Mrs. Otto's Class Web Page      
7th Grade Life Science 2009-2010

CURRENT Class Room Log  

Date
Thursday November 5, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of quarter one curricular material.
Class Agenda
Science Assessment multiple choice
Homework
Enjoy the three day weekend!
Homework Time
3 days
Reminders
No school tomorrow!

GREETINGS!
This website is a way of communicating classroom reminders and homework assignments to parents and students. The most current information will be found at the top of the web page. Information from previous pages will be located at the bottom of the page. All information will be dated.

If you have any questions, please EMAIL me at jennifer_otto@hcpss.org. I look forward to an exciting school year with you!

A copy of the CLASS SYLLABUS that contains all class room policies and procedures (grading policies) is found at the bottom of the page. For a copy of the syllabus, please click Syllabus 2009-2010

Howard County also has eGuides to help you and your student best prepare for the school year. Check it out at
http://www.hcpsseduapps.org/eGuides/resources.php?c=28&q=1

Grading policy:
        25% Quizzes     25% Tests               10 % Homework           40% Class work
        Grades will be posted online through Teacherease- updates will be posted in red!

YEAR AT A GLANCE:
Quarter I                                       Quarter 2                                       Quarter 3                               Quarter 4
Lab Safety                                      Skeletal/muscular systems               Immune system                   Evolution
Lab Equipment Review                    Circulatory system                      Endocrine system                Ecology
The Scientific Method           Digestive system                                Nervous system                  Chesapeake Bay Unit
The Microscope                          Respiratory system
The Cell                                        Integumentary system

PREVIOUS CLASSROOM LOGS

Date
Wednesday November 4, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
1.Take mini-quizzes
2. Assessment review game
Homework
Study for the assessment.
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
The science assessment is TOMORRW Thursday 11/5/09!!!!!!!

Date
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
1. Cell cities are due at the beginning of class
2. Go over questions 1-12 for review
3. Create a mini-quiz of the assessment
4. Take mini-quizzes
Homework
Complete questions 13-25 in the review packet.
Study for the assessment.
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
The science assessment is on Thursday 11/5/09- this week!!!!
Date
Monday November 2, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
1. Assessment review prep
2. Go over Cell Test
3. Students will work on their cell city posters. Posters will be due at the beginning of class on Tuesday.
Homework
Complete questions 1-12 in the review packet.
Study for the assessment.
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
The science assessment is on Thursday 11/5/09- this week!!!!

Date
Friday October 30, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
Students will work on their cell city posters. Posters will be due at the end of class on Monday.
Homework
Have a Happy Halloween!
Homework Time
All weekend!
Reminders
The science assessment is on Thursday 11/5/09- next week!!!!!!!

Date
Thursday October 29, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
Test on the cell and microscope today.
Homework
Work on cell cities rough drafts. Cell city posters will be due at the end of class on Monday.
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
The science assessment is on Thursday 11/5/09- next week!!!!!!!

Date
Wednesday October 28, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
Work on cell cities projects with groups.
Homework
Study Notes #5 and #6 for Cell test tomorrow.
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
There will be a test on the cell on Thursday 10/29/08

Date
Tuesday October 27, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
1. Paper shuffle- students will receive back all papers for the teacherease grade update
2. Cell Notes
Homework
Periods 3,4- make flashcards of each of the 13 organelles. Put a picture and the name of the organelle on the front of the card and the definition on the back.
Periods 7,8 and 9-
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
There will be a test on the cell on Thursday 10/29/08

Date
Monday October 26, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
1.Cell Notes
Homework
Periods 3,4- read pages 71-81 in your textbook an complete the outline
Periods 7,8 and 9- flashacrds of organelles
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
There will be a test on the cell on Thursday 10/29/08
Date
Friday October 23, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Student will be able to describe the parts of the cell and relate them to function.
Class Agenda
1. Paper shuffle- students will receive back all papers for the teacherease grade update
2. Cell Notes
Homework
Periods 3,4- none
Periods 7,8 and 9- read pages 71-81 in your textbook and complete the outline
Homework Time
25 minutes
Reminders
There will be a test on the cell on Thursday 10/29/08

Date
Thursday October 22, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to identify appropriate attire, supplies and behaviors expected for the Mount Pleasant field trip tomorrow.
Class Agenda
Mount Pleasant field trip!!!
Homework
Eat a big dinner- you worked hard and deserve it!
Homework Time
Dinner time
Reminders
None

Date
Wednesday October 21, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to identify appropriate attire, supplies and behaviors expected for the Mount Pleasant field trip tomorrow.
Class Agenda
Mount Pleasant field trip prep day- what to expect/what to bring
Homework
Wear work clothes and work shoes tomorrow.
Homework Time
5 minutes tomorrow morning
Reminders
Mount Pleasant field trip is tomorrow Thursday 10/22/09. Get excited!!!!

Date
Tuesday October 20, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a compound light microscope.
Class Agenda
1.Microscope quiz
2.Exploring the microscope lab- part 2
3. Making a wet mount slide- Elodea leaf
Homework
Enjoy the evening!
Homework Time
All night

Date
Monday October 19, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a compound light microscope.
Class Agenda
1. Exploring the microscope lab
2. Making a wet mount slide
Homework
Study microscope packet and picture (both Notes #5) for Microscope quiz tomorrow.
Homework Time
20 minutes
Reminders
1. There will be a microscope quiz on Tuesday 10/20/09. Study Notes #5 (the packet and the picture)
2. Mount Pleasant field trip is Thursday 10/22/09. Get excited!!!!

Date
Thursday October 15, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a compound light microscope.
Class Agenda
1. Introduction to the Microscope- finding a specimen on a slide
2. Observing prepared slides
3. How to make your own slide
Homework
Complete microscope packet pages 7 and 8
Homework Time
20 minutes
Reminders
1. There will be a microscope quiz on Tuesday 10/20/09. Study Notes #5 (the packet and the picture)
2. Mount Pleasant field trip is Thursday 10/22/09.

Date
Wednesday October 14, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a compound light microscope.
Class Agenda
1. Go over homework
2. Introduction to the Microscope- finding a specimen on a slide
3. Start observing prepared slides
Homework
Enjoy your evening!
Homework Time
All night :)
Reminders
1. Have Mount Pleasant Field trip form signed and return to falcon time teachers tomorrow.
2. Mount Pleasant field trip is Thursday 10/22/09.


Date
Tuesday October 13, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to demonstrate the skills necessary to operate a compound light microscope.
Class Agenda
1. Go over homework
2. Introduction to the Microscope- labeling the microscope and how to use it.
3. Start observing prepared slides
Homework
Read page 5 of the microscope packet and complete page 6
Homework Time
20 minutes
Reminders
1. Have Mount Pleasant Field trip form signed and return to falcon time teachers tomorrow.
2. Mount Pleasant field trip is Thursday 10/22/09.

Date
Monday October 12, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to summarize information on the characteristics of organisms in order to determine if something is alive.
Class Agenda
1. Characteristics of Living Things Quiz
2. Introduction to the Microscope
Homework
Read page 1 of microscope packet and answer questions on the back
Homework Time
20 minutes
Reminders
Have Mount Pleasant Field trip form signed and return to falcon time teachers tomorrow.

Date
Friday October 9, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to summarize information on the characteristics of organisms in order to determine if yeast is alive.
Class Agenda
1. Run yeast lab
2. Collect data for lab
Homework
Study Notes #4 for the quiz on Characteristics of Living Things on Monday 10/12
Homework Time
20 minutes
Reminders
1. Have Mount Pleasant Field trip form signed and return to falcon time teachers tomorrow.
2. There will be a Characteristics of Living Things Quiz on Monday October 12.

Date
Thursday October 8, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to summarize information on the characteristics of organisms in order to determine if yeast is alive.
Class Agenda
1. Review lab expectations and procedures for Yeast lab tomorrow.
2. Complete hypothesis and variables for lab
Homework
1. Characteristics of Living Things Worksheet
2. Wear tennis shoes tomorrow for lab
Homework Time
20 minutes
Reminders
1. Have Mount Pleasant Field trip form signed and return to falcon time teachers tomorrow.
2. There will be a Characteristics of Living Things Quiz on Monday October 12.

Mrs. Otto was absent on Wednesday October 7, 2009

Date
Tuesday October 6, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to summarize information on the characteristics of organisms in order to determine if yeast is alive.
Class Agenda
1. Finish Powerpoint Note presentation of characteristics of living things.
2. Review lab expectations and procedures for Yeast lab tomorrow.
Homework
Wear tennis shoes tomorrow for lab
Homework Time
1 minute
Reminders
None

Date
Monday October 5, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to summarize information on the characteristics of organisms in order to determine if something is alive.
Class Agenda
1. Finish Characteristics of Living things placemats. Students will come up with a list of characteristics of all living things.
2. Powerpoint Note presentation of characteristics of living things.
Homework
Read yeast lab activity
Homework Time
10 minutes
Reminders
None

Date
Friday October 2, 2009
Daily Performance Objective
Students will be able to summarize information on the scientific method in order to apply it to labs for the school year.
Class Agenda
1. Finish Scientific Method test
2. Complete County Assessment BCR on the scientific method
3. Catch your breath (make sure all your ducks are in a row)
Homework
Homework
Have a Fantastic weekend!
Homework Time
2 days
Reminders
All makeup work is due by Monday10/5/09 to be considered for progress report grades

Thursday October 1, 2009
Class Agenda:
Scientific Method test
Homework (25 minutes)
Review hypothesis writing for county BCR tomorrow

Reminders:
None

Wednesday September 30, 2009 (there was no school yesterday)
Class Agenda:
1. Go over Scientific Method Quiz
2. Review for Scientific Method test
Homework (25 minutes)
1. Complete Study Guide
2. Study Notes #1, Notes #2, Notes #3, Classwork #4 and all old quizzes for the for Scientific Method Test on THURSDAY (NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR TEST!!!) Yes, you will need to write a hypothesis and create a graph.

Reminders:
There will be a scientific method test on Thursday 10/1/09.

Tuesday September 29, 2009 (there was no school yesterday)
Class Agenda:
1. Scientific Method Quiz
2. Characteristics of Living Things Placemat activity
Homework (20 minutes)
Study Notes #1, Notes #2, Notes #3, Classwork #4 and all old quizzes for the for Scientific Method Test on THURSDAY (NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR TEST!!!) Yes, you will need to write a hypothesis and create a graph.

Reminders:
There will be a scientific method test on Thursday 10/1/09.

Friday September 25, 2009
Class Agenda:
1. Graphing with Excel
2. Students will use the mobile science lab to graph on Excel
Homework (20 minutes)
Study Notes #1 and Notes #3 for Scientific Method Quiz on TUESDAY (remember there is no school on Monday, so it is like having a quiz on Monday)

Reminders:
There will be a scientific method quiz on Tuesday 9/29/09.
There will be a scientific method test on Friday 10/2/09.

Thursday September 24, 2009
Class Agenda:
1. Discuss double line graph
2. Discuss single bar graphs
Homework (20 minutes)
Complete #4 double bar graph in the graphing packet

Reminders:
There will be a scientific method quiz on Tuesday 9/29/09.
There will be a scientific method test on Friday 10/2/09.

Wednesday September 23, 2009
Class Agenda:
1. Discuss Planarian Lab
2. Single Bar graph discussion

Homework (20 minutes)
Complete #2 Double Bar graph in graphing packet

Reminders:
Tonight is Back to School Night

Tuesday September 22, 2009
Class Agenda:
1. Clean out planarian tanks
2. Light and Dark part of Planarian Lab
3. Predict #12 in the lab
4. Draw and observe a cot planarian

Homework (20 minutes)
Complete the lab questions.

Reminders:
Tomorrow is picture day
Tomorrow is Back to School Night

Monday September 21
Mrs Otto was out. Students are not responsible for makeup work.

Friday September 18
Class Agenda:
Planarian Lab Day #2

Homework: None

Wednesday September 16, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Go over Lab safety quiz
        2. Scientific Method Notes
Homework: (10 minutes)
        Wear sneakers (shoes that cover the whole foot) for lab tomorrow
Reminders:
        None

Tuesday September 15, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Go over Lab safety quiz
        2. Hypothesis Practice
        3. Steps of the scientific method
Homework: (20 minutes)
        Hypothesis practice
Reminders:
        None

Monday September 14, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Go over Lab safety quiz
        2. Scientific Method Notes
Homework: (10 minutes)
        Scientific method worksheet
Reminders:
        None

Friday September 11, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Lab safety quiz
        2. Day #2 of Rubberband variable lab
Homework: (20 minutes)
        1. Read text book pages 12-17
        2. Complete the outline as you read
Reminders:
        Have a great weekend!

Thursday September 10, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Introduce Scientific Method
        2. Start Rubber band variable lab
Homework: (20 minutes)
        STUDY the lab safety contract, lab safety notes, and lab safety pre-quiz for a quiz tomorrow.
Reminders:
        There will be a lab safety quiz on Friday 9/11/09. Study the highlighted portions of the lab safety contract and the "Safety Notes" taken in
        class.

Wednesday September 9, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Get back and go over syllabus quiz
        2. Get text books
        3. Lab safety pre-test
Homework: (20 minutes)
        Text book scavenger hunt- For a copy, click here
Reminders:
        There will be a lab safety quiz on Friday 9/11/09. Study the highlighted portions of the lab safety contract and the "Safety Notes" taken in
        class.

Tuesday September 8, 2009
Class Agenda:
        Go over lab safety contract
Homework: (5 minutes)
        Have parents read and sign lab safety contract
Reminders:
        There will be a lab safety quiz on Friday 9/11/09. Study the highlighted portions of the lab safety contract and the "Safety Notes" taken in
        class.

Friday 9/4/09 and Monday 9/7/09 = NO SCHOOL

Thursday September 3, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Syllabus quiz
        2. Set up Binders- label dividers, get Tables of Content
Homework: (20 minutes)
        Getting to know you survey due Tuesday
Reminders:
        NO SCHOOL tomorrow! Enjoy the long weekend!

Wednesday September 2, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Go over homework practice with information on how homework will be graded all year.
        2. Finish up syllabus
Homework: (20  minutes)
        1. Study syllabus (ideas on how to do this: have someone quiz you, write up ten questions, IM questions to a friend)
        2. Supplies due tomorrow
Reminders:
        NO SCHOOL FRIDAY

Tuesday September 1, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. Syllabus Part 1
        2. Absent buddy sheets
Homework: (5  minutes)
        Homework practice
Reminders:
        1. Class supplies need to be class by Thursday
        2. Syllabus quiz on Thursday

Monday August 31, 2009
Class Agenda:
        1. 3-R matrix for class behaviors
        2. Go over parent letter and class supplies
Homework: (10  minutes)
        1. Read class syllabus (found at the bottom of this page and handed out in class today)
        2. Parent letter home
Reminders:
        1. Class supplies need to be class by Thursday
        2. Syllabus quiz on Thursday

Mount View Middle School 2009-2010 School Year
7th Grade Life Sciences with Mrs. Otto

STUDENT SYLLABUS

Greetings! It is my hope that this document will be used as a reference guide for both parents and students throughout the school year. The following information outlines my expectations for you and what you can expect from me. This document and all other important information can be found at the class website: http://web.hcpss.org/~jennifer_otto/

1.      When you arrive at the beginning of class, please do the following:
a.      Get your binder
b.      Follow the instruction on the “Greetings” overhead
c.      Sit down quietly and quickly
d.      Write Homework in agenda.
e.      Dismissal = stand behind pushed in chair

2.      Classroom Demeanor:
a.      No chewing gum- if a problem = lunch detention
b.      Do not kick back your chair (or you will kneel)

3.      Pencil Sharpener:
a.      You may use the pencil sharpener in the back only when no one is talking
b.      You may never sharpen a pencil during a test.

4.      No Name Policy: Always put your name on everything!!
All No-name work will be in the NO NAME box- Check it!!!!

5.      Late work policy:
a.      Homework- up to 80% until the last day of the marking term
b.      4th quarter- no late work will be accepted. This is to prepare you for 8th grade.

6.      Other Work Policy:
a.      If you are doing work for another class in this class, I take it and you do not get it back. Same goes for notes…
b.      If you are copying someone else’s work, I take it and you both get zeroes for that assignment.

7.      Room Set-up = Each class has an IN box for turned in work and an OUT box for returned work.

8.      BINDERS
a.      You will be required to keep a binder for this class. It must be a 3-ring binder with pockets in the front and back.
b.      Section Dividers for each of the following sections must be included: Class Info, Notes, Class Work, Homework and Quizzes
c.      All papers should be clipped into the notebook (not just stuffed into it).
d.      Notebooks will be collected at the end of each marking period for a class work grade.


9.      Homework / Written assignments
a.      All answers to assigned questions must be written with complete sentences, restating the question in your answer.
Example:        Question: “What color is the cat?”
                Answer:   “The color of the cat is black and white.”
b.      Assignments must be done neatly. This includes handwriting, condition of the paper (does it look like the dog ate it?) If I cannot read it, I will not grade it. I will return it to you for a one-time recopy.
c.      Proper Heading format must be used- Upper right hand corner must look like this:                        
                                                        Name
Class Number
Date
Assignment Heading
d.      Homework is due at the BEGINNING of class
e.      Part of your homework grade is that you correct it with a CORRECTING UTENSIL

10.     If you are absent = when you come back
a.      Get your absent buddy sheet out of the absent bin
b.      Makeup policy for graded items=
1.      If you were absent for x-number of days= you have the same number of days that you were absent to complete all work.
2.      If you were absent for a test or quiz
YOU have to remember to come take it the next day.
11.     Grading Policy
a.      Homework        = 10%, Class work= 40%, Tests= 25%, Quizzes= 25%
                         Homework is graded for completion and then self-
                                correction in class. You must correct with a correcting
                                utensil to get full homework credit.
b.      I reserve the right to make a small (maximum 2%) adjustment upwards in your grade based on my own evaluation of such items as your attitude, effort, etc.
c.      Quizzes = All quizzes will be announced.
d.      Tests include three county assessments. These count as classroom tests and will be at the end of quarters 1,2 and 4.

12.     Arriving/ Departing any time other than regular time
a.      Bathroom logs must be used and the bathroom pass must be taken.
b.      If you must leave class at sign out the HALLWAY LOG on the door (with times!!)

13.     Consequences
a.      Last to leave
b.      MIR- two MIR’s = a lunch detention
c.      Write a note home or phone call home
d.      Office referral
I have read this syllabus and understand the requirements and provisions of this class. I take responsibility for my actions under these guidelines.

_____________________________________________________           _______________
Student’s signature                                                             Date

_____________________________________________________           ________________        
Guardian’s signature                                                            Date