Please sign and return by Tuesday, August 26th

Page 1 of 3

2014-15 7th Grade Integrated Science

Disclosure Statement
(Revised as of 21 August 2014)
Mr. Jason Passey
Classroom: 234
Telephone: 801-785-9019 ext234

Email: jasonp@spectrumcharter.org
www.toytrainyard.weebly.com

Course Description: Integrated Science 7 will expand your knowledge of our wondrous earth
by looking closer at the physical, earth, and life structures within it, like the structure of matter.
We will understand the relationship between properties of matter and Earths structure. We will
study that organs in an organism are made of cells that have structures and perform specific life
functions. Also, that offspring inherit traits that make them more or less suitable to survive in the
environment. Structure is used to develop classification systems. From the subatomic to the
astronomical scale scientists seek to explain how nature functions (known as laws) and why
(explained by theories).
We will also explore the nature of analytical thinking and science, e.g. science is
tentative. This will position the learner to make better evaluations in life, and allow us to verify
laws (statements of how things work), hypotheses (unaccepted explanations) and theories
(accepted explanations). This works best in a positive, principled, and safe atmosphere.
Classroom Expectations and materials needed by Monday the 25th:
Required for satisfactory citizenship
Be organized and prepared - with the famed four: colored pencils, assigned
reference material, glue stick, notebook (preferred: spiral bound, plastic
cover,100pages)
Follow classroom procedures
School behavior expectations this includes the pride rules
Unexcused absences and tardies will also lower citizenship
3 tardies = 1 absence
3-5 absences = N
6+ absences = U
An N or U will result in a transcript hold. Fixing citizenship may be arranged by a
counselor or principal.

Make up/Corrections Policy

Assignments not received as instructed by the next exam may be marked missing. Missing work
may not be accepted without a parental visit. Students may earn all points on assignments and
tests by correcting them. For tests this is done by demonstrating competency with a topic, this
will usually take the form of written paragraphs to show the material is understood. This may
include the definition of a misunderstood word, multiple correct examples and use, and enough
detail to convince me time and thought was expended. Generally, it is simply a matter of
finishing. Alternative assignments may also be utilized at my discretion. Corrections are due
by midterm for the first half of the term and the Friday prior to the end of the term.

Please sign and return by Tuesday, August 26th

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Term Projects

Each student is to have 100 pts of work unique to that individual. Partners split points unless
submission is unique. An additional 40 points could be earned on exceptional projects and
used as extra credit on the current or next term. Up to 2 per term may be turned in.
3rd or 4th term may have a science competition. Your project, for that term, must be
submitted to that competition. Consider starting that one soon.
Projects may be turned in any time throughout the term; a missing mark will show until then.
By the due date those not turned in will receive a 0.
Options may come to light at any time please check for updates on the project ideas poster
When awarding points my rule of thumb is 20 points per page and once per term for 10
points you may opt to present it to the class.
There are 4 types: biography reports, topic reports, application/model reports and
experiments. All are subject to quality of submitted work such as attention to detail and
depth, topic relevance, time commitment, adherence to special instructions and difficulty.
Other guidelines will be issued as needed.
Students are encouraged to verbally propose their own research and experiment ideas. All
are due on or before Tuesday of the week prior to the end of the term (or about 10
days). Projects will not be returned until the end of the year.

Performance Assessments are weighted as follows each term:

Portfolio -due the last week of the term
(includes all work in an organized fashion)
Journaling of homework, class work, and labs

100 pts
470 pts

Tests or Quizzes: @ 30% for attempting each question

330 pts

Term project(s) (2 max)

100 pts

Total amount of intended points

Term Projects

1000 pts

Please sign and return by Tuesday, August 26th

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Each student is to have 100 pts of work unique to that individual. Partners split points unless
submission is unique. An additional 40 points could be earned on exceptional projects and
used as extra credit on the current or next term. Up to 2 per term may be turned in.
3rd or 4th term may have a science competition. Your project, for that term, must be
submitted to that competition. Consider starting that one soon.
Projects may be turned in any time throughout the term; a missing mark will show until then.
By the due date those not turned in will receive a 0.
Options may come to light at any time please check for updates on the project ideas poster
When awarding points my rule of thumb is 20 points per page and once per term for 10
points you may opt to present it to the class.
There are 4 types: biography reports, topic reports, application/model reports and
experiments. All are subject to quality of submitted work such as attention to detail and
depth, topic relevance, time commitment, adherence to special instructions and difficulty.
Other guidelines will be issued as needed.
Students are encouraged to verbally propose their own research and experiment ideas. All
are due on or before Tuesday of the week prior to the end of the term (or about 10
days). Projects will not be returned until the end of the year.

Performance Assessments are weighted as follows each term:

Portfolio -due the last week of the term
(includes all work in an organized fashion)
Journaling of homework, class work, and labs

100 pts
470 pts

Tests or Quizzes: @ 30% for attempting each question

330 pts

Term project(s) (2 max)

100 pts

Total amount of intended points

1000 pts

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Students will be asked to correct one anothers work from time to time. It accomplishes several
purposes, it is a more efficient use of time, educationally it allows for quicker feedback, review
of the material, and for viewing other ways to problem solve.

I have seen and understand the disclosure statement

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