Welcome, Scientists!
Welcome to 7th grade science!
Ms. Natalie Keigher
630 493-8242
We are using Edmodo in class this year. Please check Edmodo.com if you are absent - activities will be posted there for you to print and complete.
Fossil Finders Assessment (9/28/2012) Study Guide: CLICK HERE!
This year, we will be learning Earth science and physical science over the course of several units:
- Fossil Finders (nature of science, inquiry, fossils, geologic time)
- Catastrophic Earth Changes (inside Earth, earthquakes and volcanoes)
- Uniform Earth Changes (erosion and deposition)
- Physics (motion, forces, work, energy)
- Matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, physical and chemical changes)
- Waves (sound and light, wave interations)
Mastery Learning
7th grade science incorporates mastery learning into the classroom. After completing lessons on a particular topic or groups of topics, a "rest stop," or status check is conducted.
A rest stop is a set of two quick assessments, with activities between them. If a students does not demonstrate mastery on the first rest stop assessment, they are assigned activities to support them in gaining mastery in this particular concept. The student can then show mastery or improvement in this area on the second rest stop assessment.
A student who shows mastery on the first rest stop assessment will be given activities to deepen and stretch their knowledge. These students do not take the second rest stop assessment, as they have already demonstrated mastery.
Grading
The 7th grade science gradebook is organized by learning targets, rather than assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. The grade entered for each learning target represents a student's level of knowledge in that particular area. When a student improves in any given area, their grade is changed to reflect this.
Pre-assessments will be given for each unit. Students will be aware of and chart their pre-assessment scores. These scores will NOT be placed in the gradebook.
Scores will be added to the grade book after each rest stop and after the end of the unit assessment.
Effective Learner Scores
Each unit will include an effective learner score. The following characteristics of an effective learner are factored into the score:
- Being on time to class
- Bringing the necessary materials
- Quality and promptness of assignments
- Contributing positively to class (volunteering answers, raising hand, not distracting others)
- Contributing positively to group work (working with, not against others)
