High Desert Middle School

Science Syllabus

Mrs Denise Seymour

dseymour@aadusd.k12.ca.us

Welcome to 7th Grade Science! This year, we will explore the fascinating world of life sciences, delving into the structures and functions of living organisms, ecosystems, genetics, and the impact of human activity on our environment. Our studies will include hands-on experiments, interactive projects, and collaborative learning to help you understand and apply scientific concepts.

Course Format: This course will combine lectures, discussions, lab activities, and group projects to make learning engaging and meaningful. You will be encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and connect what you learn to the real world.

Amplify Science

Amplify Science is a K–8 science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like real scientists and engineers.

Content of Study/Units                  Student Roles

Daily Materials for Success:

School Provided Planner

3 Ring Binder for all subjects/classes with dividers

Folder

Pencils

Optional Materials

Markers, ruler, highlighters, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks, tape, pens

Absolutely No Sharpie Markers Please

All text materials are online – Amplify Science Resources

Each Unit has individual workbooks for students to use along with downloadable copies and online editable worksheets.

Students will have access to all of the materials in class through digital devices as well as workbooks.

Grades: Classwork/Homework: 35% Quizzes: 20% Test/projects: 35% Participation & Collaboration: 10%

Late Work Policy: Students may turn in late work. Students will lose 10% of their grade for any late work.

Absent Work Policy: Students have as many days as they were absent to make up missing assignments without penalty. If completed immediately, there is no penalty for missed work due to an absence. If not completed immediately, the late work policy applies

Hawk POWER:

1. Always Positive – Attitude can make all the difference in the classroom.  A good one makes time fly.

2. Taking Ownership of our Learning – Learning is in your Power.  Be the Best you can be and take Pride in what you may learn.  

3. Working toward our Goals  – It can be fun to set goals. Strive to be the best you can be.  

4. Empowered to reach Excellence - All students can achieve excellence by completing the daily work and activities.  

5. Respecting our Differences –Respect each other, all the time and everywhere you go.  

Habit

1:  Be Proactive  • Arrive to class prepared with Leadership Notebook, Pen/Pencil, Paper, and Binder with assignments so you may get full credit. • Arrive on time to class before the tardy bell and sit in your assigned seat. • Go to the restroom between classes.  • When absent, be sure to get the missing assignment and complete. • Class is dismissed by the teacher.  Remain in your seat until permission is given.  

Habit 2:  Begin with the End in Mind • Be prepared with all materials (Leadership Notebook, Paper, Pen/Pencil) • Set Short term goals for each day and each week.  Set long term goals.  

Habit 3:  Put First things First • Enter the classroom, sit in your assigned seat, write down the Learning Target & answer the question(s) from the board.

Habit 4:  Think Win-Win • Try to do your very best even when it is challenging. • Be respectful to others and their abilities in the group.  

Habit 5:  Seek First To Understand:  Then to be Understood • Listen to and read all instructions when given. • Write down all notes during instruction. • Remain seated and quiet during instruction. • Be respectful to peers and visitors when they enter the room. • Listen quietly to guest speakers.  

Habit 6:  Synergize • Work together as a group. • Understand that each person is valuable and be respectful to all in the group.  

Consequences:  The Discipline Policy established for High Desert Middle School will be followed.

Parent Support

Look in your student’s Daily Planner for assignments and notes from the teacher. Aside from online grades and Google Classroom, this is our daily communication tool. Please email me if you have any questions or concerns.

Students signature: ________________________________

Parent signature: __________________________________

Best method of contact phone or email: _______________________________