Science Syllabus
Welcome to 7th & 8th grade science class at Chopin School!
My philosophy about teaching Science is based around making learning meaningful. I believe in combining lectures, power point presentations, problem-based videos, cooperative learning groups, independent research, individual- and group-inquiry, and science experiments to create an attractive science program.The content area of science is the tool being used to help you develop and improve your life skills. The demands that I place on you, as both parents and students, will help you develop in the areas of responsibility, balancing, prioritizing, dealing with stress, dealing with success and failure, communicating and interacting in a positive manner. These are skills that we all need to succeed in the world.
Course Curriculum
The following topics will be covered in these courses:
7th grade 8th grade
Scientific Method Scientific Methods
Scientific Measurements Scientific Measurements
Cells Matter
Genetics & Heredity Chemical Elements
Body System Force and Motion
Ecology Energy
Mrs. Caraba’s Web Site
Students and parents are encouraged to visit my web site: wwww.chopinschool.org/resource/room303. This is the best way to keep informed about homework assignments, upcoming tests/quizzes, and other important information.
Realtime Parent/Student Portal
Student grades and assignment information are available at the CPS Student Portal. This is a convenient way to keep track of your grades (or your child’s grades) and monitor your progress in class. Students are expected to check their science grade at least once a week.
After School Extra Help
Students who are staying after school for extra help must have a permission slip or note signed by their parent or guardian. The note should indicate whether you will take the late bus home or be picked up by a parent.
Science Binder
A three-ring binder, with lined notebook paper, is recommended for this class. Your science binder should be divided into the following five sections:
1. Do-Now 2. Notes 3. Handouts 4. Classwork 5. Homework
Your science binder should contain all of your science work (notes, homework, handouts, returned assignments, etc.). It should be kept neat, organized, and up to date at all times. There may be binder checks or quizzes.The binder check/quiz is to make sure that you are maintaining a complete, organized, and up to date binder. It is also to make sure that you have been taking notes, completing the Do-now’s, correcting assignments when we go over them, etc.
Grading Scale
During the course of each marking period, you will be expected to complete a variety of assignments: at-home and in-class projects, quizzes, tests and laboratory activities. Your marking period grade will be a reflection of how well you accomplish these tasks, and the effort that you apply to complete them.
- Tests/Quizzes: 40%
- Class Participation: 10%
- Projects: 10%
- Homework: 10%
- Notebook Organization: 10%
- Classwork: 20%
CPS Grading Scale:
A=100-93 B= 92-85 C= 84-77 D= 76-70 F=<70
Grading Policies
- Students must have their assignments complete and with them in class the day they are due to receive full credit. Late homework assignments will result in points being deducted from the grade
- Work missed due to absences must be made up in a timely fashion. It is your responsibility to see me for the work you missed.
Tests/Quizzes: Written assignments will be given to gage knowledge of a concept, chapter or unit. Quizzes may be given as frequently as once a week, and may or may not be announced (unannounced quiz = “pop quiz”). All tests will be announced ahead of time so each student may prepare adequately.
Projects: Each unit will incorporate a project that should be completed with maximum effort. Unit projects will be introduced at the beginning of the unit, and submitted by the given deadline.
Textbook: Each student will be given a textbook at the start of the year. This book MUST remain in class for the entire school year. Any damage incurred to the textbook will result in fines at the end of the school year.
Homework Policy
It is very important that students do their homework. All assigned homework is designed to reinforce and strengthen mastery of concepts and skills learned in class or prepare for the next day’s lesson. There is a strong correlation between doing homework and being successful in this class.
Preparation & Participation
The students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to actively participate in the learning process every day.
Do-Now Grade You are expected to write down and correctly answer the Do-Now problem each day at the beginning of class. Every student begins each marking period with a do-now grade of 100. Not doing the do-now will result in 10 points being deducted. 5 points will be deducted for an incorrect do-now answer.At the beginning of the class, students will write the class objective( the I can statement ) posted on the board .
Classroom Expectations
- Be on time. When you arrive in class, begin working quietly on the do-now and await teacher instructions.
- Be prepared for class. Please take your textbook, binder, pen/pencil, and take out the homework when you enter the classroom each day.
- Be respectful and courteous to others. Always be considerate of other people, their belongings, and school property.
- Listen carefully and follow directions. Follow teacher instructions at all times.
- Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking. Be courteous. Do not talk out of turn. When the teacher or a classmate is talking, you should be listening. One person talks at a time. There should be no side conversations or calling out. During labs and group activities, you may work with other students quietly. You should be able to hear the teacher at all times and are to stop what you are doing and pay attention when you hear the teacher talking.
- Cell phones, mp3 players, tablets, computers, and other electronic devices may not be used in class, except with permission and under supervision of the teacher. Use of these devices without permission will result in the device being confiscated and given to a building administrator.
- At the end of class remain seated until you are dismissed by the teacher.
- The following behaviors are not acceptable at any time:
- Name calling, put-downs, or threats.
- Touching other students or their belongings. Keep hands and feet to yourself.
- Profanity or inappropriate language.
- Eating or chewing gum in class.
- Throwing objects.
- Damaging, defacing, or misuse of school property or classroom equipment.
Welcome to what hopes to be the best year yet! You have entered a class of learning.
Effort + Hard Work + Thoroughness = Success