In terms of 6th grade topics, the science final is cumulative; topics we covered consist of measurement, tools of a scientist, layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, cycles of earth (rock, water, carbon, nitrogen), rocks and minerals. I'd say the best place for students to start studying is to do the word wise puzzles at the end of chapters 1 through 5 in the Prentice Hall workbook. This will review vocabulary words from the chapters and earn bonus points if turned in on Tuesday. To review tools and measurement, I believe that the Holt workbook has chapter 1 which goes through and talks about the tools and metric measurement. (We did not use this book until recently, but it has a lot of useful information which I think may be a weak area for Students since these topics were part of the first Notebook check). Focus on the measurement and tools sections from that chapter, along with the pages on Earth's Cycles from Holt.
In terms of 7th grade topics, science final is cumulative; topics we covered consist of measurement, tools of a scientist, cell structures and function (organelles and what they do), cellular process (such as photosynthesis, respiration, meiosis, mitosis), genetics, evolution & history of earth. I'd say the best place for students to start studying is to do the word wise puzzles at the end of each chapter in the workbook. Look at the extra credit list to see which will earn additional points if turned in on Tuesday.
For all students: Another studying option is to look over the various tests and quizzes we have taken (part of the reason for making students hang onto items for the Notebook checks). Although I do not know the point value at this time, the final will not be worth more than 20% of the grade (I believe there is a district rule which limits the maximum final exam value being 20% of the semester grade). The specific days for each final are listed on Science Calendar #3 (online or in your notebook) by period.
I will be allowing each student to use one 4 inch by 6 inch index card for notes on the final- I will be distributing the card the week we return and it is due Monday of Finals week a few days before finals - see calendar for the specific date, it will be returned to students as they start their test. Students could start working on typing information that they will put onto it - figure that it should include information from difficult word wise clues, information from questions which you missed on tests and quizzes. For now, assume t The dimensions for the card will be 4 inches by 6 inches (front and back, no more) 3 inches by 5 inches - although this may increase, hence the suggestion for typing the information since it is easy to change the margins/dimensions for printing. Students may write/type/glue/tape information, vocabulary, diagrams, definitions, etc. onto both sides of the card. Nothing may hang off of the card, nor be unsecured (I'll cut/tear off any flaps of paper that are unsecured or hanging over, lastly, the card must have the student's name in the upper right corner when it is turned in on the due date.