Welcome! Notes and necessities...

Welcome to 7^th grade! My name is Dawna Garvin and this is my 22nd year in the classroom. I am looking forward to having your child in my class this year.

Here is what you need to know about 7^th Science:

We will cover cells, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, the flow of energy through living systems, biodiversity, watershed, catastrophic events and space.
Labs include mounting cells for comparison, extraction of DNA, dissection of various species, simulated digestion, (recharge zone) water table activities and an in-school visit by 8-12 non-native species for an adaptation study.
Students will need their: Science Journal, notebook paper, colors, pencil/pens, scissors and glue every day. (Students will need to top off their supplies at Christmas.)
I use email, to stay in close contact with you and your child. I send assignment reminders, test dates, praise and concern messages, photos of excellent student work and often messages from your child, using email.
Students will be expected to copy all class notes into their journal, even after absence. And, even if they have copied the notes on regular paper due to having forgotten their journal.
Students will be expected to keep up with classwork after absence. A folder on the side wall will contain extra copies of work we have completed that week.
Only failed work may be made up. The student should get a new copy and begin again.

Here is what you need to know about 6^th/7^th STEAM:

This is primarily an inquiry based, project building class.
STEAM stands for Science- Technology- Engineering- Art- Math. Our units will attempt to combine as many aspects of each as is possible and helpful.
We will cover: the engineering process, use of geometry to build a castle, creating backpacks, use of HTML to design a website, crash safe cars, programmable robots, bridges and escape rooms.
I teach both 6^th and 7th graders in STEAM. Your child may be in STEAM again next year; the curriculum will be different.
Most projects will be with a partner, unless the student brings their own supplies.
All projects will be graded using a rubric of standards which will include including meeting deadlines and creativity.
I use email, to stay in close contact with you and your child. I send assignment reminders, test dates, praise and concern messages, photos of excellent student work and often messages from your child, using email.

Supplies: composition notebook, 50 (30+ gallon) trash bags, 100 hot mini glue sticks and one roll of duct tape.