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Kim Meline, 7th Grade Science Teacher, Spanaway Junior High
Email: kmeline@bethelsd.org
Classroom Phone: (253) 683-5575
Best Times to Contact: Monday- Friday 6:30- 7:00 a.m.; Tuesday, Thursday 2:00- 3:00 p.m.

Welcome to Mrs. Meline’s 7th Grade Science, 2009- 2010

Science content in 7th grade at Spanaway Junior High emphasizes the Earth and Space Sciences.  Earth science topics covered include astronomy, meteorology, and geology. 7th grade content also includes a physical science unit on forces and motion.

The discipline of science is a way of questioning and thinking about the world.  Students will practice questioning, hypothesizing, observing, predicting results, recording observations and measurements, interpreting data, and coming up with conclusions that are verified by evidence that they have taken.  Students will learn how scientists have built up scientific explanations that we understand today, and they will learn how scientists take what is known and develop technologies to advance learning and quality of life.

7th grade students will be involved in a variety of activities to help them reach the learning targets for science.  These include participating in and designing hands-on experiments, watching demonstrations, collaborating, discussing,  designing visual aids and sharing information, journaling, taking notes, making models, problem solving, watching videos, reading from texts and Internet resources, researching,  and listening to speakers.

Goal 1:  Students will learn and utilize the metric system.

  • Students will use the metric system during scientific procedures.
  • Students will become proficient measuring mass, volume, and distance using the metric system.
Goal 2:  Students will become proficient in the use of "the scientific method" during
               controlled experiments.
  • Students will practice portions of the scientific method as a part of inquiry during labs.
  • Students will write up at least one formal lab report a quarter.
  • Students will select, complete, and share an independently chosen controlled experiment for the schoolwide science fair.
Goal 3:  Students will show mastery in earning a C or higher on common grade level
               summative assessments, formal labs, and projects.  Students will also show
               consistency in daily practice work, earning no less than a C on that work.

 Learning Targets

Physical Science Content
Students will learn about some of the basic rules and patterns that the physical world
follows, including:

  • what is used to determine the average speed of an object.
  • what friction is and how it effects the motion of objects.
  • how unbalanced forces can change the speed or direction of the motion of objects.
  • how mass effects an unbalanced force.
  • how heat is transferred through conduction, radiation, and convection.
  • how molecular motion is effected by increased temperature.
  • how energy can be transferred from one place to another through waves.

Earth/ Space Science Content
Students will observe and learn relationships between the Sun, the Earth, the moon, and other members of our solar system.  They will learn our relationship to the rest of the universe, including:

  • what causes the phases of the moon and eclipses.
  • the characteristics of all the members of our solar system.
  • the predictable movements of members of the solar system that lead to such phenomena as our day, our year, phases of the moon, and eclipses
  • how gravity works within our solar system.
  • our place within the Milky Way Galaxy and our universe.
Regarding our Earth, students will learn and understand:
  • the components and properties of our atmosphere.
  • how the Sun provides the majority of energy for phenomena on the Earth's surface.
  • how the water cycle works.
  • the layers of the Earth.
  • how plate tectonics work and how they effect us in the Pacific Northwest.
  • the processes that continually change the surface of the Earth.
  • how the rock cycle works.
  • how fossils and other evidence are used to document life,environmental changes, and geologic events over time.

Inquiry: Scientific Processing
Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to do scientific inquiry.  They will:

  • question
  • observe
  • hypothesize
  • collaborate
  • measure
  • record observations and measurements
  • display data
  • classify
  • predict
  • investigate
  • analyze and interpret data
  • discuss
  • manipulate variables
  • control variables
  • design experiments
  • verify results using evidence
  • repeat investigations to be sure of results.
  • communicate findings and understandings in writing and orally
  • consider the ethics involved in studies with humans, animals, and natural ecosystems.
Expectations
  • Students will come to class every day with appropriate materials.
  • Students will fully and appropriately participate in learning activities.
  • Students will be courteous and respectful of all people and materials in the classroom.
  • Students will maintain an organized, accurate, thoughtful notebook.
  • Students will learn the concepts and processes of science that are presented.  They will demonstrate their learnings in a variety of ways.

Grading
A  (advanced/ exemplary/ exceeds standards)  93%- 100%
A-  90%- 92.99%
B+ 87%-89.99%
B   (proficient/ meets standards)  83%- 86.99%
B- 80%- 82.99%
C+ 77%- 79.99%
C  (basic/ approaches most standards)  73%- 76.99%
C- 70%- 72.99%
I  There is at least one assignment that must be completed or redone to standard before a
   grade is assigned.

Breakdown of Grades
40%- practice, including group work and daily work in the notebook
60%-  formative and summative assessments.

Science Department Redo Policy

Practice Work
  • Work completed on time may be redone for an A.
  • Work completed late may be redone for no higher grade than a B.
Formative Assessments may be redone at the discretion of the teacher.

Benchmark Assignments:  Summative Assessments, Formal Labs, Science Fair Project
  • Any student may retake or redo benchmark assignments for a better grade.  Arrangements will be made individually with the teacher for students who have already earned above a C.
  • Students that do not earn at least a C on a benchmark assignment are required to retake or redo that assignment.
             1.  Parents or guardians will be contacted.
             2.  Time/ Date of retake or redo will be given to parents at that time.  This will usually
                  occur within two weeks of the initial assessment or assignment.
             3.  The retake or redo will take place after school and after any assigned practice is
                   complete.
             4.  Refusal to show up for retake or redo will result in a discipline referral.


Required Materials
pencil or pen
spiral notebook
two- pocket portfolio with brackets
Earth Science book

Additional Recommended Materials
calculator
colored pencils
ruler
highlighter