Maltz’s 7th Grade Science SyllabusHello and welcome to 7th grade science with Ms. Maltz. This syllabus is a brief description of the structure and policies of my class.

If you have any questions about our class, the quickest way to get in touch with me is via email: smaltz@sandi.net. If you need to reach me via telephone, please know that calls are not put through to the classroom if class is in session, but the front office will take a message. You can call (858) 800-5550 x803072904.

Our classroom website has all of the information that you and your student will need throughout the year. Please be sure to check it weekly at www.maltzscience.weebly.com.

CurriculumIn 7th grade science, we will be following the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The units will include an integration of the following topics: the rock cycle, plate tectonics, geomorphology, earth’s resources, photosynthesis, respiration, atomic structure, conservation of matter, chemical reactions, food chains and webs, ecosystems, states of matter, properties of matter, thermal energy, and human impact on the earth. The NGSS curriculum this year has a different focus than in years past, with a stronger emphasis on engineering, building models, and analysis of real world issues and problems.

Digital ClassroomThe majority of work this year will be done through Google Classroom. Students will be spend the beginning of the year learning how to use Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Slides, and Google Forms. All information needed for the class, including assignments, syllabus, calendar, and assessments can be found by logging in to your student’s google classroom account. Please notify me if students do not have home access to one of the following items: computer, tablet, phone. Everything we are doing this year can be accessed through any of these platforms.

TextbookAlthough your student will be bringing home a textbook, the majority of reading assignments will come from articles or other texts provided by me, through google

classroom. Students in this class will learn science through exploring current topics of discussion and research, published by scientists currently in the field. Please have students leave their textbook at home. Materials NeededStudents in my class should always come prepared with multiple pens/pencils and paper. At this time, they do not need a science notebook. We will be trying out a digital interactive notebook this year.

Grading ScaleA: 90-100% B: 80-89% C: 70-79% D: 60-69% F: 59% or less

A student’s grade is composed of 3 parts: 1. Classwork/Labs – 40%2. Assessments – 30%3. Participation – 30%

Classwork/Labs/Projects – This section includes all assignments done in and out of class. This will include reading, writing, mathematics, lab reports, oral presentations, computer assignments, and individual and group projects. Most of the work will be done in class and on computers. If a student does not finish an assignment in class, he/she will be responsible for finishing it at home.

Assessments - Some time during each unit, there will be an assessment to determine each student’s mastery of the subject matter. These assessments may be in the form of multiple-choice, short answer, or essay questions, or may be a project or construction. Everything students need to study will be in their digital science notebook.

Participation – A major part of science class is attendance and group discussion. The more each student participates in these discussions, the better the entire class will understand and remember the information. Students cannot do this if they are absent. Individual participation grades will be given every nine weeks and group participation will be given at the end of every group activity. Absences will affect the students’ group participation grade.

I look forward to working with you and your child this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Thank you,

Ms. Maltz7th grade science teacherCPMA Middle SchoolMaltzscience.weebly.com