1st Quarter Spectacular Science: 7th- 8th Middle School Comprehensive Science

This class is taught in English.

NGSS MS-LS1-1
Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells; either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells. Emphasis is on developing evidence that living things are made of cells, distinguishing between living and non-living cells, and understanding that living things may be made of one cell or many and varied cells.
NGSS MS-LS3-1
Develop and use a model to describe why structural changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure and function of the organism. Emphasis is on conceptual understanding that changes in genetic material may result in making different proteins. Assessment does not include specific changes at the molecular level, mechanisms for protein synthesis, or specific types of mutations.
NGSS MS-LS3-2
Develop and use a model to describe why asexual reproduction results in offspring with identical genetic information and sexual reproduction results in offspring with genetic variation. Emphasis is on using models such as Punnett squares, diagrams, and simulations to describe the cause and effect relationship of gene transmission from parent(s) to offspring and resulting genetic variation.

I am a certified middle school science teacher, and have been teaching middle school science both in the public school setting, and  online since 2014. It is very important to me that students enjoy the experience of learning about science and consequently, much effort is put into making lessons interactive, varied, and memorable. My experience allows me to focus on the importance of building relationships with my students and use those relationships to tailor lessons to their interests and abilities. I grow and become a better teacher every time I interact with my students! 

📍Assignments, projects, and tests are optional based on what the adult in charge of their education requires them to do. 
All outside of class activities will be distributed through the Google Classroom. 

📍Students will provided with 10-12 optional assignments throughout the course. These are small tasks, or extended learning activities that I feel would be more suitable as an individual activity rather than an in-class activity.

📍Students will also receive an optional project assignment in week 3. These projects can be as time/labor-intensive as your student wants to make them, the purpose of the project is to give students an opportunity to show their understanding of the topic. I will give them several ideas to choose from, but they also have the option to present a project idea for consideration. 

📍A vocabulary quiz and a unit test are provided for those that would like to test their knowledge in this way. 

A typical schedule for assignments might look like this:
   ⇾ Week 1  - Two assignments 
   ⇾ Week 2 - Two assignments
   ⇾ Week 3 - Project & Vocabulary Quiz
   ⇾ Week 4 - Turn Project In & Unit Test
   ⇾ Week 5  - Two assignments 
   ⇾ Week 6 - Two assignments
   ⇾ Week 7 - Project & Vocabulary Quiz
   ⇾ Week 8 - Turn Project In & Unit Test

📒 We grade and/or give feedback on all work completed by the student, and a report card will be available for each student. 

📒 We also informally asses students by using Nearpod during lessons, and by using their verbal or chat box responses to questions and discussions during the live lesson. 

📒 Adults can access assignments and grades at all times through the link given at the beginning of the course. 

50 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.