When you enter this classroom, you are a scientist, you are an explorer, you are important, you

are a friend, you are

respected, you are loved, you are the reason we are here!


2014 -2015 7
th
Grade Science Syllabus
G. J ames Gholson Middle School
I nstructor: Tiffany J ones, Room A 113
House of Triumph

Contact Information: tiffany4.jones@pgcps.org 301.883.8390

Course Description:

In this course, students will explore five strands of science as required by the State of
Maryland. These will include: Motion & Force, Biology, Human Health & Biology, Earths
Changing Surface and Chemistry.

Students will learn general science methodology through labs, research and projects. Students
enrolled in this class will have a solid understanding of the concepts, skills, and procedures
required to be successful in future science classes.

This year in Science, Prince Georges County has introduced Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) projects into the curriculum. Each unit of study will have a cross curriculum
project associated with it. Details of the work expected, guidelines, and deadlines will be sent
home at the start of each project.

Planning for the science fair project will begin in September with the final projects due in
January.

Quarter and
# of Weeks
Textbook www.phschool.com web codes
1 2 weeks Nature of Science and Technology cae - 0627
1 9 weeks Motion, Forces and Energy (Physics) cae - 0624
2 1 week Nature of Science and Technology cae - 0627
2 4 weeks From Bacteria to Plants (Biology) cae - 0612
2-3 9 weeks Human Health and Biology (Human Biology) cae - 0615
3-4 8 weeks Earths Changing Surface (Earth Science) cae - 0618
4 6 weeks Chemical Building Blocks (Chemistry) cae - 0622
Grading and homework: Science students receive grades based on Homework (15%), Classwork
(45%), and Assessments (40%). Students who spend the most time in class typically maintain
the best grades. We will be completing our classwork almost entirely in the interactive science
notebooks (INBs). Short review homework will be given every day, Monday through Thursday
and supplemental readings (articles of the week) will be dispersed on Mondays and due the following
Monday.

When you enter this classroom, you are a scientist, you are an explorer, you are important, you are a friend, you are
respected, you are loved, you are the reason we are here!


Website: www.houseoftriumph.weebly.com

Rules and expectations outline how you should behave and ensures that everyone in the class is
safe and able to learn. If you are safe and able to learn you will succeed.

House Rules:
1. Come to class prepared and on time
2. Respect yourself and others

House Consequences:
1. Give verbal or non-verbal warnings
2. Change the students location
3. Contact the parents/guardians to discuss the matter at hand and detention as discussed with
the parent
4. Proceed with administrative referral
Expectations:
1. Work hard to complete all assignments
2. Advocate for yourself
3. Take advantage of all educational opportunities
4. Self-monitor and self-manage your behavior
5. Follow directions the first time they are given

Hallway Expectations
Walk on the right hand side in a straight line without talking and follow teacher directions.

Interactive Notebook
All students will use an Interactive Notebook. Students use the right-side pages to record information,
thoughts, notes, quotes, warm ups, or diagrams. Students use the left-side pages to create products that
demonstrate their understanding of the information given. The notebook is empowering for teachers as
well as students. It allows students to take ownership for their learning and is an important tool for
monitoring student progress.