High Desert Middle School

7th Grade Science Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Sweeney
Email: ssweeney@aadusd.k12.ca.us
School Year: [2024-2025]

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 and Student Roles

1. Lab Safety and Equipment - Scientist
2. Scientific Inquiry Process - Scientist
3. Microbiomes - Microbiological Researchers
4. Metabolism - Medical Researchers
5. Traits and Reproduction - Biomedical Students
6. Population and Resources - Biologists
7. Matter and Energy in Ecosystems - Ecologists
8. Natural Selection - Biologists
9. Evolution History - Paleontologists

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Daily Materials for Success

• Required:

• School Provided Planner
• 3-Ring Binder for all subjects/classes with dividers
• Folder
• Pencils

• Optional:

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

Note: Absolutely no Sharpie markers, please.

Text Materials

All text materials are online through 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.

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Grading Policy

• Classwork/Homework: 35%
• Quizzes: 20%
• Tests/Projects: 35%
• Participation & Collaboration: 10%

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Late Work Policy

Students may turn in late work, but they 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.

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Habits for Success

1. Be Proactive:

• Arrive to class prepared with your Leadership Notebook, pen/pencil, paper, and binder with assignments to get full credit.
• Arrive on time before the tardy bell and sit in your assigned seat.
• Use the restroom between classes.
• When absent, ensure you get the missing assignment and complete it.
• Class is dismissed by the teacher; remain in your seat until permission is given.

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 week, and long-term goals.

3. Put First Things First:

• Enter the classroom, sit in your assigned seat, write down the Learning Target, and answer the questions from the board.

4. Think Win-Win:

• Try your best even when it’s challenging.
• Be respectful of others and their abilities in the group.

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.

6. Synergize:

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

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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.

Student Signature: ________________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________________
Best Method of Contact (Phone or Email): _______________________________