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Tarena DeDen » Tarena DeDen

Tarena DeDen

Welcome to Science in room #311 at AVA. We are learning and exploring Life Science including cells and body systems, chemical reactions in matter, photosynthesis, ecosystems, along with genetics and natural selection.  In science, we will engage in the five tenants of inquiry based learning: Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration and Evaluation. We will learn how to apply critical thinking skills in everyday use and as we explore the world around us. 
I grew up in California and have lived in Colorado for the last 12 years. I am married and have 5 great children, ages ranging from college age to middle school.  I love being outdoors, travelling, hiking, visiting historic sites and spending time with my family. I enjoy being creative including sewing and quilt making.
My goal is to challenge students while providing a positive learning environment in order to help students reach their ultimate potential. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you this year. 

Schedule

7:45 to 8:00 Homeroom

8:00 to 9:03 1st Period

9:07 to 10:02 2nd Period

10:06 to 10:56 3rd Period (Specials / Steam) 

11:00 to 11:55  4th Period

11:59 to 12:49  5th Period (Specials / Steam

12:54 to 1:45  6th Period Lunch

1:49 to 2:44  7th Period

2:48 to 3:30 8th Period (Electives Tuesday to Friday, Advisory Monday) 


Daily Schedule

  1. Warm Up (may include writing prompts, review of previous material, critical thinking questions and more)-5-10 minutes
  2. Review classwork or homework – 5 minutes
  3. Class Work (reading, project work time, study time, class activity and/or discussions)-30 minutes
  4. Wrap Up (Exit Ticket, discussion, review objectives)-5-10 minutes

Class Expectations

  • Treat each other politely and kindly.
  • Treat school and personal property respectfully.
  • Follow teacher requests.
  • Be prepared for class.
  • Make a sincere effort in your work, and request help if you need it.
  • Solve conflicts nonviolently.
  • Follow all school rules. 

Quarter 1

Safety

Review safety procedures in a science class

Evaluated evidence, analyzing data and writing conclusions


Cells and Cellular structure

Cell structure, metabolic reactions at the cellular level, chemical reactions

Quarter 2

Body Systems

Major body systems and how they work together

Quarter 3

Matter Cycling and Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis, chemical reactions in organisms; resource availability affecting organisms and populations of organisms; cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.


Ecosystems

Predicting patterns of interactions among organisms across ecosystems, maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Quarter 4

Genetics

Gene mutations affecting function of organisms, sexual vs. asexual reproduction and genetic variations, human influence of traits in organisms.


Natural Selection and Common Ancestry

Fossil records, genetic variations affecting survival and reproduction, increase and decrease of specific traits over time.

Policies and Procedures

Please be on time for class, seated, and prepared to go when class starts with all materials necessary every day: computer (charged), composition notebook, and pencils.

  • No music, games, or emailing / texting during class time.
  • Turn in all assignments on time.  
  • Raise your hand from your seat and wait until called upon when asking a question, making a comment, or answering a question.

 

School computers are for school use only.  Playing games and/or using non approved websites and apps may cause computer privileges to be suspended. (See AVA website for approved sites and apps)

 

Grading:

Student grades are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Please check your student's grades on Infinite Campus

  • 50% Assessments (tests and quizzes)
  • 50% Practice (assignments and activities in class and as homework )

 

7th Grade Grading Policy: 

Standard Grading Scale

100 – 90% = A        89 – 80% = B        79 – 70% = C          69 – 60% =  D         59 – 0 % = F

 

Students will not be able to retake assessments in History Class.

 

All grades will be kept in Infinite Campus. Google Classroom and Infinite Campus DO NOT align, so please refer to Infinite Campus for current grades. 

 

If a learner has demonstrated “Academic Dishonesty” on any assignment or assessment, he/she will receive 50% credit for the first offense.  ZERO percent credit will be given on a second offense.  

 

Absent Work

Students will be given two days for every one day absent to complete work.  Absent work can be  found on Google Classroom, or the learner may ask for it upon his/her return to school. It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignment(s) and complete it within the given time frame.  

 

Late Work Policy Learners will lose 10% credit for each day an assignment is late, after it is due, down to 50% (after five days). Late work is counted once the assignment or assessment is entered in Infinite Campus as missing.