7th Grade Physics (08-09)
Name:______________________
7th Grade Physics 2008-2009
The New School of Northern Virginia
Tanja Gaal, Instructor
Tanja@newschoolva.com
http://www.schoolrack.com/tanjaquinn/
Focus Skills: Solving problems, interpersonal communication and applying effective research methods
Essential Question: What are simple and complex machines and how do they affect our daily lives?
Course Description:
Welcome to Middle School Physics! We will be discussing simple and complex machines this quarter. We will be looking at the three laws, astrophysics, electromagnetic spectrum (light), and magnetic fields. Students will have labs to enhance the main concepts of the week. In the 08-09 school year both quarters this class is offered will be doing exhibitions. These are project-based exhibitions and you get to pick your own topic (that I approve).
Course Schedule:
Week 1- What are scientific measurements?
Week 2 - What is a simple machine?
Week 3- How do simple machines affect our lives?
Week 4 - What is electromagnetic radiation and how does it relate to light? (traveling wave lab)
- Project #1 Looking into our past
- How do lenses help with our vision? (prism + lenses lab) (telescope lab)
Week 5 - What is a circuit and how does that impact our daily life? (breadboard lab)
Week 6 - What is a magnetic field and how does something become a magnet? (magnet lab)
- What is a tide and why can we predict them?
Week 7 - How do the four seasons happen?
-How do the planets move? (retrograde motion lab)
Week 8 - Working on essential question
- Gravity (egg drop lab)
Week 9 - Answering the essential question
- Exhibitions (Portfolio Item)
Grading Rubric:
Participation: 35%
Participation grades will include: coming to class prepared, completing assignments correctly and on time, being focused on your work, participating fully, and upholding the spirit of the classroom,
Quizzes: 25%
Quizzes will be given periodically both with and without notice. These will cover vocabulary, and other key facts.
Labs and Assignments: 25%
Lab’s and assignments will vary and are outlined in the schedule.
Exhibition and Preparation for Exhibition: 15%
Includes the exhibition paper, 5%, the presentation, 5%, and making all of the benchmarks, 5%.
I have read this syllabus at home with my parent or guardian and agree to uphold the Spirit of the Classroom. I will cooperate and collaborate with my classmates and teacher, and I will work hard and do my best work!
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Student Signature Parent or Guardian’s Signature
