energy to flow and matter to cycle through Earth's systems.” Included in these standards are the topics of Ecosystem Interactions, Structures and Properties of Matter, Natural Hazards and Resources, as well as Engineering Design and Nature of Science. We will also practice our Hawk Norms daily.
hawk norms
1. Be Responsible
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Safe
4. Best Effort
2. Be Respectful
3. Be Safe
4. Best Effort
classroom code of conduct
PRACTICE it here to help you MASTER it in life.
Integrity = Honesty, Truthfulness, Consistency of Character, and Trustworthiness
(Do what you say, say what you mean. Treat others as you would like to be treated.)
Respect = Awareness, Consideration, Honor, Patience, and Empathy
(Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect property. Respect our School. Respect all School Rules.)
Responsibility = Self-Discipline, Preparedness, Self-Motivation, Diligence, and Perseverance
(Come prepared to class. Always do your best. Stay focused. Participate fully.)
Integrity = Honesty, Truthfulness, Consistency of Character, and Trustworthiness
(Do what you say, say what you mean. Treat others as you would like to be treated.)
Respect = Awareness, Consideration, Honor, Patience, and Empathy
(Respect yourself. Respect others. Respect property. Respect our School. Respect all School Rules.)
Responsibility = Self-Discipline, Preparedness, Self-Motivation, Diligence, and Perseverance
(Come prepared to class. Always do your best. Stay focused. Participate fully.)
grading policy
Your grade in this class will be based on the following:
Labs/Research Projects 50%
Classwork (ISN)/Participation 20%
Homework/Quizzes 15%
Tests 15%
Labs/Research Projects 50%
Classwork (ISN)/Participation 20%
Homework/Quizzes 15%
Tests 15%
tests and quizzes
Assessments will be open note. We will have frequent Quizzes (mini-tests) and infrequent tests (Trimester Final Exams).
labs and research projects
Labs and Research Projects that are turned-in complete and on-time may be resubmitted with corrections to improve the final grade. However, I do not regrade late work – once it is late, you cannot resubmit the assignment to improve your grade.
homework
Homework is rarely assigned. Incomplete Classwork becomes Homework. If missing/incomplete assignments begin to be a problem, I will assign academic detention during lunch and after school in my classroom.
attendance
Every day is an important day in this class! Absence and tardiness will have a negative effect on grades and participation. It is the student’s responsibility to get any missed assignments and make-up any missed Labs.
late work
Late work may be turned-in for full credit until the middle/end of Trimester cut-off dates which will be posted two weeks prior to the cut-off. This is done as a courtesy to students that need extra time on certain assignments and is not meant to be abused by students that are habitually off-task and do not complete assignments. If a student is consistently off-task, turning-in late or incomplete work, and/or is not turning in work, then academic detention will be assigned. Extra Credit is NOT eligible for late work credit.
Interactive Science Notebook (ISN)
The ISN is a tool that will be used every day in class. Student growth can be tracked by regular review of the ISN. Almost all (95%) of work assigned in this class will be submitted in the ISN. ISN Check sheets will go home for parent/guardian review and signature about every two weeks. The ISN Check Sheet can be used with Batty4Science.com (under the 7th GRADE SCIENCE BLOG tab) to check your student’s work against the classroom expectation. There should be ZERO blank pages within the ISN up to the current page. Blank pages indicate that the student is not completing their assignments and should be addressed immediately.
I recommend that parents/guardians check the ISN and PowerSchool (and this website) at least on a weekly basis to help ensure that their student is on track. Please contact me ASAP if you have concerns or if your student is struggling.
I require a very specific notebook for the ISN which can be purchased at Target for $3.99 (UPC: 815766023725 - or any other color of this notebook) or you can send your student to school with $2 to purchase one directly from me at a discount. Your student must have their ISN, and all other required supplies listed on my website/Room 12 Flip-Book, by Monday, 8/27/18.
After-school Science Tutoring is available for struggling students! Ask for a permission slip if you feel your student needs this extra help!
I recommend that parents/guardians check the ISN and PowerSchool (and this website) at least on a weekly basis to help ensure that their student is on track. Please contact me ASAP if you have concerns or if your student is struggling.
I require a very specific notebook for the ISN which can be purchased at Target for $3.99 (UPC: 815766023725 - or any other color of this notebook) or you can send your student to school with $2 to purchase one directly from me at a discount. Your student must have their ISN, and all other required supplies listed on my website/Room 12 Flip-Book, by Monday, 8/27/18.
After-school Science Tutoring is available for struggling students! Ask for a permission slip if you feel your student needs this extra help!
science supplies
HMS Student Supply List
(Items NECESSARY for SCIENCE)
1. Pens (in a variety of colors)
2. Pencils
3. Loose-leaf filler paper
4. Colored Highlighters
5. Colored PENCILS/Crayons
6. Personal Pencil Sharpener
7. Binder/Agenda/Zipper Pouch for Binder Checks
SCIENCE Specific Supplies
1. Liquid White School Glue (Not stick)
2. Crayola Markers Classic Colors 10 pack (Broad Line)
3. A Kraft Clasp Envelope 7.5” x 10.5”
4. Notebook for your ISN MUST BE EXACTLY:
•8.5” by 11” with 100 sheets (college ruled)
•Poly Cover with inner pocket (first page)
•Reinforced cardboard back cover (should not bend)
•I recommend/prefer Yoobi Brand at TARGET (UPC: 815766023725 - or any other color of this notebook - $3.99)
The Yoobi Notebook and Clasp Envelope can be purchased from me at a discount for a total of $2.00
(I buy them during the summer before they are all sold out and while they are on sale!)
(Items NECESSARY for SCIENCE)
1. Pens (in a variety of colors)
2. Pencils
3. Loose-leaf filler paper
4. Colored Highlighters
5. Colored PENCILS/Crayons
6. Personal Pencil Sharpener
7. Binder/Agenda/Zipper Pouch for Binder Checks
SCIENCE Specific Supplies
1. Liquid White School Glue (Not stick)
2. Crayola Markers Classic Colors 10 pack (Broad Line)
3. A Kraft Clasp Envelope 7.5” x 10.5”
4. Notebook for your ISN MUST BE EXACTLY:
•8.5” by 11” with 100 sheets (college ruled)
•Poly Cover with inner pocket (first page)
•Reinforced cardboard back cover (should not bend)
•I recommend/prefer Yoobi Brand at TARGET (UPC: 815766023725 - or any other color of this notebook - $3.99)
The Yoobi Notebook and Clasp Envelope can be purchased from me at a discount for a total of $2.00
(I buy them during the summer before they are all sold out and while they are on sale!)
rewards and consequences
Schoolwide Rewards
1. PBC Distribution
2. Breakfast Club
3. Parent Phone Call
4. Tri-Rewards
Schoolwide Consequences
1. Non-Verbal Cue
2. Verbal Warning
3. Time-Out
4. Parent Contact
5. Office Referral
Additional Room 12 Rewards
1. BATT BUCKS
2. Class Dojo Points
3. Field Trips
4. Extension Activities
Additional Room 12 Consequences
1. Class Dojo Point Removal
2. Behavior Essay/Assignment
3. Academic Detention
4. Detention (Lunch/After School/In Home)
5. Removal from Lab Activities
1. PBC Distribution
2. Breakfast Club
3. Parent Phone Call
4. Tri-Rewards
Schoolwide Consequences
1. Non-Verbal Cue
2. Verbal Warning
3. Time-Out
4. Parent Contact
5. Office Referral
Additional Room 12 Rewards
1. BATT BUCKS
2. Class Dojo Points
3. Field Trips
4. Extension Activities
Additional Room 12 Consequences
1. Class Dojo Point Removal
2. Behavior Essay/Assignment
3. Academic Detention
4. Detention (Lunch/After School/In Home)
5. Removal from Lab Activities
Please be advised that participation in Lab Activities is a privilege not a right. If the student does not conduct her/himself according to the Science Safety Contract (see below) the student will be removed from Lab Activities and given an alternative assignment. This is non-negotiable to ensure the safety of our classroom.
Science Safety Contract
PURPOSE: Science is a hands-on laboratory class. However, science activities may have potential hazards. We will use some equipment and animals that may be dangerous if not handled properly. Safety in the science classroom is an important part of the scientific process. To ensure a safe classroom, a list of rules has been developed and is called the Science Safety Contract. These rules must be followed at all times. Additional safety instructions will be given for each activity. No science student will be allowed to participate in science activities until this contract has been signed by both the student and a parent or guardian.
SAFETY RULES:
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks will not be tolerated.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teacher questions if you do not understand the instructions.
3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, animals, or other materials in the science room without permission from the teacher.
4. Perform only authorized and approved experiments. Do not conduct any experiments when the teacher is out of the room.
5. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science room.
6. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and mouth while using science materials or when working with either chemicals or animals. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the science room.
7. Wear safety glasses or goggles when instructed. Never remove safety glasses or goggles during an experiment. There will be no exceptions to this rule!
8. Keep your work area and the science room neat and clean. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and writing instruments to the work area.
9. Clean all work areas and equipment at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
10. Follow your teacher’s instructions to dispose of any waste materials generated in an experiment.
11. Report any accident (fire, spill, breakage, etc.), injury (cut, burn, etc.), or hazardous condition (broken equipment, etc.) to the teacher immediately.
12. Consider all chemicals used in the science room to be dangerous. Do not touch or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
13. Handle all animals with care and respect. a. Open animal cages only with permission. b. Never handle any animals when the teacher is out of the room. c. Do not take animals out of the science room. d. Do not tease or handle animals roughly. e. Keep animals away from students’ faces. f. Wear gloves when handling animals. g. Report any animal bite or scratch to the teacher immediately.
14. Always carry a microscope with both hands. Hold the arm with one hand; place the other hand under the base.
15. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect. a. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room. b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp instruments only as instructed. c. Never cut any material towards you - always cut away from your body. d. Report any cut or scratch from sharp instruments to the teacher immediately.
16. Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher.
17. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, supplies, or animals from the science room without permission from the teacher.
18. Handle all glassware with care. Never pick up hot or broken glassware with your bare hands.
19. Use extreme caution when using matches, a burner, or hot plate. Only light burners when instructed and do not put anything into a flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Do not leave a lit burner unattended.
20. Dress properly - long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing. Wear aprons when instructed.
21. Learn where the safety equipment is located and how to use it. Know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.
AGREEMENT
I, ______________________________ , have read and understand each of the above safety rules set forth in this contract. I agree to follow them to ensure not only my own safety but also the safety of others in the science classroom or laboratory. I also agree to follow the general rules of appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times to avoid accidents and to provide a safe learning environment for everyone. I understand that if I do not follow all the rules and safety precautions, I will not be allowed to participate in science activities.
Student Signature: _____________________________________
Date: _____________
Dear Parent or Guardian: We feel that you should be informed of the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment. Please read the list of safety rules. No student will be permitted to perform science activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is on file with the teacher. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Science Safety Contract, reviewed it with your child, and are aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science classroom.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________
Important questions:
1) Does your child wear contact lenses? Y or N
2) Is your child color blind? Y or N
3)Does your child have any allergies? Y or N
If YES, please list: ________________________________
SAFETY RULES:
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the science room. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks will not be tolerated.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teacher questions if you do not understand the instructions.
3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, animals, or other materials in the science room without permission from the teacher.
4. Perform only authorized and approved experiments. Do not conduct any experiments when the teacher is out of the room.
5. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science room.
6. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and mouth while using science materials or when working with either chemicals or animals. Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving the science room.
7. Wear safety glasses or goggles when instructed. Never remove safety glasses or goggles during an experiment. There will be no exceptions to this rule!
8. Keep your work area and the science room neat and clean. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and writing instruments to the work area.
9. Clean all work areas and equipment at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.
10. Follow your teacher’s instructions to dispose of any waste materials generated in an experiment.
11. Report any accident (fire, spill, breakage, etc.), injury (cut, burn, etc.), or hazardous condition (broken equipment, etc.) to the teacher immediately.
12. Consider all chemicals used in the science room to be dangerous. Do not touch or smell any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
13. Handle all animals with care and respect. a. Open animal cages only with permission. b. Never handle any animals when the teacher is out of the room. c. Do not take animals out of the science room. d. Do not tease or handle animals roughly. e. Keep animals away from students’ faces. f. Wear gloves when handling animals. g. Report any animal bite or scratch to the teacher immediately.
14. Always carry a microscope with both hands. Hold the arm with one hand; place the other hand under the base.
15. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect. a. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room. b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp instruments only as instructed. c. Never cut any material towards you - always cut away from your body. d. Report any cut or scratch from sharp instruments to the teacher immediately.
16. Never open storage cabinets or enter the prep/storage room without permission from the teacher.
17. Do not remove chemicals, equipment, supplies, or animals from the science room without permission from the teacher.
18. Handle all glassware with care. Never pick up hot or broken glassware with your bare hands.
19. Use extreme caution when using matches, a burner, or hot plate. Only light burners when instructed and do not put anything into a flame unless specifically instructed to do so. Do not leave a lit burner unattended.
20. Dress properly - long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, and no loose or baggy clothing. Wear aprons when instructed.
21. Learn where the safety equipment is located and how to use it. Know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.
AGREEMENT
I, ______________________________ , have read and understand each of the above safety rules set forth in this contract. I agree to follow them to ensure not only my own safety but also the safety of others in the science classroom or laboratory. I also agree to follow the general rules of appropriate behavior for a classroom at all times to avoid accidents and to provide a safe learning environment for everyone. I understand that if I do not follow all the rules and safety precautions, I will not be allowed to participate in science activities.
Student Signature: _____________________________________
Date: _____________
Dear Parent or Guardian: We feel that you should be informed of the school’s effort to create and maintain a safe science classroom/laboratory environment. Please read the list of safety rules. No student will be permitted to perform science activities unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is on file with the teacher. Your signature on this contract indicates that you have read this Science Safety Contract, reviewed it with your child, and are aware of the measures taken to ensure the safety of your son/daughter in the science classroom.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________
Important questions:
1) Does your child wear contact lenses? Y or N
2) Is your child color blind? Y or N
3)Does your child have any allergies? Y or N
If YES, please list: ________________________________
Tardies
Students that are tardy are expected to enter the room quietly, take their seat, and immediately begin working to catch-up to the class. THIS DOES NOT mean that the student should interrupt the entire class AGAIN (your tardy is the first interruption) to ask the teacher questions about what was missed or what to do.
An unexcused tardy will earn the student one negative behavior mark. After a student earns three negative behavior marks in one day, or five in one week, disciplinary action will occur.
It is school policy that FIVE unexcused tardies per Trimester results in an UNSATISFACTORY ("U") for a citizenship grade.
I am very strict about tardiness because we do not have a single minute of class time to waste. You will be considered tardy if you are not in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
An unexcused tardy will earn the student one negative behavior mark. After a student earns three negative behavior marks in one day, or five in one week, disciplinary action will occur.
It is school policy that FIVE unexcused tardies per Trimester results in an UNSATISFACTORY ("U") for a citizenship grade.
I am very strict about tardiness because we do not have a single minute of class time to waste. You will be considered tardy if you are not in your seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
Bathroom policy
Students will receive two laminated Room 12 Bathroom Passes. These passes may be used for a short bathroom break or they may be turned-in for BATT BUCKS (our classroom reward system) at the middle and end of every Trimester. This means, the student may use the bathroom 12 times (twice per half trimester) during the school year, during my class, without any consequence (this is the equivalent of roughly 60 minutes of lost class time).
If your student has a medical reason why they need to use the bathroom more often than this system allows, please file the proper paperwork with the HMS office.
If both passes have been used, and it is an emergency, your student will be allowed to use the bathroom but will receive after school detention.
Any bathroom break that exceeds five minutes (with a pass or without) will trigger a detention being issued.
If your student has a medical reason why they need to use the bathroom more often than this system allows, please file the proper paperwork with the HMS office.
If both passes have been used, and it is an emergency, your student will be allowed to use the bathroom but will receive after school detention.
Any bathroom break that exceeds five minutes (with a pass or without) will trigger a detention being issued.