September 9, 2015

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to 7th grade Science in Ms. Cooleys class! I am looking forward to an exciting year. We will be
investigating many interesting topics in Science class this year such as El Nino, the Periodic Table,
ecosystems, and many others. Please look at and keep the syllabus on the back for future reference. All
topics are aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills found on the Texas Education Agency web
site http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=6148 . I would like all parents to know what I will expect from my
students during the school year.
My first and greatest expectation is that every student will work hard and try to succeed in Science
class. I will look for effort from every student. To encourage class involvement and reward hard work, I
will give a participation grade. A significant portion of the school year will be spent working in groups
doing hands-on activities, so participation will be a key to success.
Secondly, I expect my students to take pride in their school work by coming to class prepared. Each
student will need a hard cover binder with 3 metal rings. One inch or one and half inch will be big
enough. In this binder the student will place his or her science notebook and all class notes and
assignments. The science notebook contains a very detailed outline of classroom procedures and advice for
success in the science classroom. It will be handed out and discussed over the first few weeks of school. It
is important that each student bring it to class every day and keep it organized. Short journal questions will
be given at the beginning of class most every day. These are to be placed in the front of the students
science notebook. They will be collected about every two weeks. These questions should give a good
picture of what we are discussing in class. A soft-cover textbook will be given to each student at the
beginning of the year. The textbook will belong to the student. Students may write in them and do not have
to return them. Students may have to tear out pages for homework assignments. Usually homework will be
in form of chapter readings or worksheet packets. One of these may be assigned every week, so you can
expect about 1 hour of homework per week in Science class. On report cards, there will be on average
about 18 to 25 grades per quarter in Science class. This means that each assignment is very important to the
overall grade. Therefore, I expect all homework and assignments to be turned in on time. Two to four
quizzes or tests will be given each quarter. Students will have the opportunity to retake most tests and
quizzes up to one week after the score has been announced. During homeroom and intervention class,
teachers will be available to help students by answering questions about assignments and concepts discussed
in class. Please encourage your child to take advantage of this opportunity.
Please look over your childs science notebook and become involved in what is going on in Science
class. I am confident that if each student will come to class with a positive attitude expecting to have fun
and learn, then this will be a terrific school year. I also feel that parents and teachers are partners in a childs
well-being. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone or email. I may be reached here at school at 832-928-3158. My e-mail is mcooley@misd.org I look forward to
working with you this school year.
Sincerely,
Ms. Cooley
7th Science Teacher
Please sign legibly, date, and return the lower portion after reading. The top portion with the course syllabus should be placed in the students
science notebook. Thank You.

7th Grade Science Class Expectations Letter

_____________________________________
Students Signature and Date

_____________________________________
Parents Signature and Date

7th Grade Science Syllabus / Course Map

1st Quarter

Major Units
Major Topics Guided Note Packets
Sub-topics
Tests, Quizzes, or Projects
7th
Science Lab Orientation
Quiz
The
Nature of Science
Establishing Scientific Proof
deductive versus inductive reasoning

4th Quarter

3rd Quarter

2nd Quarter

mining lab, Quiz

Air, & Space
Hydrosphere
water location, water usage, water quality issues algae blooms,
Grand Lake St. Marys algae bloom article,
land lab field stream monitoring project,
Quiz
water cycle storage, evaporation, condensation, precipitation, cloud/fog formation,
recharge, groundwater concepts
water quality web Site,
Quiz
Atmosphere and Ocean
atmosphere, greenhouse effect/global warming,
Coriolis effect, jet stream, El Nino/La Nina, Gulf Stream, ozone layer
Quiz
Seasons and Climate Regions / Sun and Moon
seasons, climate regions, moon phases, eclipses, tides
Quiz
Matter & Energy
Matter
basic atomic structure, reactive and nonreactive atoms, acids and bases,
metals and nonmetals basic Periodic Table
Acid/Base lab
Ohio Energy Project activities
Quiz
SLO TEST
Energy
energy units, waves
Energy Types
mechanical, sound, chemical, nuclear, thermal, electrical - circuits, radiant,
energy transformations, energy systems
Quiz
Water,

Ecology
Ecosystems
biotic versus abiotic factors, organization, limiting factors, invasive species - EAB,
succession primary and secondary
Producers, Consumers, & Decomposers
flow of energy, photosynthesis, respiration nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle, energy pyramid
Biomes climate, forests, grasslands, desert, tundra, ocean biome organization
Biome Book,
Ecology Unit Final Exam