7th Life Science Mrs. Skinner Syllabus DescriptionThis class is an overview of Life Science. It is designed to allow students to become familiar with a scientific study of the structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships in the following areas: 1. Botany2. Zoology3. Virology / Microbiology4. Human Biology and Genetics5. EcologyGeneral Objectives / GoalsAll students will achieve the following objectives: 1. Acquire a knowledge of the basic characteristics of life.2. Develop an understanding of the differences in characteristics that distinguish organisms and their classification systems.3. Explore and compare the anatomical structures of simple and complex organisms.4. Develop a familiarity with the physiology of how body systems work.5. Become familiar with the basic principles of heredity.6. Understand the basic structures of microorganisms, and understand their purpose in the chain of life.7. Discover the interconnections among the living and non-living things in the environment, and become aware of man’s impact on the environment.8. Note the development and evaluate the impact of scientific research and technology from sociological, economical, and ethical perspectives.EvaluationStudents will be evaluated according to the following percentage system: Class work/notes 25% Tests and quizzes 25% Projects 25% Lab Notebook 15% Homework 10% CLASS WORK - Every class will begin with board work, which should be completed during the allotted class time. Students are expected to complete the board work, and any other written work assigned during the class period. Board work will be graded on a 1-5 scale, 1 being the lowest (F), 5 being the highest (A). Other written work may be graded according to the 1-5 scale, or the regular number grading scale of 0-100%. Any worksheets or assignments given during class also count as class work.CLASS NOTES - When new topics are being introduced and discussed, students will be expected to take class notes. At least twice during a grading period, notebooks will be checked to be sure that students are taking accurate class notes. Together, class work and class notes account for 25% of the student’s grade. TESTS - Tests will be given to determine how well the student has mastered the material covered. Tests will include weekly vocabulary words that will be assigned on Fridays. All tests are graded on a 0-100% grade scale. QUIZZES - Two types of quizzes will be given. First, quizzes covering class topics. Second, quizzes covering outside scientific reading that will be provided to the student. All outside scientific material will be read and discussed thoroughly in class, so there will be no surprises on the quizzes. Quizzes are graded according to the 0-100% grade scale. ***NOTE: Unless you are told otherwise, you can assume that you will have either a test or a quiz EVERY THURSDAY! You will be informed in advance of which type of test you will take. *** Together, test and quiz grades make up 25% of the student’s grade. PROJECTS – Various projects will be assigned throughout the school year. Some will be small; others will take time and planning. Specific instructions and deadlines will be assigned for each project. Projects alone account for 25% of the student’s grade. LAB NOTEBOOKS – Because life science is such a hands-on form of science, students will be engaging in many lab procedures. Each lab procedure should be logged in a lab notebook (bound composition notebook). How to keep a lab notebook will be explained in detail. Lab notebooks will be collected and graded after each laboratory investigation. Lab notebooks account for 15% of the student’s grade HOMEWORK - As a general rule, any work assigned, but not completed during class time should be completed for homework. Other homework may be assigned occasionally throughout the year. Homework accounts for 10% of the student’s grade. Necessary Supplies:
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