Welcome to 7th Grade Life Science 

This year we will focus on the life science portion of the NYS Intermediate Science Standards.  The major concepts that you will be learning this year are:

• Living things are both similar to and different from each other and from nonliving things.
• Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.
• Individual organisms and species change over time.
• The continuity of life is sustained through reproduction and development.
• Organisms maintain a dynamic equilibrium that sustains life.
• Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.
• Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living environment.

For more information about the standards, please visit here!

We will cover this information over 10 units including:

• Introduction to Science
• Scientific Method, Lab Safety, and Metric System
• Characteristics and Classification of Living Things
• The Microscope
• Cells and Cell Processes
• Reproduction and Development                                      
• Genetics
• Evolution
• Plants
• The Human Body
• Ecology

Materials

To bring to class EVERYDAY…

• Student planner
• 3 ring binder (may be shared with another subject)
• Loose-leaf paper
• #2 pencils with erasers
• Blue or black pen for classwork and assessments
• Red, green, or purple pen for correcting
• Highlighter                
• Index Cards
• Colored pencils (minimum of 8 basic colors)
• Box of tissues (one box at the beginning of the school year would be appreciated!)

To be kept at HOME…

• A larger 3 ring binder for when we finish a unit, and you clean out the daily binder
• Textbook

Homework Policy

In this class, homework is often given as an introduction to new material.  This may include watching a learning video or a short lecture, so students can come to class ready to work on the new content the next day.  It is also an extension and reinforcement of classroom learning.  Homework helps to keep material fresh and prepares you for higher learning.  It is critical for assignments to be completed by the due date in order to maximize understanding of the content.  Another goal of assigning homework is to help you become a responsible learner and realize the importance of completing assignments.  Since many assignments will be discussed in class, is becomes difficult to accept late work.  Sometimes there are emergency situations or extenuating circumstances that may prevent you from coming in prepared.  Please see me privately to discuss or have a parent or guardian send an email if this is the case.

For homework that has not been discussed in class, students will have an opportunity to turn it in ONE day late for 90% credit.  Assignments that we have already gone over and corrected cannot receive a grade higher than a 75%. Homework assignments more than one day late will only receive 50% credit. Once we have tested on that unit, late work will not be accepted.

You are expected to write down their homework daily in the student planner provided by the school.  There should be a homework entry for every class, every day.  If no homework is assigned for that particular day, “No HW” should be recorded in the planner.  On these nights you should be reviewing class notes, organizing materials, independently reading, or utilizing the learning resources available posted through the Google classroom. Homework assignments can also be accessed using the Homework Hotline link available on the school’s website or by calling (845) 615-6389.

You can access the Homework Hotline by clicking here!

Access the Goshen Central School District Homework Guidelines by clicking here!

Grading Policy

There will be four quarter grades.  At the end of marking periods 1 through 3, a benchmark exam will be given to assess what you have learned.  A cumulative exam will be given at the end of marking period 4.  For each quarter, the final grade is calculated based on the following breakdown:

50% - tests (including benchmarks)

20% - quizzes/projects

20% - labs/classwork

10% - homework

For any assignment other than homework, late work may be turned in for a penalty of -10% for each day past the due date.  

Daily log of classwork/homework

Make-up Work

In the case of a school absence, you are responsible for making up the work that you missed in a timely fashion.  Pick up copies of the materials distributed in class during those days and get the notes you missed from a classmate.  When you are not in school, you can also check the homework hotline (either by phone or via the school website).  If you missed a test or quiz, please come to school prepared to take the assessment and see me to schedule a make-up time.  Please be aware that if you miss class for any reason (nurse, office, music lesson) but are in school, all normal due dates will apply.

Extra help/Questions 

I am available for extra help after school most days from 2:35 pm until 3:00 pm. You are required to sign up on the “extra help” link accessible  on my web site when you do stay. After school time is for discussing grades, to get study help, test and quiz review, homework

assistance, or for other academic concerns.  You may also schedule an appointment with me during lunch as needed. (Please note, the first Wednesday of every month there is a faculty meeting after school.)

Please read over this course information with your parent or guardian and sign below.  

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                    (Student Signature)                                                

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                              (Parent Signature)