Renee Brekke

Hello My Name Is...

Renee Brekke-Ebbott
Renee Brekke

7th Grade Science

Welcome to Life Science!
I’m excited to learn with you this year!  We will start by exploring ecosystems and the energy, interactions and relationships that keep the environment in balance.  Then, we will get microscopic and investigate cells and how they contribute to the function of living organisms. We will build from there to study heredity and how organisms pass traits from one generation to the next.  Finally, we will consider how organisms change over time in response to their environment. Throughout the year we will learn core ideas, engage in science practice and make connections with real-life science.
Our curriculum meets the Colorado State Science Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. Students will be expected to learn content while engaging in science practices such as observation, analysis, design and experimentation. Students should come prepared think and participate each day.  
Getting to know my students, and building relationships in the classroom, is very important to me. I have high expectations and believe everyone can succeed. Let’s have a great year!

Assessments:

Students will demonstrate their understanding of concepts and processes learned through daily formative assessments (typically using the science journal) and summative assessments at the end of each instructional sequence (roughly every 2 weeks). Summative assessments will include quizzes, tests and projects.

Due Dates:

The GMS 7th Grade Core Team has the following grade-wide policies for late work.  The intent is to help students develop the habits necessary for high school work.


  1. Each student has one day for each day absent for excused absences to turn in late work (this includes sports and other activities as per planner policy).

  2. Due date is the due date. 50% off for 1 day late. Second date late 0%. Key Events such as Columbus Trial result in the due date being the due date.  If work isn’t turned in on due date or after the above-mentioned “deadlines,” then the student keeps the zero.

    1. This policy is extended for the student and circumstances, including SPED and ELL students, as per each student’s learning plan.


Corrections:

  1. You get the grade you earn the first time on the due date. (Extenuating circumstances may apply.) Corrections on tests are allowed and the highest they can earn the second time is an 85%.


Absences:

Students will have 1 make-up day for every day absent (see planner for details).  Missing work will be accessible on the Life Science Google Classroom and/or in hard-copy form in the classroom.  Students are responsible for requesting additional support during Student Access time.

Work Habits and Citizenship

Work habits and citizenship grades will be based off student participation and attitude in class.  Both grades will be entered approximately every 2 weeks. Will we have homework?
I believe it is important to continue learning outside of the classroom.  Your homework will take on a variety of forms, depending on where we are in our units.  You will need to spend time at home studying for quizzes and tests. You will need to complete projects that didn’t get finished in class and, occasionally, you will be assigned readings to prepare you for class.

What should we bring to class?
Please come prepared each day with your science journal, science folder, and a pencil.
Who is Mrs. Brekke-Ebbott?
I am thrilled to start my fifth year at Gunnison Middle School. Over the past 19 years I have had the opportunity to teach a variety of grades and subjects but middle school science is my favorite!  I love sharing my passion for science with students. 7th graders already know so much. Sharing their curiosity and excitement for learning is the best part of my job!
My husband, Hank, teaches at WCU.   We have three children Luke (8th grade), and twins June and Jake (6th grade).  In my time away from school I love to be with my friends and family and pets. I enjoy camping, reading, gardening, and traveling.
I welcome communication from you and your parents/guardians in person, over the phone, or via email.