Course Description

The 7^th Grade Life Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge

and skills to transition from elementary life science standards to high school biology

standards (see the Fulton County Systemwide Science Vertical Instructional Framework;

http://www.fultonschools.org/fcgps )The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the common concepts and strands in the life sciences including-but not limited to-structures and functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ-systems, heredity, biological evolution, diversity of living organisms, and ecosystems. These concepts are investigated through observing, collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting results of scientific investigations and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course students should be able to:

Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately. (Chp. 1)
Describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

(Chp. 3/4)

Explain the role of genes and chromosomes in the process of transfer of traits to successive generations in both asexual and sexual situations. (Chp. 5/6)
Explain how the physical characteristics of organisms have changed over successive generations and how species evolve as a result of natural selection. (Chp. 7)
Trace the fossil evidences of the long history of changing life forms. (Chp. 8)
Demonstrate the process for the development of a dichotomous key and classify organisms based on six-kingdom system using a dichotomous key. (Chp. 9)
Demonstrate the interdependence of organisms on one another and their environments in a food web, competitive, and mutually beneficial interactions. (Chp. 18/19)
Recognize that changes in environment can affect the survival of organisms and how this links to the characteristics of the major terrestrial biomes. (Chp. 20)

Course Outline:

First Semester: Characteristics of Science – Unit 0 Cells/Organ Systems – Unit 2

Diversity of Organisms – Unit 1 Reproduction & Heredity – Unit 3

Second Semester: Ecology – Unit 4

Evolution – Unit 5

Grading Scheme:

A student’s grade will be determined by averaging the following:

Grading Scale

Tests/Projects 45% A 90 - 100

Quizzes 18% B 80 - 89

Labs 18% C 70 - 79

Homework 15% F Below 70

Participation 4%

Special Projects: At least two major projects each semester will be required. Working on a science fair project provides students with an extra opportunity to further their scientific knowledge. Outside reading concerning various topics will be assigned as the need arises. Participation in the science fair will be determined by teacher and student.

Homework Expectations: Homework will be assigned as reinforcement and as a review of the daily class activities. It should be written in the agenda. In order to receive full credit, assignments should be completed neatly, accurately, and on time. Homework that is one day late will receive a deduction of thirty points from the total points earned, and homework that is received two or more days late will be recorded as a zero.

Provision for Improving Grades: “Recovery” is an opportunity for students to recover from a failing or low (73 or below) cumulative grade in a particular subject. It is available for students who have completed all required work as assigned and who have demonstrated effort and attended school, but have failed to achieve success. A student may request recovery work only once per course during each semester (or nine-week connections period). Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers will establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be completed prior to the last ten school days (or five school days for a nine-week course) of each semester.

Teacher/Parent Communication: The most expedient way to contact me is through email. My email address is renaud-grant@fulton.k12.ga.us. However, should you require a conference (telephone or in person) please call the front office at (770) 667-2940 and leave a message or send a note with your child. I will make every effort to get back to you within 24 hours. I would recommend that you register for Parent Connect at http://webbbrpc.fultonschools.org and view your child’s grades regularly.

Scheduled help sessions: I will be available for extra help on Monday mornings (7:30-8:30). Please notify me a day in advance of your plans to seek help.

Absence Make-Up Procedure: Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work. The student must complete the assignments within the time specified by Fulton County policy. (The student will be given the same amount of time to make up the work as the student was absent unless other arrangements are mutually agreed upon). Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero. Students may also check the Agenda Binder for a listing of all daily class activities and assignments.