7th Grade Life Science Syllabus

Mr. Hay

2005 - 2006

A. Life Science

7th Grade Life Science is introductory Biology. We will learn about the many types of living things from simple cells to complex vertebrates. We will also learn about disease, drug prevention and nutrition. Also we will learn about the environment. This class is mainly how to learn from a book. Consequently we will do a lot of bookwork, having an assignment and homework most every day. We will also take notes during lecture/discussion time and do a several labs and activities, including a few dissections. The tests are all closed book.

B. Grading

Your grade will be determined from a percentage of points possible. For example, if you were to earn 850 points out of a possible 1000, you would have an 85% average, and earn a B on your report card. My grading scale runs as follows:

100 - 95 = A 76 - 74 = C

94 - 90 = A- 73 - 70 = C-

86 - 84 = B 69 - 67 = D+

89 - 87 = B+ 66 - 60 = D

83 - 80 = B- 59 - 0 = F

79 - 77 = C+

C. Absences

Attendance is very important. Missed class means missed work and the explanation that goes along with that work. More than ten absences, excused or unexcused, in a semester means losing credit for this class!

D. Tardiness

My class starts at the bell and ends at the bell. Therefore, you are tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings. You are also tardy if you come to class unprepared and have to return to your locker to get school materials. If you are more than ten minutes late for class you will be counted absent for that period. More than three times tardy per quarter means 1/2-hour detention for the fourth tardy and so on.

E. Assignments and Homework

Daily work is an important part of your grade. In fact, your daily work may affect your grade even more then your tests! It is expected that your work will be finished and turned in on time. No late work will be accepted and you will receive a zero for that assignment.

F. Make up Work

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the make up work from me the day of your return and recopy any missed lecture notes from your friends. You will have two days to make up work for every day you miss of class. For example, if you are gone two days and return on a Monday, you would have four days to make the work up and your work would be due Friday at the beginning of class. If you miss a test due to an absence the test will be made up the following Tuesday morning at 7:30 am. Only one opportunity will be given to make up a missed test.

G. What I Expect From You

1. Raise your hand. 3. Participate in discussions.

2. Ask questions if you are confused. 4. Follow room rules.

H. Room Rules

1. An unexcused tardy or coming to class unprepared results in a tardy.

2. Do not sit on desks or counters.

3. Cheating on tests, assignments, homework, etc. will result in a zero.

4. No bathroom or drinks during class unless it is an emergency.

5. Cabinets, lab stockroom, and my desk are off limits.

6. No talking during tests, announcements, individual work assignments, and lectures. Raise your hand please!

7. General discipline procedure:

(a) I will give you a warning.

(b) I will assign 1/2-hour detention.

(d) I will send you to the office with an office referral. *

*Instructor has the option of "speeding up" the process if student behavior is exceptional misconduct.

I. Supplies

You will need a three-ring binder or a spiral notebook to keep your lecture notes neat and organized. Your notebook will be turned in each quarter and will count for approximately 10 % of your grade.