Course Syllabus
Welcome
We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.
Course Description
Science 7A takes an integrative approach to teach science by using crosscutting concepts that link all branches of science. The concepts include patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change. Students will explore life science, physical science, and earth science concepts together. This course will focus on the structure of matter, the cycling of energy and matter, and the formation of Earth's structures. Throughout all lessons, there will be an emphasis on scientific processes and engineering design.
Lead Teacher Introduction
Ericca Thornhill
Ericca Thornhill is the Science Division Chair for Mizzou Academy. She earned both a bachelor’s & master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Missouri - Columbia. She lives between Columbia & the Missouri River with her husband & kayak. Before coming to Mizzou Academy, Ericca worked as a high school & middle school science teacher in rural & urban public schools, a private school and Missouri Scholars Academy. She's also a teaching ambassador for the National Center for Science Education. She loves science because it helps us understand this amazing universe and makes our lives so much better! Her favorite part of working with Mizzou Academy is helping her students reach their dreams!
Ericca Thornhill
Teacher
Science Division Chair
Required Materials
Most items listed in this table are for optional exploration and extension activities that are ungraded. If an activity includes an * next to the name, the materials are needed for a graded activity.
| Lesson | Activity | Materials Needed |
| Lesson 1 | Build a Flashlight | 2 C or D cell batteries flashlight bulb brads paper clips paper cup wire cardboard tube tape |
| Lesson 1 | Building Bridges * | Sheets of paper or construction paper Two thick books or two small boxes 30 or more pennies (or similar sized coin) Tape Ruler |
| Lesson 2 | What is a Compound? | Salt, zinc oxide, chalk, baking soda, silk cloth, rusty nail, aspartame, sandpaper |
| Lesson 3 | Periodic Table ECR | Periodic table of elements |
| Lesson 6 | Create a Map | Paper, pencil, ruler, tape measure |
| Lesson 6 | Think About It | orange, marker |
| Lesson 6 | Real-Life Science | Play-Doh or modeling clay, straw or pencil, knife or string, pencil, paper |
| Lesson 7 | Exploring Density | Jar or plastic container with a lid, small pebbles, soil, water, iron nuts or bolts |
| Lesson 7 | Modeling Convection in the Mantle | Large container or beaker, small container or beaker, food coloring, aluminum foil, rubber band, pieces of paper, hot water, cold water |
| Lesson 7 | Make a Scale Model | Butcher paper (90 cm x 90 cm), ruler, pencil, markers |
| Lesson 8 | Comparing Crystals | Table salt Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) Magnifying lens |
| Lesson 8 | Modeling the Rock Cycle | Crayons, hot water, tweezers or small tongs, plastic knives |
| Lesson 9 | Real-Life Science | Sugar cubes, jar with a lid, water, 2 pieces of chalk, vinegar, 2 cups |
| Lesson 9 | Modeling Erosion | Dirt, small gravel, sand, baking dish or pan, book, pencil, water, paper cups |
Technical Requirements
The most up-to-date requirements can be found here:
- Computer Requirements
- Browser Requirements
- Proctoring Requirements
- Microphone (external or internal)
- Webcam
Additional requirements for the course are below:
- audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)
Accessibility
If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.
Exams
Midterm Exam
The Midterm Exam is over Lessons 1-5. The exam has two parts: 30 multiple-choice questions and three short-answer essays.
Final Exam
The Final Exam is over Lessons 6-10. The exam has two parts: 30 multiple-choice questions and three short-answer essays.
The exams are not proctored, however, you are expected to follow these guidelines:
- Do not use online material, course material, or other notes to take the exam.
- Do not navigate away from the exam page during the exam.
- Complete the exam in one sitting.
One of the ways that Grade 8 is different from Grade 7 is that exams will be proctored, which means an adult will monitor you while you take your exams. If you would like to prepare for this more formal requirement now, you can work with your family or a teacher/tutor to arrange proctored-like exam conditions. For example, you could take the exam with a tutor, or in a library setting, or under formal conditions at home. If you can get some experience with these conditions in Grade 7, you may find it an easier transition to Grade 8 and beyond.
Grades
Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on assignments and exams.
| Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90–100 |
| B | 80–89 |
| C | 70–79 |
| D | 60–69 |
| F | 0–59 |
After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts.
Canvas and Technical Support
Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.
- Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
- For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
- For questions about enrollment, access to courses, exam proctoring, or billing, contact our Support Services Team at (855) 256-4975 or mizzouacademy@missouri.edu.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|