I am so excited to be your science teacher this year! 7th Grade I am so excited to be your science teacher this year! Mrs. Ballew gballew@dsdmail.net http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/page/30827 Phone: 801-402-6000

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 14 years!

Honors Science Traditional Science More independent work Less 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 labs Step-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 7th Grade Science? Lab Safety…because we do lots of labs! Forces Interact with Matter Earth’s Processes Structure and Function of Life Reproduction and Inheritance Changes in Species over Time

Mrs. Ballew’s Website http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/page/30827

Supplies Several Pencils Notebook Paper 3-Ringed Notebook 1-2 Composition Books Red pen Blue or black pen Use of Earbuds or Headphones Optional: flash drive, calculator, colored pencils, pencil sharpener

How to Be Successful in 7th Grade Science Write your name on all papers! Complete work on due date! Tutoring (Science, Math, and English) in library, Monday – Thursday, from 3:00 – 3:45 Try your best! Be prepared for class! Be safe in the lab! I should have asked for help!

Weighted Grades Labs = 20% Assignments= 15% Projects = 10% Notebook Checks = 5% Assessments= 50% Citizenship Grade = based on number of tardies, unexcused absences, behavior, participation, and attitude Academic Grade = based on points earned on labs, assignments, quizzes, notebook checks, 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. Get some extra help after school Monday –Thursday from 3:00 – 3:45 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