Karen Truly Long
[email protected]
Welcome to Our Classroom!
7th Grade Science Syllabus
Welcome to Mountain Brook Junior High and Mrs. Long’s 7th grade science class. We are going to have a
fantastic year! Science combines the logical and creative aspects of the mind. It is my job to make science
come alive for you and your job to work hard and to give me your absolute best effort. We will continually
relate our life science concepts to the real world, to other subjects, and to previously learned knowledge. We
will be exploring our topics using a variety of different methods. I am looking forward to working with you all.
Class Rules
BE RESPECTFUL
BE PREPARED
BE POSITIVE
BE PROACTIVE
Class Work:
We will work from “bell to bell” every day using every minute of available time. This is a good thing. The
time will fly by and you will be learning so much! I believe in presenting very clear classroom expectations.
You will know what is expected of you in every area. Each student is expected to follow all classroom rules
and procedures as well as the Spartan Code of Conduct as explained in the student handbook. Disruptive
classroom behaviors hinder learning. I care too much about you and your success to allow this. Remember the
brain has an infinite capacity to absorb and learn. You can do much more than you think! Be proactive! If you
don’t understand something – Tell Me! We will work on it so it will click. Every single student in my
classroom can be successful!
Grades:
You will receive grades based on binder checks, lab activities, quizzes, tests, semester exams, projects,
presentations, classroom work of all types, and homework. Grade percentage will be determined by the number
of points obtained divided by the total number of points possible. I do not give extra credit so give me your best
work consistently.
Homework:
Sometimes homework will be assigned either as a result of unfinished classroom work, as a preview of
information to come, or as a tool to reinforce knowledge. All homework is due at the beginning of class (in
other words as soon as you walk in the room). One day of a missed homework assignment will result in partial
credit and a possible homework room assignment. Two days of a missed assignment will result in a 0 and a
possible homework room assignment.
Lab/Group Activities:
I will teach you proper laboratory and group activity procedures and rules. It is your responsibility to follow the
procedures and rules at all times. If you are not following proper procedures and instructions, you will be
removed from the activity and receive a 0 on that assignment. You are expected to be a productive group
member.
Binder Requirements:
Your binder will contain class notes, handouts, homework, assignments, articles, corrected papers etc. Any
material you are given in class will be 3-hole punched so you can include it in your binder. I will assign a
number to each item in your binder. You will be required to keep the materials in your binder in numerical
order. You are expected to fully complete each assignment and correct any mistakes as we go over assignments
in class. This encourages you to be organized and to keep track of your work. It also makes it much easier to
review your materials. Corrected answers will come in handy when it is time to study for tests. Every nine
weeks a binder check will be given that is worth 30 points.
Make-Up Work:
Be proactive! I never tire of that word! It is your responsibility to make up any work missed due to absence of
any kind. The day you return to school, come to me before 8:00 AM to make arrangements to make up your
work. I will be in the classroom no later than 7:30 AM every morning.
Tardies:
You are expected to be in your assigned seat when the bell rings. Class begins as soon as you walk in the door,
not when the bell rings. It is disruptive and disrespectful to your fellow students for you to arrive late to class.
You also miss valuable learning time. If you have a pass, place it in the basket at the front of the room and join
the class without disruption. If you do not have a pass, quietly sign the tardy sheet that is on the table beside the
door and join the class without disruption. Four or more tardies will be handled according to school policy.
Detection will result.
Electronics
Cell phones are not allowed in our classroom. I should never see or hear a cell phone in room 331. You must
receive teacher permission to use any other type of technology. If I do see or hear a cell phone, or if any other
type of technology is used in class without my prior approval, you will receive detention. Technology is a
wonderful thing, but we must control it and not allow technology to control us!
Emergency Passes
You will be allowed 3 passes each quarter to go to the restroom or to go to your locker for forgotten items. If
you go over your allotment, detention will result.
General overview of what we will cover in 7th Grade Life Science
1st Nine Weeks: Science Processes, Lab Safety, Metric System, Living Things, Cells
2nd Nine Weeks: Heredity, Modern Genetics, Viruses/Bacteria, Kingdoms
3rd Nine Weeks: Various Human Body Systems
4th Nine Weeks: Ecosystems, Biomes, Animal Behaviors
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