Welcome to Mr. Finley’s Science Class

1. Welcome to Mr. Finley’s Science Class An Introduction to Science and Technology

2. Table of Contents • General Course Description • Scope and Sequence • Course Goals • Academic Expectations • Homework Policy • Grading Policy/Grade Printouts • Behavioral Expectations/Citizenship • Code of Conduct • Citizenship Grade • Extra Information/Resources • Parent Involvement • Advisory

3. General Course Description • Scope and Sequence of Science 7: • Class Logistics and Preparation for Success • Measuring in Science Using the Metric System • Conducting Investigations: • Laboratory Equipment and Safety • The Scientific Process • Cellular Biology • Hierarchy of Biological Organization • The Cell Theory • Organelles • Mitosis • Plant and Animal Cells • The Microscope • ‘What Are We Made Of?’ Project

4. Scope and Sequence, Continued: • Genetics • DNA Structure • Meiosis • Mendelian Genetics • Presentation on Genetic Disorders • Human Anatomy and Physiology • Circulatory, Respiratory, Digestive, Nervous, Endocrine, Excretory, Integumentary, Skeletal, & Muscular Systems • Purpose of the System • Primary Parts: Structure and Function • Disorders of the System • Interaction with other Systems • PowerPoint Multimedia Presentation

5. Scope and Sequence, Continued: • Life Skills • Scientific Investigation • Long Term Investigation involving Boats • Prelude to the 8th Grade Science Fair • Group Presentation • Geology and Evolution • The Rock Cycle • Earthquakes and Volcanos • Plate Tectonics • Fossils • Geologic Time Scale • Darwin • Diversity and Adaptations • Inherit the Wind • Hyperstudio Multimedia Presentation

6. Scope and Sequence, Continued: • Final Famous Scientist Project

7. Course Goals • To enhance each student’s understanding of the science standards surrounding the topics of Cell Biology, Genetics, Anatomy and Physiology, Light, Geology, and Evolution. • To develop each students’ appreciation for science, especially for the complexity and beauty of our planet and the unique and unusual physical, chemical, and functional characteristics that guide it. The course focus is to explore the relationship between structure and function as well as understanding science as a discipline of change. • To enhance each student’s appreciation for science as a tool for understanding the world around them. • To enhance each student’s ability to clearly communicate concepts and discoveries with peers, both in an oral and written style. • To augment each student’s esteem through his or her involvement in the class as a well-rounded, cooperative, disciplined team player who takes pride and responsibility in his or her work, turning it in neatly and in a timely manner.

8. Homework Policy: It is the student’s responsibility to get all homework assignments. In the event of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain the assignments via the webpage, homework hotline (or calling me directly), another student, or the homework calendar posted in the classroom. Students are required to turn in all assignments on time. ‘Unexcused’ late work will be accepted for a maximum of half credit (an ‘F’).  Excused late work is permitted for excused absences only and must be completed within the same number of days that the student has been absent. (ie. 2 days absent=2 days to hand in make-up work, at no penalty). Students must always do their own work.Cheating and/or plagiarism is absolutely not tolerated, and will result the student receiving a permanent zero on the assignment, a lowering of citizenship grade to a “U” for that grading period, and a referral (which becomes a permanent part of a student’s discipline record).  Academic Expectations

9. Grading Policy: The final grade is determined by the student’s accumulation of points during the semester. Grades are divided into three categories: Bonus Points (extra credit reports/tasks that may raise a student’s grade a maximum of 10 percentage points for the semester) Science Assignments (which include daily assignments, labs, quizzes, and other standards-centered tasks). Culminating Standards Assessments (which include tests, culminating projects, and other items that relate to specific standards). A computer printout of each student’s grades will be made once a month (on the first school day in the month that falls on a Friday), and must be signed by a parent for 10 points. The Grading Scale is as follows (percent scale): A=90%-100% B=80%-89% C=70%-79% D=60-69% F=Below 60% Academic Expectations

10. Students, follow the Code of Conduct and you will earn high citizenship and academic marks. In a nutshell, never lie, cheat, nor steal, do not affect other students’ ability to learn by disturbing the class, follow directions, and turn every assignment in on time. Code of Conduct: 1. Respect the quiet learning environment and work in a way that is not disruptive to the teacher nor distractive to other students, always raising your hand for permission to speak or to leave your seat and demonstrating body language that indicates that you are listening and staying on task. 2. Be responsible for your work by turning every assignment in on time; accept responsibility for your grade and never make up excuses. 3. Use the class period to learn and focus on science; never do work from another class nor take care of personal matters during the period. 4. Enter the classroom quietly and be seated before the tardy bell rings. 5. Always be prepared with your own pencil/pen, lined paper, planner, and homework. 6. Respect others’ property and space by not touching their belongings. 7. Do not take or damage any property (including no graffiti on books, desks, nor any other school property). Anything with stylized writing will be confiscated, including student notebooks. 8. Follow instructions the first time they are given. 9. Title every assignment with the proper class heading format. 10. Maintain your daily planner/homework agenda book. 11. Keep your area and your classroom clean by not bringing food or drinks (other than water), and by putting away all items that you have used during the period. 12. Deliver all grade printouts/letters to your parents the day they are given to you, and always have your parents sign them. 13. In the event of an absence, obtain the assignments via the webpage or by calling me or another student directly. Make-up work is permitted for excused absences only and must be completed within the same number of days that the student has been absent. (ie. 2 days absent=2 days to hand in make-up work, at no penalty). ‘Unexcused’ late work will be accepted for a maximum of half credit (an ‘F’). 14. Always do your personal best, behaviorally and academically. 15. Tell the truth at all times; never make false complaints. 16. Accept responsibility when you err; apologize and rectify the situation on your own accord, without prompting. Always do your own work.Cheating, forgery of a parent’s signature, and plagiarism are very serious academic offenses and will absolutely not be tolerated. Cheating in any manner, forgery, and copying another source will result the student receiving a permanent zero on the assignment, a lowering of citizenship grade to a “U” for that grading period, and a referral (which becomes a permanent part of a student’s discipline record). Overall, be attentive, hard-working, responsible, honest, and courteous. Failure to follow these guidelines harms your ability to learn, distracts the teacher and other students, and may lead to extra homework to make up for lost learning time, a lowering of citizenship grade, a call or conference with your parents, and/or any other approved schoolwide discipline procedure. Behavioral Expectations

11. Citizenship Grade: Your overall citizenship grade is based on four primary criteria: Behavior exemplifies honesty, and follows the Code of Conduct. Effort. Do you try your best? Attitude. Are you polite, respectful, and helpful? Participation. Raise your hand and contribute to the class. Responsibility. Do you follow instructions? Do you deliver all grade printouts and other class correspondence to your parents on time? On Time: Show up to class on time. Do you turn in all homework in on time? Overall, do your poor behavioral choices (not your special needs) create unnecessary stress and extra work for the teacher? (Phone calls home, parent conferences, etc… that take extra attention and time from other students and effect the teacher’s time to work on other job-related obligations). Behavioral Expectations

12. Parent Involvement There are a variety of ways in which parents/guardians may participate in their child's science education. The following are some suggestions to help your child to succeed in my class! (The first five are critical for helping your child to earn an A/E). Parents should keep track of their child’s homework calendar for Science, encouraging them to complete all assignments with high quality and timeliness. Parents should review and sign all hardcopy computer grade printouts for Science. These printouts will reflect your child’s assignment grades and overall academic grade, and will be passed out on the first Friday of each month. Parents should call me directly with any comments, questions, or concerns about their child. Parents should encourage your child to attend my tutoring should they not be ‘performing’ as you would like. Parents should encourage their child to attend class, be on time, and, in the event of an legitimate absence, get the homework assignments from a friend, Mr. Finley’s website, the homework hotline, or by calling Mr. Finley. Parents are encouraged to follow the school’s recommendations for reading at home and set aside a quiet place and time for students to complete homework. Parents should encourage and enable children to participate in non-classroom activities. Parents should attend all Curriculum Faires/Open Houses and receive important information regarding this class. (Thank you for coming tonight!). Parents should encourage their child to learn real-life applications of science by reading science-centered literature and watching educational channels. Parents should keep abreast of programs available and students’ special achievements via the school newsletter. Parents should become active participants in their child’s schooling, maintaining a daily open dialogue with the student, and volunteering with team outings/fieldtrips. Thank you for your continued support! Brian Finley (bfinley@mail.sandi.net/549-8840x1254)

13. Advisory • Dissemination of School Information • School Awareness (CCTV) • Organization Skills (via planner) • Life Skills • Study Skills • Charity Work: Shoe Drive, Can Drive, Clothing Drive… • Cultural Awareness Activities • Teambuilding The majority of the grade will be based on the student fully completing the daily planner/signed by parent.