GT Science 7 Life Science

All GT students are expected to choose a science fair project topic, conduct research, and write an experiment during the 7^th grade year. This project will be finished during the 8^th grade year for presentation at the Harper’s Choice Science Fair.

1. Science begins with inquiry. Students will be encouraged to ask questions, and to use various resources to discover the answer. All students are expected to participate in both questioning and researching.

2. This class often proceeds at an accelerated pace in order to include additional GT objectives. It is expected that work not completed in class will be completed as homework. If this becomes a recurring problem please contact me to discuss.

3. Come to class on time and ready to learn. All students are expected to be seated and working quietly when the bell rings!

4. Take your seat and copy the homework assignment into your agenda book, even if the homework board says “none.” Homework will be assigned regularly but not daily.

5. Open your binder to your science section and begin working on the warm-up found on the overhead screen. Homework should be copied, pencils should be sharpened, and the warm up started within the first 5 minutes of class.

6. Raise your hand to speak, and wait to be called upon. Turn as needed to face the speaker. Only one person speaks at a time.

7. Students must be appropriately dressed and follow all guidelines in the county safety contract in order to participate in lab activities. Students will be notified in advance of lab dates.

8. Grades will be averaged on a total points scale. A final score of 90%-100% earns an A, 80-89.9% a B, 70-79.9% a C, 60-69.9% a D, and below 60% earns a student a grade of E. There will be limited opportunities for extra credit at specific times during a quarter- but not at the end of the quarter!

9. Students who are absent are responsible for all material covered during their absence. Students may get missed work from a friend, the website, or from my homework notebook when they return. Missed assignments, including warm ups, are expected to be made up within the same number of days that were missed. For example, work missed in 2 classes should be returned during the 3^rd class after the absence.

I have a website that is located at the web address web.hcpss.org/~jjohnston. I will be updating the site at least once a week. Homework assignments, daily warm ups, Internet links, and some handouts will be available through the website. If you have Internet access, please visit!

I can be reached by phone at Harper’s Choice, 410-313-6929. However, you may need to leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.

I can also be reached through the school’s email system. My email address is janet_johnston@hcpss.org. I check this regularly and will reply as quickly as possible. This may be the quickest method of reaching me- the line is never busy, and is open late at night and early in the morning!

It is my desire and responsibility to insure that each student succeeds in science class this year. If there is a question or a problem, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will make arrangements to give you and your child the help you need.

Please sign this paper and return it with your student to the next class. It will be kept in his or her science section of the notebook all year for reference.