Curriculum:  In this introductory biology course, we will study the nature of science, the scientific method, light and lenses, microscopes, cells and cell processes, DNA, genetics, evolution, the geologic time scale, the structure and function of living things, the organization and classification of living things, the human body, and substance abuse prevention.

Materials: These supplies will be needed for  daily class & should be brought in by Thurs. of the first week:

     1. Dedicated (science only) composition notebook (1 per quarter, for a total of 4 for the year)

     2.  Paper, pens and pencils, a red or green marking pen, and glue stick
     3.  Student's organizer   - aka minder binder or some other organizing daily calendar

4.       Reading and Note Taking workbook

5.        Several sheets of graphing paper

Other optional supplies include: highlighters, a basic scientific calculator, scissors, colored pencils, and a metric ruler. Academic use of technology is allowed during specified times.

Laboratory materials will also be furnished for student use. In the event of loss, carelessness, or reckless behavior, students must pay for replacement books or materials.  Students are strongly encouraged to cover all textbooks.

7th Grade Science Department Grading Weights: Grades are based on the following: 

Assessments (55%):  projects, performance assessments, quizzes, & tests;

Labs (20%), Daily work (25%):  science notebook activities.  Each assignment or project will have a different point value depending on the difficultly of the task. Many labs will be completed as a result of team interaction. Students will be held accountable for their share of the work.                                                 

Grading Scale: Letter grades will be based on the following scale:

    A (100-90%), B (89-80%), C (79-70%), D (69-60%), and F (60%)

Assignments: Assignments and due dates will be posted weekly on the board in class. Students are expected to record all assignments into their written organizers. Projects and work not finished in class may need to be finished for homework.  Ms. Holzhauer's website also lists the class assignments, but PLEASE BE AWARE: THE MOST CURRENT ASSIGNMENT LISTING IS ON THE BOARD IN CLASS. (We may have occasional changes that are not immediately updated on our online calendar.) Assignments are due on the due date AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.

Organization of  Science Notebook: Students will keep an organized notebook showing all the general assignments they have completed in a quarter.  Guidelines and rubrics will be found in notebooks and on website. 

Daily Work Grading Rubric:  

4:  Work complete; Corrections complete with few concerns.

3:  Work complete; Corrections complete but late without a pass.

3:  Work complete; Corrections incomplete or missing.

2:  Work 70% + complete; Corrections complete with few issues. 

1:  Work 50% + complete.

0: Work is missing or less than 50% complete.

Stamping:  Students' work will be stamped either in the top right corner (fully complete= 4 pts) or farther down the page to indicate the score (see rubric).  (with a 1 at the bottom).  No stamp=0 points.   

Assessments:  Students will be assessed primarily through projects, quizzes, tests, and reflective pieces to ensure comprehension of the material.  Quizzes are designed to ensure students are moving to mastery of material and are adequately prepared.  Resubmissions and retakes will be allowed provided students can demonstrate review and/or revision have occurred.

Absences:    Students are responsible for making up missed work immediately on their return after an absence. District policy says that students get one day for every day that they are absent to turn in the missed work.  Tests and assignments, if assigned before an absence, should be completed upon the day of your return.  Consult classmates and teacher website for the missed daily question, homework and notes/assignments.  Suspended students are expected to make up work.  Follow the class website and communicate with the teacher via e-mail for extended absences. 

Lab Absences:   If a lab is missed, students may either complete the work outside of regular class-time OR write a summary (1/2 page typed or 1 page written for most assignments) explaining (1) what the class did and (2) what students were to learn from the activity.  Please check with the teacher regarding which type of make-up will be expected for the assignment(s) missed.

Late or Missing Work: Late work:   Students are allowed two late passes per quarter for the first three quarters, and one late pass for the final quarter. Lost assignments should be re-printed from the class website.  Late and missing assignments will be marked in the gradebook.  Additional late work turned in without a pass will receive 70% credit.  Late work will not be accepted one week before grades are due (progress or quarter) without prior arrangements with teacher.  If students have more than 3 missing assignments, a student / teacher conference is strongly suggested. Parents are encouraged to communicate concerns via e-mail and conferences can be arranged. 

Expectations on Entering Class and Tardiness:

Students must be in their assigned seats before the bell rings.  Students that are continuously late will be given a ten minute detention to be served at lunch or after-school. After being late more than 3 times or failing to appear for a teacher assigned detention, a 35 minute lunch/after school detention will be assigned.
 

 Contacting the teacher:  Should students and families have concerns, they may contact me via e-mail at: msholzhauer@fallonschool.com . Families may also leave messages on my voice-message box, at 925-875-9376 X6460, but please note:   For consistent, guaranteed response, e-mail is highly preferred.  I check it regularly, and will do my best to response within 24 hours. 

Best regards to all, and I look forward to working with all of the amazing students and families at Fallon! Go Mustangs!

                                                                         Ashley Holzhauer

                                                                         7th Grade Life Science

                                                                         Eleanor Murray Fallon Middle School