Welcome to Grade 7 Earth and Life Science
Mrs. Fecteau
What are we going to study?
Earth Science – Geology – Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Rocks,
Minerals, Weathering and Erosion
Life science – The Cell, Genetics and the Human Body
How will I be graded?
Your grades will be based on a total points system. You will be instructed to keep a tally of all grades you receive. At any point, you will be able to figure out your average by dividing the number of points you have earned by the total number of possible points X 100%.
Tests will be worth the most points (100 points per test)
Quizzes (25-50 points per assignment)
Labs/classworks (25-50 points per assignment)
Homework (3-5 points per assignment)
What should I bring to class each day?
Planner, binder, textbook, homework, pen/pencil
Composition Notebooks are to be kept in class.
How can I stay organized for this class?
Organization = SUCCESS! Staying organized will really help you succeed in school this year. Use your SAT time for this or downtime in class. You will need a 3 ring binder or accordion file to hold all important papers and homework assignments.
**New - Keep a one subject notebook for science class. This is our INTERACTIVE NOTEBOOK. Everything we do will be placed in this notebook.
How much homework will there be?
Homework is an extremely important part of science and will be assigned almost on a nightly basis. Assignments will include vocabulary, readings, answering questions, reinforcement/practice worksheets, lab reports, mini labs to do at home, etc. Homework will be graded for completion, not for accuracy. I will check homework the day after it has been assigned at the beginning of the period. Please place it on the front corner of your desk at the start of class.
What do I do if I’m absent?
Check the “While You Were Out” folder the day you return to class.
Check with a friend from this class.
Use this website!
You have 5 days to make-up missed work. However, it is to your advantage to make up missed work ASAP!!!
What important info should I place on my papers?
Full Name – meaning first and last names
Date assignment is given
Class Color – yours is (Red/Yellow/Blue/Green/Purple)
Can I do extra credit?
There will be a weekly opportunity to do extra credit. Check out the side
bulletin board at the beginning of the week. There will be a “Question of
the Week” posted there. Answer it correctly by the end of the week and
you receive 2 points. These points are accumulated per term and will be
added to your total points received to boost your average.
Answers can be placed on any kind of paper. Your name, date and class color
must be included with your answer. If one of these things is missing, you
will receive no credit. Completed answer sheets should be placed in the
butterfly box by the Friday of that week (or the last day of the week).
*** This will be the ONLY method of obtaining extra credit. Please don’t ask to do extra projects at the end of the term when you may not be getting a grade as high as you’d like. The answer will ALWAYS be NO.***
What if I need to stay for extra help?
Please plan to stay on Wednesday afternoons. If this does not work for you, we
may be able to make other arrangements. Sometimes, this may be changed to
accommodate a study session for a test later in the week.
What if I have to leave the room?
The best time to visit the restroom or get a drink is right before class. Come in, drop your things off and GO, as quickly as possible. You do not need to tell me. Please do not ask to go the bathroom or to get a drink in the middle of class unless it is an emergency. I completely understand these cases. Don’t be afraid to ask if that is the case. On most days, the end of the period may also be a good time to go.
What are the rules of the science class?
1. You will do nothing to prevent teaching.
2. You will do nothing to prevent learning.
3. Everybody will be treated with respect. Respect includes, but is not limited to:
a. No name calling, teasing or bullying of any kind
b. Listening to people talk without interrupting
c. Waiting your turn to speak or get supplies
Why we have rules:
· To allow each student the opportunity to learn
· To prevent the disruption of learning
· To create a safe place to learn
What happens if I break a rule?
1. The first time one of the three rules is broken, you will receive a friendly warning (yellow card).
2. The second time you will receive a second, formal warning which is recorded (you sign your name on the yellow card).
3. The third time, you will receive a call home and a consequence, such as a detention or ejection from the class (red card).
What should I do at the beginning of each class?
1. Come into the room and sit at your assigned seat.
2. Read the agenda on the board and copy homework assignments into your assignment notebook.
3. If there is a Warm-Up question posted, answer that question to the best of your ability.
4. If you had homework from the previous night, take it out and leave it at the front corner of your desk to be checked off.
What should I do if I finish my work early?
1. If you finish an assignment, test, or lab early, use this time efficiently. You should review your notes and/or vocabulary, begin homework, make-up work, or organize yourself.
2. Do not socialize with those around you; you will distract those who need to finish their work.
What should I do at the end of class?
1. Begin to clean up and put your materials away only AFTER you have been given instructions to do so.
2. Remain at your assigned seat until you have been dismissed or otherwise instructed.
3. The bell does not dismiss you, I do.
Can I eat, drink or chew gum in class?
1. There is no eating in class, except for special occasions.
2. Only water is allowed in class. You are allowed to carry a water bottle around during the day.
3. There is NO GUM chewing allowed in the building.
What happens if there is a fire or lock down drill?
1. If there is a fire drill, line up quietly and follow in a straight line out the door closest to the gyms. Once we are outside, I will take attendance to make sure we are all outside. Please act responsibly when we are outside.
2. In a lock down drill, remain calm, stay quiet and follow the teacher’s instructions. We will be asked to stay away from the doors and windows and remain quiet.
What kind of safety equipment is in the lab?
The science lab has a great deal of unfamiliar equipment, some of which can be dangerous. Do not touch anything in the lab without permission.
Safety Shower – use only if you are on fire or are burning from contact with chemicals.
Eyewash – use only if you have an irritant in your eye(s). We will wear safety goggles for any lab that may be harmful to your eyes. You will be expected to wear them for the entire length of the lab.
These are not toys and should not be treated as such!
I look forward to working with you this year. I wish you all success in this class. I am here to help you have a great year!