Seventh Grade Science
Mrs. McGarry – Mustang Team

Background:
Welcome to seventh grade science!  I am very pleased to have all of you this school year.  In seventh grade you are expected to learn a lot about science.  Topics will include Properties of matter, Forces, Energy and Motion, Weather and Climate, and Environmental Science.  In addition to these topics of study we will work on the following science skills:  measurement, making and reading a graph, data collection and interpretation, as well as writing lab report.

Instruction:
As the instructor I work to make learning science as interesting as I can.    I use a variety of activities, labs and computer applications to try to bring the science to life.  Throughout the school year you will engage in a number of individual and group projects to apply what you have learned in a new situation.

Folders:
Throughout the school year you will keep a science folder.  The folder should keep all of your science work in the pockets.    You will need a new folder for each major unit of study. All folders will be kept in my room until we use them. It is your responsibility to keep all items in your folder until you are told to do otherwise.

Science notebook(COMPOSITION BOOK):
This is your record of what we do on a daily basis.  Copy the GAME PLAN down off the board each day and keep class notes as well as reading notes in there.  A good basic guideline is that if I write it on the board or overhead, it is important and worth remembering…SO WRITE IT DOWN!

Homework:
Homework will be assigned almost everyday the class meets. I will have the assignment posted on the assignment board and I expect it will be written down in your agenda book at the beginning of class.  All homework will be checked or collected.  All collected assignments should have the following heading:
                                                                     Your name
                                                                     The date
                                                                     Class period

Late work: Will be graded according to team policy.  It is to be turned-in in the front of the room and
marked appropriately.

Absences:  School policy is that you have one day to make up work for every day that you missed.  I will post the “game plan” on a calendar in the front of the room.  Extra copies are available in the file in front of it.  It is YOUR job to make sure you get what you need, then if you need help please ask me!

Behavior:
It is my hope that you will see that learning must come first.  Attentiveness and seriousness toward your studies should always be foremost in your mind.  Follow these four rules while in my class.

•Be on time - you have 3 minutes between classes to use the restrooms and visit your lockers.
•Be Ready - Bring ALL of your classroom materials. (I will post a sign outside Mr. W’s room if any different materials are required.
•Be Courteous - Show respect for yourself, fellow classmates, your teacher & all private property
•Be Attentive - Stay organized, keep up with work & actively participate.

The first time you fail to follow the stated rules I will give a verbal warning the second time you will receive a team detention. If you receive repeated detentions I will call home and or assign school detentions

Grading:
Grades will be made up of lab/class work, homework, projects, and tests.

Materials :( to be brought every day)

1. Science folder
2. Science note book
3. Pencil pouch with materials in it (including CALCULATOR!)

Daily Procedures:

1. Pick up any handouts from the door on your way in.
2. Be seated and get your homework out.
3. Write down homework from assignment board 
4. Write down the GAME PLAN in your notebook, it will be written on the front board. 
5. Follow all Mustang Team general rules
6. Follow all rules and regulations outlined on the Lab Safety agreement.

Team work:
The nature of this class requires an extensive amount of teamwork and cooperation within groups.  You will be assigned new seats every 2-3 weeks. 

Seventh Grade Science

                                   Lab Safety Rules

General rules:

1. Always obtain teacher’s permission before beginning an activity.
2. Study the procedure, if you have questions ask your teacher. (90% of all accidents occur due to lack of understanding of the procedure)
3. Use the safety equipment provided for you.
4. Only use lab materials in the way you are instructed
5. Never eat or drink in the lab, never use glassware as food or drink containers
6. Never inhale chemicals, use wafting technique
7. If you spill any chemical, wash it off immediately with water, and then report it to the teacher.
8. Know the location of and proper use of the fire extinguisher, safety shower, first aid kit, and fire alarm
9. Keep all materials away from open flames.
10. Tie back loose hair and clothing.
11. Report any accident or injury, no matter how small to the teacher.
12. Student(s) responsible for breakage should expect to bear financial responsibility for those materials.

Clean – up procedures:

1. Turn off all water and gas.  Disconnect electrical devices.
2. Return materials to proper places
3. Discard chemicals in the manner instructed by teacher, never down the sink.
4. Clean and dry your work area.
5. Put all lab papers in your science folder.

Class safety agreement:
Immediate removal from science activity will take place if you are…

1. behaving in a disruptive manner
2. not following safety rules
3. not following directions
4. doing an unauthorized experiment
5. endangering yourself or your classmates
6. damaging or abusing classroom materials

If you need to be removed parents will be contacted immediately.  Alternate consequences may include detentions and or other consequences considered reasonable or appropriate by the teacher.

Statement of agreement:
I, ___________________________ (student) have read all of the rules on this sheet and understand them as they were discussed in class.  I agree to follow them and any further printed material or verbal instructions given later by my teacher.