Oak Park Preparatory Academy

7th grade Science 2011-2012 Mrs. Mukavec

room: 105-B Prep Hour: 11:40-12:40 Phone ext. 2577 jmukave@oakparkschools.org

Ms. Venier
room 108 Prep Hour: 10:05- 11:05 Phone ext. 2572 avenier@oakparkschools.org

Course Description
In Physical Science units, students will explore mechanical waves through a variety of activities. They will compare and contrast mechanical, transverse, and electromagnetic waves. Students will identify the speed, wavelength, frequency and magnitude of waves. Students will investigate light as a form of electromagnetic energy. Students will also conduct experiments and explore the physical and chemical properties of matter. They will compare and contrast physical and chemical changes of a substances. The organizational structure of the Periodic Table of Elements will be introduced. In Earth Science, students will investigate the interactions of solar energy and matter on this planet which result in weather and climate. Students will learn that the sun drives the water cycle and the relationship of the sun warming the atmosphere and the weather it creates. They will explore human impact on land and how these activities altered the land over time. In Life Science, students will identify ways in which cells accomplish the basic functions of life. The will differentiate between single-celled and multicellular organisms. They will recognize that cells make up different tissues, organs, and organ systems. Students will explore how organisms will grow and reproduce through the processes that take place in cells.

Resources
Students will use a textbook which is part of a set that will remain in the classroom. There will be a separate textbook for Earth, Physical, and Life Science. The textbook will be available online, and students may check out a copy in the media center as well. Codes for online use will be sent home as soon as they are available.

Required Materials
Students will need the following materials in class on a DAILY basis: * Folder- This should contain all current unit materials. It should be used as an ongoing source for study at home as well. * Single subject notebook- This will be used as a classroom journal for assignments and notes. *Pen/Pencil *Highlighter AT HOME: Students should have coloring materials, scissors, glue, and a ruler with metric measures at home for completing homework assignments.

Learning Goals

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Units of Study Timeline

First Cardmarking: Waves and Energy Second Cardmarking: Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes of Matter Third Cardmarking: Fluid Earth Systems and Human Impact Fourth Cardmarking: The Structure and Function of Living Things

Content Standards

Benchmarks

Course Requirements
Students will participate in a variety of projects and experiments in each unit in both independent and group formats. Participation in the Science Fair will be mandatoryexperiments will be conducted at home with support provided in class by the teachers.

Methods of Assessment
* Science journal * Participation in group assignments * Reading summaries- notes and reading pack completion * Projects such as foldables, posters, science experiments *Homework *Quizzes, Tests, Semester Finals

Homework
Homework will be given on an as-needed basis. Expect homework each week. Homework will be a follow up to what is being done in class, especially practice on class reading selections. Science folders should come home weekly and contain all current unit of study materials, which will support homework assignments and studies.

Make-up Work Policy

When a student is absent from school, he or she must complete the work missed. For each day absent, the student has double the days to make up the school work. For example, if a student is absent 2 days, 4 days are given for the work to be made up. Any time after that is at the discretion of the teacher.

Grading Scale
100-93 A 90-92 A87-89 B+ 83-86 B 80-82 B77-79 C+ 73-76 C 70-72 C67-69 D+ 63-66 D 60-62 D0-59 E

Attendance
Students are expected to arrive to class on time daily. Students who exhibit a pattern of excessive tardiness and absences will receive a parent contact from the teacher. If the parent contact doesnt result in expected attendance from the student, he or she will be referred to out school attendance officer for further disciplinary action.

Opportunities for Additional Academic Support

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Class Expectations
Students are expected to exhibit PBIS behaviors so that they and the entire classroom can be successful in a positive environment. O- On time P- Positive P- Productive A- Achieve