Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What do students learn in 7th & 8th grade science?
2. What are the supplies students need for science class?
3. What is the grading policy?
4. What are the rules? What is the discipline policy?
5. How do I contact the teacher?
6. How can I find out my grade or keep track of my performance?

What do students learn in 7th & 8th grade science?

Concepts covered in 7th grade are based on the California State 
and 
Santa Barbara District content standards. They include the 
following:  
Investigation and experimentation, research tools, methods, and 
presentation; cell structure, function, and reproduction; 
genetics and 
heredity; history of life, changes over time, natural selection, 
classification; plant and animal structure and function.

Concepts covered in 8th grade include physics and chemistry. 
Specific topics 
are experimental methods, atoms and periodic table, density and 
buoyancy, 
states of matter, chemistry, motion and forces, speed and 
acceleration, 
earth and the solar system, galaxies and stars.

Back to Top

What are the supplies students need for science class?

Students need pencils (bring at least two), a pen, paper, science 
notebook, 
and some way to organize science papers: folder, binder, etc.  
Helpful as 
well are colored pencils, glue stick, pencil sharpener.

Back to Top

What is the grading policy?

8th grade: Quizzes & Tests - 50%; Homework & classwork - 25%; 
Labs - 15%, 
science notebook - 10%.  7th grade: Quizzes & tests - 50%; 
Homework, 
classwork, and labs - 50%

Back to Top

What are the rules? What is the discipline policy?

The rules and discipline policy follow the overall school rules, 
and are 
detailed in the parent letter which goes home to be signed the 
first day of 
class. Mainly, the rules support the idea of safety, respect for 
the teacher 
and student, and fairness to all. All families should keep a copy 
of this 
letter at home.  Also, the discipline and classroom policies are 
reviewed 
and reinforced from Day 1, so there should be no surprises as far 
as 
consequences for any student. 

Specific class rules include: do work in pencil only (with some 
exceptions), 
bring needed materials EVERY DAY: Book for reading break, pencil, 
pen, 
completed homework, science notebook. 50% off for late work.

Back to Top

How do I contact the teacher?

Contact Ms. Kluss by phone at 805-963-7751 x116 (message);
or e-mail: jkluss@verizon.net (best method)

Back to Top

How can I find out my grade or keep track of my performance?

Missing work slips and/or individual grade reports are printed 
out every week and distributed to students who have not turned in 
all assignments.  Students missing more than two assignments are 
given a letter and mandatory tutorial, followed by a detention 
and/or mandatorial if assignments are not cleared up by the end 
of the week.

Grade reports are posted and updated on the internet at least 
twice a week at the following website:  www.bxtc.com/science/
(accessible by typing in student last name and ID#) There is also 
a link from the class webpage. Student grade reports are also 
available from the teacher by request.  Finally, parents may call 
the office to set up weekly progress reports which include grades 
for all classes.

Back to Top