Mrs.

Plain Syllabus 2013-2014

Students, My name is Mrs. Plain and I am a 7th grade science and math instructor. Below you will be able to view my course outline, syllabus and expectations. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you need to speak with me for any reason. I am here to make sure you are successful in science and math and my goal is to do what I can to accomplish this. I look forward to a wonderful school year! Sincerely,

Mrs. Plain

Contact information
Email: plaina@colbert.k12.ok.us Phone: Website:

Course Description
The major topics that we will cover for 7th grade science include the following: Measurement, classifications and experimental design including the use and collection and communication of data Scientific thinking and reasoning Properties and physical changes in matter Structure and function in living systems Reproduction and heredity (genetics) Animal classification Parts of a cell Plants Graphing Living organisms and their survival and behavior Weather and climate

*if time permits, we may cover concepts concerning astronomical sciences as well as earth sciences The major topics that we will cover for 7th grade math include the following: Algebraic reasoning Number sense and operation Geometry Measurement Data analysis Communicating, solving, reasoning, connecting, and representing data Linear equations and equalities Compare positive and negative rational numbers Ratios and proportions Percent applications Simplify expressions Classify geometric figures and apply concepts Solve for perimeter, area and circumference of geometric figures Determine the probability of an event Compute the mean, median and mode

Grading/ Evaluation of Performance Your grade for science and math will be determined by how well you do in each of the following categories listed below. Tests will be weighted 3 times greater than quizzes, homework, and other classroom activities.

Exams, Quizzes, and Performance Assessments These scores will be based off of specific material that we cover in class.

Notebook (Notes), Warm-ups, Daily Assignments, and Participation Your science/math notebook(or binder) may be used for daily warm-ups, notes, in class activities, worksheets, etc. Some daily work/ homework will be collected as it is completed. Students will be notified of the collection of this work either verbally and/or in writing. When appropriate, you need to be a participating member of the classroom. This will be reflected in your grade. *you will need a binder for science and either a binder or notebook for math in order to keep your notes and homework organized

Projects (primarily for science) Each grading period you will complete activities, labs, and projects. Labs will be collected and graded just like daily assignments. A project may include a task such as writing a research paper, investigating a topic, creating a model/simulation, or present a skit or demonstration. Project guidelines will be given out before they are due. Most projects will also include a rubric so you will know how you will be scored on your final product.

Classroom Policies/ Expectations

Late Work I accept late work for only two days following the due date of the assignment. You must have your name, the date you turn in the assignment, the date the assignment was originally due, the assignment (for example page 20 #1-10), class period and an entirely completed assignment with work included. If any information is missing, the assignment will not be accepted and will be a zero. If you turn in the assignment 1 day late the most credit you can receive is 75%. If you turn in the assignment 2 days late, the most credit you can receive is 50%. The best way to avoid getting points deducted is to make sure you turn in your homework on time. *This policy is subject to change depending on how things go this year but I will let you know if something changes

Tardies/Absence If you are tardy to class or you were absent the previous day, please be sure to get an admit slip from the office. If you were gone, you MUST go to the office before school starts in order to get an admit slip. If you are tardy to class, I will send you to the office to get an admit slip. As soon as the door is closed, you will need to get a slip before returning to class.

Makeup Work/ Absences If you are absent, you are responsible for completing work missed. Your missing assignments will be in your hanging file with your name on it. I am working on getting a website up and running so you can get notes and assignments from the website. You will have as many days as you are

absent to make up work. Tests are announced well in advance so you will have lots of time to study. If you miss a review day before a test, you will still be expected to take the test on schedule. If you are absent on test day, the test must be made up within a few days of your absence. It is your responsibility to give me notice of absence and schedule a time to make up the exam.

Academic Dishonesty I take integrity very seriously so I expect that all work students hand into me is their own. There will be times when you will be allowed to work with partners or groups on assignments or labs but I expect that you will turn in work that is a reflection of your learning. If I see you copying answers or using another students work as your own, I have the right to refuse to take it and no credit will be awarded. Plain and simple, dont cheat.

Materials You will be expected to bring a science binder and math notebook or binder to class. You will need to take notes some days and use paper for warmups or WODs (word of the day) and other assignments daily. There may be days that I expect you to bring other materials and this will be specified in advance. You will always need your textbook (either science or math), your notebook and/or binder, something to write with, paper to write on, and a red pen for science and math at the very minimum each day.

Prepardness I expect you to come to class ready and prepared to learn. This means that I expect you to bring all necessary items and that you have read the warm-up or instructions on the board. You will always have something that you need to do as soon as you step foot in my classroom (whether this is a warm-up for science or checking your homework for math). Your job is to

read the action that you must take (this will either be on the whiteboard or the smartboard or projector). When the bell rings, everyone should be working on their assigned task at their assigned seat. I should not need to ask you to be quiet when I give instructions.

Respect I expect that each student will treat me, themselves, and others with respect in my classroom. There is no tolerance for disrespect of any kind. In addition, no hurtful comments should be spoken/written/communicated. If you cant say anything nice, dont say anything at all. If disrespect does happen, disciplinary actions will result. This includes lunch detention or isd-depending on the severity of the situation. I will first give you a warning. The second time I will issue a lunch detention and the third time will be a detention or other disciplinary action. *I may also issue breakfast detentions as necessary as a discipline measure depending on the situation

Electronic Devices Electronic devices of any kind should not be used in my classroom unless I specifically say so. If I see you using an electronic device during a time that is not specified for its use, I will ask for the item and take it to the office where it can be picked up at the end of the day.

Additional Policies You should sharpen pencils, staple papers and other class duties before or after class at the student center. This can be distracting to other students and take away from class time.

 You should be prepared for class. I will not let you get your homework from your locker without having to use a pass so it is in your best interest to be entirely prepared for class. Use the bathroom/drink before class begins. I expect you to take care of your bathroom needs before class so you dont miss any important classroom instructions. Make sure you are an active listener and participant when appropriate. This will be reflected in your grade. Learn to problem solve. Instead of interrupting class because you have a non-urgent situation, try to solve the problem without disrupting the learning environment. When you ask permission to do something say May I or Can I instead of I am. This is a respectful way to address this. I have no tolerance for put downs or derogatory comments. I dont want to hear inappropriate language of any kind or disciplinary consequences will be made. Take pride in your work. Please do not throw tests or quizzes away as soon as they are handed back to you. Keep those in your science/math folder or binder so you can use them to study or review. My space should not be used for any reason. If the phone rings, please do not answer it unless I ask you to. There should be a small recap of what we did the previous day and what we are doing the next day so you should not wonder what is to come. After class, make sure to clean up any mess you have left. Use your in class time effectively.

Student signature______________________ Date___________________ Parent Signature_______________________ Date___________________