7 th Grade Mrs. Ballew Phone: I am so excited to be your science teacher this year!

Background of Mrs. Ballew Born in Williamsport, PA (Home of Little League Baseball) B.A. in Biology and B.S. in Secondary Education Biology and General Science from Lock Haven University, PA M.A. in Physical Science from West Chester University, PA Have lived in Pennsylvania, Washington, Virginia, Germany, and Utah Have taught science from fourth grade through college in Pennsylvania, Germany, and Utah Have taught science at Bountiful Junior High for 12 years!

Honors Science Traditional Science More independent workLess independent work More challenging to foster growth for advanced learners in science Stimulating, but at grade level Additional content, more in depth topics, class discussions/debates, independent projects Class discussions, some independent and group projects Student directed labsStep-by-step directions in lab Prepares students for more Honors Science classes or AP science courses Prepares students for eighth grade science Be informed, realistic, and judicious when choosing which course!

What do we study in 7 th Grade Science? Lab Safety…because we do lots of labs! Matter (atoms, molecules, elements, compounds) Earth Layers (density) Cells (structures and functions) Genetics (inheritance and adaptations) Organisms (body systems) Classification(using our senses to identify items)

Mrs. Ballew’s Website

Supplies Pencils Notebook Paper Notebook 3 dividers (vocabulary, labs, and assignments) Red pen Blue or black pen Optional: Use of ear phones, camera, flash drive, calculator, colored pencils, pencil sharpener

How to Be Successful in 7 th Grade Science Write your name on all papers! Complete work on due date! Try your best! Ask for help in class or me or come see me before school on Mondays or Wednesdays for extra help. Be prepared for class! Be safe in the lab! I should have asked for help!

Weighted Grades Labs = 20% Assignments= 15% Projects = 10% Participation/ Notebook Checks = 5% Tests/quizzes = 50% Citizenship Grade = based on number of tardies, unexcused absences, behavior, attitude, and number of late assignments Academic Grade = based on points earned on labs, assignments, quizzes, notebook checks, participation, tests, and projects.

What Can You Do to Improve Science Grade Retest or correct mistakes on test for half credit. Try the extra credit questions on labs or quizzes. Participate in Science Fair for extra credit. Participate in Science-After-School Activities for extra credit and fun! Dates, times, and activities will be posted! Get some extra help before school on Monday or Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Check your grades often with myDSD app! Complete any missing work before it changes to NO CREDIT.

Appropriate Cell Phone Usage in Science Lab As a calculator in lab As a stopwatch/timer in lab As a camera in lab As a reading book for online textbook As a way to check grades – get the myDSD app