This class is taught in English.

Learning goals for this class are based on the National Next Generation Science Standards and the Utah Science and Engineering Education Standards.

- Students can do an investigation to provide evidence that all living things are made of cells.
- Students can develop a model to show the parts of a cell system and how they help the cell perform its functions. 
- Students can explain how body systems have different levels of organization. 
- Students can develop a model that shows how different types of reproduction can affect genetic variation.
- Students can present information that shows how specific adaptations and structures will make an organism more likely to survive and reproduce. 
- Students can create a model to show how mutations can be harmful, helpful, or neither.
- Students can show how technology is being used to choose traits to solve problems. 

I have a masters in Earth Science science and I have taught integrated science at the middle school level as well as high school Biology, Wildlife Biology, and Zoology.
During the last two years, I have worked as a Science Specialist for a large school district in Utah, supporting teachers and administration in science education. 

Homework Offered
Students may be required to complete 20-30 minutes of homework, reading, activities, etc. per each live lesson depending on the flow of the class. 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessments will be given as an indication of how well a student is learning the content and skills for the class and to help me continuously develop a better curriculum. Students will be assigned a number on a proficiency scale* that lets the student, parent, and teacher know how the student is doing. Each assignment will have a rubric attached to it letting the student, parent, and teacher know the expectations for the assessment. 

Assessments may be multiple choice, free response, modeling, or many other types. Most assessments will be taken in class, but some may be at-home projects. 

Assessment retakes and/or revisions will be provided and encouraged. 

*See Grading Policy for our Proficiency Scale
Grades Offered
Grades will be provided by default to all learners. If students do not want their student graded or to not have access to their grades, please let me know.

Grades allow students, parents, and myself to understand where the student is at in their learning. 

Classwork will be graded using the outline below: 
0 - The students understanding is incomplete, incorrect, or missing. 
1 - The students understanding is complete and correct. 

Assessments will be graded using the outline below: 
0 - The student demonstrates no evidence of learning.
1 - The student demonstrates a minimal understanding of the concept.
2 - The student demonstrates a partial understanding of the concept.
3 - The student demonstrates a complete understanding of the concept.
4 - The student demonstrates an understanding of the concept and can apply it to a new situation. 

Students will be able and encouraged to retake assessments and redo classwork throughout this class. 

I will be referencing the Utah Science Curriculum Consortium's SEEd Storylines and 
Jordan School District's (Utah) open-source curriculum. Both are created by certified expert teachers. 
If you would like more information please see
https://www.seedstorylines.org/
https://middlescience.jordandistrict.org/7th-8th-grade-exemplary-units/