Welcome! Back to School Night 2015-20146 Mrs. Vermeulen Room 33 Life Science

Experience Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies & Child Development Multiple Subject Credential Science Credential Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Administration 13th year of teaching

Expectations for students To be a positive contributor to our class Become a better problem solver Gain scientific knowledge about our world

How can we accomplish this? Work together and trust one another as we work with partners and teammates to solve problems Use multiple strategy types to obtain answers Including: class labs, library and internet research, and observations of nature in action! Draw conclusions from our class labs, observations of nature and research

Goals for 7th Grade Science My goal for 7th grade science… is to engage your student in the life science curriculum while allowing them to think critically about the subject matter. is to create opportunities for your student to communicate with the members of the class using academic language to demonstrate your critical thinking. is to have fun while we learn about LIFE SCIENCE!! Science Rules!!!

Class Rules Be in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. Raise your hand to speak Clean up all labs and work areas Be respectful to yourself, your peers, your teacher and their property No food, drinks, or gum in class. Turn off cell phones

Text & Lab Manual Please feel free to take a look at what we will be studying. Please leave all copies here!

Course of Study Trimester 1: Trimester 2: Trimester 3: Investigation and Experimentation Characteristics of Life Cell Biology Trimester 2: Genetics Human Body Systems Human and Plant Reproduction Trimester 3: Evolution Earth’s History ***Next Generation Science Standards will be implemented throughout the year. Parents may visit http://ngss.nsta.org/parent-q-and-a/ to get more information.

Curriculum Evolution will not be taught from a religious perspective; only scientific evidence and theory will be discussed. Human Development and Reproduction will be taught through fertilization of the egg and development of the fetus, as well as HIV and AIDS. Please discuss this with your child before we begin the unit of study.

Goals for Honors 7th Grade Science Review standards from HS biology. Design curriculum to delve into those standards so students have a deeper understanding. Save 7th grade curriculum to be prepared for the CST Science test.

Projects Some long-term projects Cell Model DNA double helix PowerPoint Presentations Posters “Foldable” Organizers Creating an organism (Honors) Research Project Genetic Disorder (Honors) Research Human Body Systems (Honors)

Grading Scale/Weighted Grades B = 80 - 89% C = 70 - 79% D = 60 - 69%; Below 60% = F Extra credit may be available on some assignments; solely at teacher’s discretion 30% tests (20%) /quizzes(10%) (quizzes weekly) 10%Final Exam 35% Projects (20%) /Labs (15%) 25% Homework(10%), Classwork(10%), Participation(5%)

Teacher-Parent-Student Communication Teacherweb.com/ca/ustach/7thgradescience Locate student’s grade at Parent Portal website (information is in your child’s agenda) Teacher email: jvermeulen@sylvan.k12.ca.us Daily Agenda Leave a message with the office @ 552-3000 Remind 81010 @ mrsvermeu

A girl can wish! Paper towels (wrapped rolls) Kleenex Clorox wipes Hand sanitizer There may be requests for lab supplies NOT REQUIRED!!!

Thank you for coming tonight Thank you for coming tonight. It is incredibly encouraging to to know that there are so many parents ready and willing to be an active part in your child’s education!! Questions?