Significance:

Homework in seventh grade science is designed to be meaningful and enhance the student's education.  It is never intended to be busy work; I know you have plenty to keep you busy!  :-)

Specifics:

Homework will provide students the opportunity to further explore the topics we are learning about in class.  It often involves some form of review for an upcoming quiz or exam.  

Students should expect to have 1-2 homework assignments for science class per week.  This usually equals about 12-13 homework assignments per 10 week marking period.  

Assignments should not take longer than 15 minutes.  More than one night will be given to complete many assignments as I understand families have busy schedules.  This requires students to manage their own time and plan ahead.   Using the student agenda to keep track of homework is VERY important. 

I expect that homework assignments will be completed and handed in on-time.  I do understand that extenuating circumstances arise and students may occasionally miss/forget an assignment.

Late homework will be accepted up to 5 days before the end of the marking period for at least (1/2) credit. 

In addition, I will drop a student's lowest homework grade each marking period.  Essentially I am giving all my students 1 free homework pass to use as they wish every quarter!  (No paper pass needed.)

If a student misses homework due to absence, it should be made up as soon as possible.  When a student is going to be out of school for an extended period of time (2 or more days) due to illness, work can be requested through the guidance office and can then be picked up the following day by a parent or sibling. 

Suggestions:

There are many valuable things that students can be doing at home when there is no specific science homework assigned. 

Some ideas... Read a magazine or book that you enjoy, watch a program on the Discovery Channel, visit www.brainpop.com to view a video clip and take a fun quiz, review notes with a family member, make flashcards with key vocabulary, take a walk with a friend and admire nature in action, design an experiment, build a model, get a good night's sleep...  You get the idea!