Hi! I'm Karen Kidd and I teach seventh grade science and gifted science. This is my 14th year at Merkel Middle School.

The goals that I have for my students are to learn critical thinking skills and form a strong basis for future science learning. All around, it will be a year of great growth and discovery for all involved.

Students are required to do classwork and, on occasion, homework. This work counts as 60% of the total grade for the six weeks. It is important that students do their work and turn it in. If they have difficulties, I am always available for questions.

Tests, quizzes, and projects count 20% of the total six weeks grade. This lower percentage keeps students from failing due to testing difficulties.

Notebooks also count as 20% of the total grade. I require a 3 ring binder (1 1/2 inches) and a spiral notebook (1 subject) for my class. All papers and assignments are kept in these. The spiral is to be kept in the binder, and both of these are left in my classroom unless there is homework or corrections to be done.

1 1/2" to 2" three-ring binder
2 - 1 subject spiral (70 to 100 pages)
Black or blue pens
Red pen for corrections and grading
Pencil for labs, drawings, and puzzles
Map pencils
Dividers (3)