Seventh Grade Science Syllabus
2011-2012
Kari Daniels and Tom Allen
Welcome to Seventh Grade Science. I am looking forward to working with you
this year!
Contact Information: 898-6388 7 am to 3pm
Kari Daniels: kari.daniels@bosqueschool.org
Tom Allen: tom.allen@bosqueschool.org
Course Description: In seventh grade, students expand their studies outward
from the Rio Grande and engage in a watershed wide exploration. On a monthly
basis, students monitor the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics
of their home watershed. Research findings will be shared with other
students, natural resource agencies, UNM, and other scientists. Students will
be engaged in activities that facilitate the learning of science process
skills and the Scientific Method.
Students conduct their surface monitoring through participation in a New
Mexico Department of Game and Fish sponsored Watershed Watch program. In it,
students are part of a state-wide network of student monitors. The surface
water research sites include a high mountain stream north east of Albuquerque,
a small stream in Albuquerque's eastern foothills, two merging streams in the
Jemez Mountains, and the main channel of the Rio Grande. Seventh grade
science students share their data with other researchers and the community at
large. Students make formal presentations to other students from other
schools. Student field work is supported by laboratory, classroom, and
computer room activities.
Assessment: Assessment is based on demonstrating competence in the field of
science and mastering concepts and Standards. Students will be evaluated on
participation, small and large group experiments and projects, as well as
field work and individual assignments. Course grades are figured as a
percentage of a total number of possible points. Students will keep a running
log of assignments and grades in their science notebooks. Students will keep
track of assignments and due dates in their planners. Students are encouraged
to be responsible for their learning and their assignments.
Required Class Supplies: Planner should be brought every class period.
Notebook paper Optional supplies:
Pocket folder with fasteners colored pencils
Three ring binders (provided) watercolor markers
Dividers glue stick
Pencils
scissors
Classroom and Student Expectations:
Be Prompt – Be in your seat when class starts.
Be Prepared – Have your supplies daily.
Be Productive – Use time efficiently and be on task.
Be Polite – Show respect to all peers, staff, property, animals and materials.
Be Positive – Display a positive, can-do attitude.
Students are expected to know when the next lab and/or field session takes
place and be prepared with the proper clothing and equipment. Aside from
being prepared for lab and field sessions, there is no regular homework in
science. Work not completed in class becomes homework. Some projects and
presentations may require some out of class preparation as well as test
preparation.
Consequences: 1. Warning.
2. Student/teacher conference
3. Notification of Parent
4. Administrative referral.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Be Ready to Work it Matters
In science class, field work is class work. For morning or all day field
sessions each student must be ready to go at 8:00 AM (we will depart directly
from the morning meeting and there will not be time after that meeting to fill
water bottles or get gear). For afternoon field sessions students must be
ready to depart at 12:20 PM (there will not be time after 12:20 to fill water
bottles, get gear, or otherwise get ready for the field.)
Standing Homework Assignment
Know when the next lab and/or field session takes place. Know what clothing
and equipment are required for that session. Arrive at that next session with
the required clothing and equipment. Field sessions are not called off due to
mildly inclement weather. As such, students should be properly prepared for
rain, cold, and/or hot weather and wear clothing that can get wet and/or
dirty. During cold months we often encounter snow. In seventh grade, we travel
outside of Albuquerque and the weather in Albuquerque is rarely an indication
of what we will encounter in the mountains. Be prepared for it to be colder,
rainy, or snowy when it is warm and dry in Albuquerque. We are also frequently
in direct sunlight. Sunscreen and insect repellent will be provided for any
student who wants either or both items.
For Field Sessions Students Should at the Very Least:
Have had a good breakfast/lunch Wear long pants Have rain gear
Wear sturdy closed toe shoes Wear a hat Pencils/pen
For colder days, have warm clothing that can be layered (including jacket,
gloves, and hat)
A personal water bottle with tight fitting lid (1 quart or larger, filled
before class starts)
Extra socks and gloves for days when there will likely be snow.
Parents and Field Sessions
Parents are needed, welcomed, and encouraged to attend field and lab sessions.
Drivers are always needed for field sessions. Parents interested in driving
for field sessions should contact Tom Allen or Kari Daniels at 898-6388.
(Note: trips may be added for spring semester as they are scheduled.)
