"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled."
                                          

~Plutarch, Greek historian

Instructor - Patricia Ware

Class Description

This is a hands-on lab course, which teaches 7th grade students the CA State standards. 

The Internet will be used for research and tutorials; and PowerPoint slideshows and United Streaming videos will provide visual learning for both scientific concepts and facts.

Assignment Calendar Link

Once you have clicked on the calendar link, the agenda tab enables you to read the assignment in a list form; or if you prefer, click on the assignment within the calendar for additional details. Ignore the times given.  Homework assignments are highlighted in blue, and all assignments are due the next day unless other directions have been given.     

Although most students finish class work in class, any class assignment not completed in class becomes homework even if the student is absent.  Students are graded on all work assigned unless specifically excused by Ms. Ware.

Please note: Because all class work and homework is written online for parents and guardians to check, a teacher signature on student planners is not necessary.

Text - Life Science, Holt  - Type in your username and password given in class for online textbook

             Chapter Outlines, Flashcards, & Quizzes       

Essential Question - How does an understanding of life science affect our daily lives?    

Goals

• To understand the key concepts, principles, and theories of life science as defined by the CA content standards
• To practice scientific inquiry through scholarly, active learning
• To cultivate a love of science and a love for the beauty and complexity of our planet and its organisms.

Supplies for School

Supplies for Home

- Sturdy folders with pockets
- 8½” x 11” notebook paper (please do NOT purchase paper that is smaller)
- Sharpened pencils with erasers
- 2 red pens for correcting
- Set of colored pencils
- Post-its
- Calculator

- Scissors
- Scotch tape
- Ruler
- Stapler
- Paperclips
- 5" x 3" index cards  r
- Computer & printer (
- 5" x 3" index cards

Absences

All class work and homework missed due to absences is expected to be made up.  Excused late work for those absent must be completed within the same number of days that the student has been absent. (i.e. 2 days absent = 2 days to hand in work) 

Science Notebook  

Science notebooks serve as a portfolio of learning over the year.  Students make a notebook for each unit by stapling in a packet all of the class work, labs, and homework as listed in the notebook's table of contents  Notebooks are graded for quality, completeness, and organization.  The grade counts as extra credit.  Points, however, are deducted from the participation grade if a student has no notebook.

Labs - This is a hands-on lab course

Students will conduct numerous labs which will bolster science literacy and  complement the PowerPoints and textbook assignments. The intent of these labs is to enable students to master science concepts, to develop scientific reasoning, and to work as a team. Most missed labs due to absences should be made up the day the student returns during lunch.

(See the National Science Teacher Association position statement on labs.) 

Grades will be posted on Edline.net.  Students should see Ms. Ware if they have questions concerning a grade before parents email or phone.  Grades are weighted and calculated on a point system based upon:

• Class Participation (10%),
• Labs, Projects, and Essays(40%)
• Tests and Quizzes(50%)
• Extra Credit (2%)

 How to Earn an 'A' Grade in Life Science

Work Habits Grade and Citizenship Grade
        O = outstanding
        S = satisfactory
        N = needs improvement
        U = unsatisfactory

The work habits grade is based upon class work, notebook checks, and how well a student is prepared for class. The citizenship grade is based upon following the classroom's procedures and expectations and good behavior.

On a personal note to parents and guardians…

Welcome to an intellectually stimulating year in science!  I genuinely have concern for my students, and I am pleased to have your child in my class.  I love to teach, and I hope to help inspire MBMS students as part of the next wave of American scientists.

Your child will be learning many new terms and concepts this year in life science.  So if extra assistance is needed to master the content, please encourage your child to ask me for help.  I am usually available at nutrition or lunch. 

I have an 'open door' policy and welcome any questions or comments that will help your child succeed in my class. If you ever have any concerns, please email me. It is in our best interest not to pass judgment on any issue until we have had a discussion. Communication is the key to success.

All the best,

             ~Patricia Ware

"There is no word in the language that I revere more than teacher. None. My heart sings when a kid refers to me as his teacher and it always has."

                                                                       ~Pat Conroy
                                                                         The Prince of Tides

Patricia Ware

Manhattan Beach Middle School

1501 Redondo Beach Avenue

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.318.7345 ext. 3105

Patricia Ware's Recipes - My online cookbook for my college-aged son, who likes to cook, and for my friends.