Ms. Harris' Science Class
7th Grade Science
Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year!
I am excited to have you in my class this year. We are going to be focusing on certain 21st Century Learning Skills such as collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving. Topics we will be learning this year include Structure and Function of Cells, Structure and Function of Living Systems (Human body systems), Genetics, Photosynthesis, Food webs and food chains, Force and motion, Catastrophic events, Watersheds, and Life in space.
Electronic Devices
I am excited that this year all 7th graders will have their own chromebooks. Students will be expected to have them in class everyday charged and ready to go. Quick tip: If you charge your computer at night it will be ready to go the next day. It should stay charged all day. We will be using Canvas, which is where I will post their lessons for the day. Parents can log into their child's account and see what they are doing in class. Students are allowed to use their electronic devices for educational purposes, such as web-based research, projects, video productions, and anything GAFE. Apps commonly used in my class are Nearpod, Kahoot and Stemscopes. The terms for electronic use stated in WISD’s BYOT policy are enforced.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: 817.598.2960 ext. 4165
Email: mharris@weatherfordisd.com
Conference times:
Monday-Thursday: 12:58 PM - 1:48 PM
Tutorials: Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM or after school until 4:30.
Kids will have homework several times in the six weeks to practice what we have learned in class.
Remind 101
In addition, you can receive text reminders from me as to homework or other important information. Just follow these simple directions.
Text this message - @wowscience to 469-795-0874 if you have pre-ap science. It will ask for your name. When I receive the text, I will okay it. Here is the link: https://www.remind.com/join/wowscienc
Textbooks
Students will receive an interactive notebook that will go with an online curriculum called STEMscopes. Students will be able to access the textbook from home or with their phones. The quick link is on my teacher website.
Problem Based Learning
Pre-ap students will be given a PBL each six weeks. PBL's are topics that need a solution. Students work together to come up with a solution and a way to present their findings. This project will be worked on mostly in class.There may be times that they need to work on it from home. This is counted as a major grade each six weeks.
Grading Policy
LATE WORK: A 20 point deduction will be taken for any work turned in late, making the maximum grade possible an 80.
WORK: The object here is the learning, not necessarily the grade. Students may correct any failing papers. The highest grade that can be given is a 70%.
Make-up Work
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any make-up work and complete it within the allotted time— number of days plus one. All work will be posted in Canvas so if they are absent they will still have access to their lesson. If the student is done with their daily work then they may work on their make-up. All students will have a 30 minute advisory time to help with any study needs a child may have.
Supply List
2 composition/spiral notebook (for the year)
Colored Pencils
Highlighters
Glue sticks (4)
1 roll Paper Towels (Boys)
1 box Kleenex (Girls)
1 Roll Masking Tape (Boys)
1 Roll Clear Tape (Girls)
Things to save for second semester:
1 empty 2 liter bottle