*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change

7
th
Grade Math/
Life Sciences
2014-2015
Instructor: Mrs. Ann M. McAfee, High Tech Middle Chula Vista
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. McAfees Digital Portfolio: http://mrsmcafeesdp.weebly.com/
Location: Room #213


Course Goals:


Math
This year students will be learning math through a combination of investigations and projects in
math and practice using Khan Academy. Most of the procedural math practice will be
completed through Khan Academy. We will be using the newly adopted, state, common core
standards as a guide. We believe that these standards are closely aligned with project-based
learning (PBL). For more information on the common core please explore the links for the
common core on my Math Resources page on my digital portfolio.

Math Homework:
Please note that your student will have regular math homework and they are able to check their
assignments (due dates and other instructions) on the Agenda page on my digital portfolio. As
well, I encourage you to use the resources on my digital portfolio for information on how to
support your student at home.

Topics that will be covered this year:
Semester 1
1. Number Sense
2. Geometry
3. Statistics and Probability
Semester 2
1. Statistics and Probability (continued)
2. Ratios and Proportional Relationships
3. Expressions and Equations
Science
*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change
This year in science we will be emphasizing the essential science and engineering practices
(SEP) and cross cutting concepts (CCC) that are relevant in all disciplines of science and
applying those practices and concepts to our projects. Students will explore core ideas in the
disciplines of life, physical, and earth science and gain a deep understanding of the science and
engineering practices that help scientists to make sense of the world around us. Students will
practice collecting and analyzing data in the field and in the classroom and understand the
significance of data when formulating a claim (with evidence and reasoning). For more
information on science and engineering practices and cross cutting concepts (as listed by the
NExt Generation Science Standards) please visit my digital portfolio for links to helpful
resources.

Some of the topics that will be covered in the course include:
Force and Interactions
Natural Selection and Adaptations
Investigation and Experimentation
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Human Impacts
Engineering Design
Energy



Semester 1 Projects:


Semester 1 (8/24-12/19)
IP
3
D
2
P (Impractically Practical Perpetual Presentation Delivery Device
Project)-Through this integrated all 7th grade, semester-long project, students will be
exploring the significant discoveries and inventions in science and mathematics that have
impacted humanity. Students will be exploring moments in history and creating a Rube
Goldberg inspired device to display their research. Students will be applying a variety of science
and engineering practices to create their devices. As well, students will be learning and using
information in mathematics, life science, earth science, engineering and physical science.

Ongoing Semester 1&2 Project
Cactus Wren Restoration Project-In this ongoing project with the city of Chula Vista
and RECON, students will be continuing to care for the coast cholla cacti and beautifying the
enclosure that was created by the students of the 2013-2014 7th grade class.



Semester 2 Project:


*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change
Weeks 9-12 (1/20-3/26)
Bee Project- In this math/science project, students will participate in citizen science collecting
bees and gather information about bee species diversity and bee populations around our campus
in Chula Vista. Students will learn from and with professional bee researchers from UCSD.

Weeks 13-16 (4/13-5/29)
Co-Create Project-A student/teacher collaboratively designed project from a selection of
topics in math and science. With the teacher, students will ask the questions, design the project
and explore the answers.



Supplies:


McAfee/Sprague Team Materials
See Mrs. McAfees and Ms. Callies digital portfolios for the list of materials that will be used for
both classes. Students should bring the materials to class no later than Tuesday, Sept. 2:



Grading Policy:


*Please review the separate 7th Grade Grading Policy document to be sent home
by Sept. 2.

Absences
If a student is absent, it is his or her responsibility to find out about missed assignments and
confirm the due date with the teacher.

In the case of a planned absence (family vacation, dentist appointment, etc.) the student must
notify Ms. Jessica and the teacher beforehand and request assignments prior to the absence.
Work should be turned in on the day the student returns from the absence.

In the case of an unplanned absence, students should turn in work assigned before the absence
on the day he or she returns. For work assigned during the student's absence, the student will be
given extra time to turn in the work. Extra time = the number of days the student was absent.
Students should email me or check my digital portfolio to find out about missed work and print
class handouts.

Tardy Policy
Entering class late interrupts the learning of others and prevents the tardy student from
maximizing his or her learning time. Therefore, it is crucial that students come to class on time.
*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change
In the event that a student is tardy, he or she may be expected to stay in class to make up the
missed time. This may take place during lunch or break.

Student Support Plan
Students learn content and skills at different speeds and in a variety of ways. In some cases,
students may need extra help; at other times, they may be ready for more advanced challenges.
In order to address the diverse needs of learners, there will be various ways that a student can
get extra support. These may include extra help sessions, after school tutoring, peer tutoring,
enrichment opportunities, or a family conference to develop an action plan specific to the
student's needs. In the case that a student feels he or she needs extra help, I encourage students
to meet with me as soon as possible to discuss their needs and develop a support strategy.



*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change

STUDENT QUESTIONNAIRE: Due Wednesday, September 3.

Name: ____________________________________

Do you have a computer at home? Yes No

Do you have reliable internet at home? Yes No

Favorite Book (or book you liked, a lot):
__________________________________________________

What did you like about the book?
________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

My favorite subject in school is

________________________________________________________

because
________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

A few things I like to do outside of school (hobbies, sports teams, favorite places to
go, etc.) are
________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

What do you want your job to be when you grow up?
________________________________________________________

Tell me about something youve done or created that made you feel proud:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________


Tell me about a challenge you overcame or something that is difficult for you:

________________________________________________________
*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________


If you had to describe who you are in three lines, what would you write:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________



*Please note that due to nature of project based learning the syllabus is subject to change


Parent/Guardian Signature Page
Return to Mrs. McAfee by Wednesday, Sept. 3

Thank you for taking the time to review the Grading Policy portion of the syllabus with
your son or daughter! Please, sign below. We will be sending home a more detailed
email to families with information on how we will be giving student-parent-teacher
feedback. Please be sure we have your up-to-date contact information.


1. (Parent/Guardian
Signature)_________________________________

2. Print Name
(s):___________________________________________

3. Date:_________

4. Print Students
Name_______________________________________

5. Current Phone number: __________________________

6. Current E-mail:__________________________________________