Life Science Course Expectations

Erin Vaccaro

science_wcs@yahoo.com 

Directions:  1^st Read      2^nd Show parents/guardians       3^rd Put in plastic sleeve and KEEP in binder

What is Life Science?

7^th grade Life Science is a required, academic core class.  This inquiry-based science course is an introductory survey of Biology (the study of living things).

What materials do I need to bring to class?

YOU need to have the following things in Life Science class EVERYDAY:

Do we get a textbook?

Yes, each student will be issued a textbook.  This year we are using Prentice Hall’s Focus on Life Science.  Other supplementary materials and handouts will be distributed as needed throughout the year.

How will I be graded?

Your grade will be based upon:  daily assignments, homework assignments, laboratory write-ups, quizzes, exams, unit notebooks, and special projects.  These assignments are numbered and are scored individually.  Class notes and handouts are lettered assignments that are scored as part of your unit notebook.

KEEP all of your science assignments for your unit notebook and class portfolio.

NEVER THROW AWAY (or recycle) ANY OF YOUR WORK!

Completion of a science fair project is a requirement of this class.   Throughout the first semester, you will be given guidelines and suggestions to help you with your project.  We will discuss the project in detail at a later date.

The grading scale will be:                                              

90 to 100%  =  A- to A+

80 to 89%    =   B- to B+

70 to 79%    =   C- to C+

60 to 69%    =   D- to D+

  0 to 59%    =   F

How should my assignments look?

Use the proper science heading on all assignments.  You may print or write in script as long as your assignments are neat and legible.  Please do not use spiral bound paper.  Your assignments should always be complete and the best that you can do.  Some assignments will require word processing.

Do I have homework in this class?

Yes.  Students will record their homework as part of their daily agenda everyday.  Special long-term projects will take some weekend time.  You can always organize your binder, review notes, and work on your science fair project.

Can I turn in late assignments?

Late work will be accepted up to 5 school days after the due date; however, you are strongly encouraged to keep on top of your assignments.  Ten percent (10%) will be deducted from the grade earned for each day the assignment is late.  For example, if you turn in an assignment 5 days late, the maximum amount of points you could earn would be 50% of the original grade.  All late assignments must be accompanied by a late work slip, which must be completed and attached to the late assignment in order for the assignment to be graded.  

What should I do if I am absent?

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get and complete any work you have missed.  In general, for EXCUSED absences due to illness or emergencies, you will have one day for each day you are gone to complete the work.  If you are absent for more than 2 days, please call the school to request make-up assignments.  If you know that you will be absent ahead of time, please arrange to get your work before you go.  In any case, upon your return, you will need copies of all the class notes and handouts you have missed for exams and future assignments. 

If you are absent from science class (for any reason)

1^st         Find out what we did and what was for homework

2^nd        On your return, copy a friend’s Daily Agenda

3^rd         Check the HANDOUT BINDER for any Handouts you may have missed

4^th         Complete and TURN IN all missing assignments

If you are absent on the day of a test or quiz, you should plan on making up the test or quiz after school following your absence.  If this is not possible, you are responsible for making other arrangements.  Except in the case of an extended EXCUSED absence, all missed tests or quizzes must be made up within one week of the original test date.

May I use the bathroom or get water during class time?

Except in an emergency, please do not ask to leave class.  Class time is for learning.

May I chew gum in class?

Sorry, you cannot chew gum, eat, or drink in a working science lab.

What are the class rules?

1. Be in your seat and silent at the start of class.
2. Only one person talks at a time.
3. Behavior that interferes with another student’s learning or the teacher’s teaching will not be tolerated.
4. Follow all safety instructions the first time they are given.

What happens if I break the class rules?

The consequences for choosing not to follow the rules are:

1^st  incident - Reminder

2^nd incident – Blue slip

Major infractions of school or classroom rules will result in a referral (orange slip).

Are there any special rules during labs?

Safety is of the utmost importance during science lab.  Please be aware that you may be asked to secure long hair or loose clothing during lab time.  For some labs, safety goggles and/or gloves may be required.  Any student not following safety directions during lab time will be removed from the lab and will earn zero points for that activity.

Anything else?

I am looking forward to working with you throughout the year and I hope that this information will help answer some of the questions and concerns you may have had.  Remember that I am here to help and that I am willing to work with students on an individual basis.   Please treat your classmates, our classroom, and me as you would like to be treated, with RESPECT.  Make yourself and your family proud by working hard and always doing your best.

What should I do with this paper?

Show these guidelines to your parents/guardians.  Then you both sign the student contract and return for credit.  KEEP this paper in the plastic sleeve of the science section in your 3-ring binder.