Mathematics                                  

We will be using the curriculum and textbook for seventh-grade math this year.  The standards that we will use are as follows:

1.  NUMBER SENSE – The students will demonstrate an understanding of number concepts.  This standard covers the reading and writing of integers, solving real-world problems with decimal and fraction numbers, representing numbers in equivalent forms, using exponents, and using estimation to determine reasonableness of answers.

2.  MEASUREMENT – The student will demonstrate knowledge of measurement.  This includes US customary as well as metric measurements.

3.  GEOMETRY – The student will demonstrate an understanding of geometric concepts.  We will use two-and-three dimensional shapes to solve problems and describe geometric relationships.

4. ALGEBRAIC THINKING  - The student will describe, analyze and generalize patters and mathematical relationships.  We will use a variety of manipulatives and cooperative group simulations for this standard.  Many of our students will be taking Algebra I for high school credit in the seventh grade.

5.  DATA ANALYSIS AND PROBABILITY – Students will collect, analyze, and interpret data, as well as apply concepts of range and central tendency.

During the second semester (January) students will be required to complete a mathematics Independent Learning Project.  I will give students a list of suggestions, or they may develop their own project with my approval. 

Homework

Students will have math homework every day.  To receive full credit, students must write the problem and show their work.   If the student comes to school without the completed work, then it must be finished in class and will receive half-credit.   I do not accept late daily homework unless the student has an excused absence. Assignments are posted daily at this site.

 Science                                

We will be using the sixth-grade science curriculum. While we will be studying all three branches of science, our focus will be Earth Science.  The standards that we will use are as follows:

1.  THE NATURE OF SCIENCE – Students will understand and apply the Scientific Method and will show knowledge of the three branches of science: Physical, Earth, and Life.

2.  ENERGY – Students will understand energy forms and their transformations.

3.  FORCE AND MOTION – The student will demonstrate an understanding of physics as they apply to simple machines.

4. PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE EARTH – The student will demonstrate understanding of Earth Science, fossil records, oceans, weather, and the water cycle.

5.  EARTH AND SPACE (ASTRONOMY) – Students will gain knowledge of the interrelationships among planets, stars, and moons.

6.  BIOLOGY – Students will understand the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs as well as the process of classification of living things.

7.  ECOLOGY – Students will understand how living things interact with each other and their environment and how human beings impact the Earth.

During the first marking period students will be required to complete a Science Fair project that includes a research paper on their topic. 

Homework

Students will have science homework two or three days each week.  Some of the assignments will be paper and pencil and some will be submitted electronically. Assignments are posted daily at  this site.

Grading policy for both Math and Science:

Participation = 25%  This includes asking and answering questions, working independently, and working in cooperative groups.

Making Progress toward Standard = 30%  This includes completion of assignments toward a specific content standard

Standard Mastered = 45%  After assignments are completed and returned, students will complete an assessment to demonstrate mastery of the standard.  Mastery will be shown with a score of 80% or above.  If the student scores 79% or below, they will receive a grade of "NM" (not mastered) and will have to retake or resubmit the assessment.

You can contact me whenever you feel it is necessary.  Please make home calls before 8:30 PM.   My home phone is 379-2395.  The school phone is 359-5824 x 61104.  My planning time is from 1:23 to 2:30.  My email (BethAnne_Wasdin@sarasota.k12.fl.us) is checked each weekday.