Welcome to 7th Grade & GATE Science It’s going to be a great year!

Welcome to 7th Grade Science Monica Crowder mcrowd@kyrene.org A little bit about me: Goal is to inspire children to want to continue learning and participating in science. 27 years in Education I LOVE SCIENCE! BS in Elementary Education, Minor in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls MS in Elementary Education, “Science Specialist” option from ASU

With my husband in my home state of Minnesota My two babies My other baby

All Year: Inquiry Process This is a “thinking class” and not just a “memorizing class”. Formulate questions based on observations that will lead to a hypothesis and be able to refine a hypothesis Critically analyze media Communicate data, results and information Design a controlled investigation Keep accurate records Identify trends Perform accurate measurements Write clear step by step directions Locate and select appropriate resources Determine validity

How am I graded? 20% class/home work * 80% assessments (quiz, test, finished product such as lab or project.) I recommend checking grades online weekly. *Your amount of homework will depend on your speed and effort in class. Keeping a science notebook is essential to your success.

First Quarter: Ecology Invasive Species Food Chains Ecosystems Environmental Factors Taxonomy of Living Organisms Identify Trends Phoenix Zoo Fieldtrip We will need 1 chaperone for every 8 students. It’s a great opportunity to spend the day with your child and their friends.

First Quarter: Astronomy Second Quarter: Astronomy Phases of the Moon Relative positions of Earth, Sun & Moon Relationship between tides & moon Seasons Visible Constellations Galaxies: Our place in the universe Sun’s structure: Layers Production of Energy Electromagnetic Spectrum First Quarter: Astronomy

Third Quarter: Geology Classify rocks & minerals, Rock Cycle Layers of the earth (core, mantle, crust) Erosion & Deposition Fossils

Fourth Quarter: Geology Geological Time Plate Tectonics Convection Currents Mountain Building Faults Earthquakes

All Year: History of Human Endeavor Identify diverse people who have contributed to science Major milestones in science and technology Analyze the use of technology Apply scientific method

Our Assignment Calendar- updated every Monday!

We are a team working toward a shared goal of academic success. Thank you We are a team working toward a shared goal of academic success.

GATE: Gifted & Talented Class Periods 2 and 6 Cover the same content standards as 7th grade science, but can move faster and dive deeper Higher expectations in outcomes More choice Participation in design challenges and applications of knowledge.