Science

Students who receive Science education at City Hill are developing the skills of and abilities to:

• Ask questions
• Be critical readers and thinkers
• Evaluate evidence and sources critically
• Identify their own ideas and possible reasons for it (Making a Claim)
• Conduct research
• Root their arguments in evidence and facts by Making a Claim, using Evidence, and explain their Reasoning (C.E.R.)
• Construct logical, evidence-based arguments
• Select appropriate evidence to support and reason why it fits their claims
• Defend their opinions and claims with evidence
• Articulate their ideas verbally and in writing using content specific vocabulary
• Cite their sources
• Collaborate with their peers
• Solve real world problems
• Use 21st century technology
• Make connections
• View events through multiple lenses

Students at City Hill are learning and developing their abilities to become informed citizens that think critically and approach problems in a scientific manner. Students will be able to identify credible sources to help gain an understanding of the concepts discussed in many areas of science (Physical, Life and Earth & Space Science).

Assured Assessments and Experiences:

Assured Assessments are shared by all students in 7th grade Science. According to our philosophy, we make sure students are learning the same material and sharing important shared experiences across all three 7th grade Science classes.

Tests

• PBAs/Projects/Investigations
• Phenomena

CHMS Grading Policy and Percentages:

• Homework 10%
• Classwork/Quizzes 30%
• PBA (Performance Based Assessments)/Investigations 30%
• Tests 30%

Supply List:

• 3 Ring binder (0.5” - 1.5”)
• Pencils, Pens
• Loose Leaf Paper
• Folder (with pockets)
• Colored pencils
• Highlighter

The eighth grade year is full of excitement and high expectations as we prepare for our final year at middle school and look towards the future of high school and the “Vision of Our Graduate.” Therefore, much emphasis is placed on being a responsible and self-sufficient student. All science students will receive curriculum designed through the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Students who receive three-dimensional Science education are acquiring the skills and abilities to develop a cohesive understanding of scientific concepts and practices through authentic real-world problems and experiences. 

For further information on three-dimensional Science education please visit the NGSS Parent Guides.

Grading Policy

• Summative Assessments 40%
• Investigations/Quizzes 30%
• Classwork 20%
• HW/Participation 10%

Materials

The majority of the materials will be coming in the form of handouts, web related research, google slide presentations, google classroom assignments, and interactive science sites. Please use my website and google classroom as an additional resource. Materials that should be brought to class each day are as follows:

• Writing Utensils (Pens, pencils, highlighter)
• 1 inch 3-Ring Binder with filler paper and dividers
• 1 Folder
• Colored Pencils

Homework

Each week students will receive a Newsela informational text that correlates with the current topic that they are studying. The text will be passed out on Monday and be due that Friday. The students will be expected to annotate the text and then complete a reading for information comprehension activity. This assignment will be scored for a homework grade.

Communication

We cannot stress enough how important communication is in middle school. If you have not signed up in the office for PowerSchool, we would strongly suggest it. It is updated daily with grades and homework assignments. In addition, please sign up for Remind 101. A sheet has been sent home with the instructions. This is a great service and a very quick way for your child’s teacher to keep you updated on upcoming assignments, quizzes and tests. Remember, I am here to make sure that your child has a successful year. If you have any questions or concerns about the requirements, policies, or how your student is doing in class please contact me at any time.