7th Grade Life Science Syllabus

Instructors: Rita Hubbert, Jenny Ahouse, NeAnn Wooten

Email: rita.hubbert@bcsdk12.net
jenny.ahouse@ bcsdk12.net
neann.wooten@ bcsdk12.net
Course Description: Life science is the study of living things in the world around us. How these living things relate to each other
and to their environment is an important part of this study. Life science is not simply a collection of facts, but also includes
learning to think logically like scientists. Science is a way of knowing, a process for gaining knowledge and understanding of the
natural world. It is not enough for students to read about science. They should observe, inquire, question, formulate and test
hypotheses, analyze data, report, and evaluate findings.
This course introduces the basic concepts of the cell, including its structure and function, and organization. Living organisms,
ranging from the simplest bacteria to complex animals, are surveyed in all six kingdoms. Environmental concerns and its
protection are also examined. Course work includes hands-on activities, lectures, demonstrations, films, and independent projects.
Course Outline:

Unit

Title

Laboratory & Inquiry

Skills

Ecology

Structure & Function of

Cells

Biological Traits & Heredity

Epidemiology

Taxonomy

Evidence of Evolution

Main Scientific Focus

Lab equipment and conduction of scientific
investigations, data collection and communication of
results
Environmental conditions/characteristics, factors
effecting survival of organisms, interdependence of
organisms, transfer and recycling of matter and
energy, relationships between organisms,
interdependence of organisms
Cell structure, cell functions, levels of cellular
organization
Roles of genes and chromosomes, inheritance of
specific traits, asexual and sexual reproduction of
organisms
Roles of major body systems and how diseases affect
those major body systems, roles of bacteria, protists,
and parasites in causing disease
Comparison between the six kingdoms in terms of
cell organization, cell structure, reproduction, and
methods of obtaining food and oxygen
Natural selection, environmental conditions, fossils,
evidence of change

Time
1 week

6 weeks

6 weeks

7 weeks

6 weeks

3 weeks

3 weeks

Rules & Expectations:

Be present and on time for class.
Be prepared for class with appropriate materials.
Respect others and their property.
Follow all directions.
Adhere to lab policies and safety rules.
Help create and maintain a positive learning environment.

Daily Requirements & Materials:

Students are expected to report to class each day with textbook, blue and black pens, pencils, planner, and 3-ring binder with paper
as well as other materials required by the teacher.
Students are expected to complete all assignments in a timely manner.

Textbook:
In addition to the Prentice Hall textbook, students will be using the SEPUP curriculum which is a hands-on based program.

Homework:
Students may be assigned homework several times per week. It may be a reading assignment, worksheet, review questions,
writing activities, labs, or unfinished classwork. Parents are encouraged to review homework on a regular basis so you can
monitor the students progress. Students are required to write assignments in their planners every night that it is assigned and will
write NONE if no homework is given. All homework is expected to be turned in on time.

Quizzes:
Quizzes will be administered prior to tests at the teachers discretion. Quizzes are learning tools and should be used to prepare for
tests. Students should review their daily notes and homework assignments to help study for a quiz.

Labs/Lab Summaries (Journals):

Ideas become clear when we talk about them and write about them. Students will complete lab summaries in their lab journals at
the conclusion of lab activities in class. The purpose of these summaries is problem solving, communicating what you do and do
not understand, and reflecting on each investigation.
To ensure that students experience interesting and successful labs, it is important that they have a strong understanding of safe lab
practices. Each student reviews these practices and is required to sign and have parents sign a safety contract before participating
in any lab activity.

Tests/Assessments:
A variety of assessment measures will be utilized to measure student progress, document student success, and serve as a tool for
refining curriculum. A variety of assessment measures allows for multiple student modalities to be assessed. Types of assessments
may include pen and paper tests, quizzes, lab reports/summaries, portfolios, performances, informal questioning, and projects.
Rubrics will be utilized to grade performance-based assessment measures. Students will be given ample notice when formal
assessments such as tests will be given. It is important that students keep up with the content on a DAILY basis.

Projects:
Throughout the year, projects will be assigned that may require some work outside of the class time. These are announced well in
advance of the due date and will include a rubric for grading. Projects will count as a test grade.

Grading:
Grades are given on a percentage scale as follows:
Homework 10%
Daily Grades. 40%
Assessments.. 50%
Daily grades consist of quizzes, in-class assignments, notebook grades, and other various assignments. Assessments are major
projects and tests. If a student is absent from school, he/she will have 5 days to make it up without consequences. After the 5 th day
that the work is not turned in, the grade will be recorded in the grade book as a zero.

Attendance:
Regular attendance is expected of ALL students. Attendance is one of the most important measures of your interest and desire to
do well academically. If you are not in class regardless of the reason you are still responsible for any assignments that you
miss.
If a student is absent the day of a test or quiz, the test/quiz must be made up the day that the student returns to class since all
tests/quizzes are announced in advance. Labs must be made up within three days (at the discretion of the teacher) or it will be
entered as a zero.
If an absence will be for a prolonged period of time, please contact the teacher and arrangements can be made for assignments to
be completed at home if possible.

Syllabus Signature Form

I have read and understand the 7th Grade Life Science syllabus:
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________________

Syllabus Signature Form

I have read and understand the 7th Grade Life Science syllabus:
Student Signature: _____________________________________________________
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________________