BEAR CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL

COURSE SYLLABUS
SUBJECT: Life Science

GRADE LEVEL: 7th

School Year: August 2016-May 2017

TITLE/PUBLISHER OF TEXTBOOK: Life Science, Holt Science & Technology

Replacement Cost: $70.75
Instructor: DeLisa Cain
Contact Information: Email: caind2@fultonschools.org
Telephone Number:470 254-2740
Website: CainsScienceClass.weebly.com
COURSE DESCRIPTION and OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS
Course Description
The 7th Grade Life Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition
from elementary life science standards to high school biology. This course is designed to provide students with
an overview of the common concepts and strands in the life sciences including but not limited: the diversity of
living organisms, ecosystems, structures and functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ-systems, heredity and
genetics, and biological evolution. 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.

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Outcome Expectations
At the end of this course students are expected to:
Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of
scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
Demonstrate the interdependence of organisms on one another and their environments in a food web,
competitive, and mutually beneficial interactions.
Recognize that changes in environment can affect the survival of organisms and how this links to the
characteristics of the major terrestrial biomes.
Describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Demonstrate the process for the development of a dichotomous key and classify organisms based on sixkingdom system using a dichotomous key.
Explain the role of genes and chromosomes in the process of transfer of traits to successive generations in both
asexual and sexual situations.
Trace the fossil evidences of the long history of changing life forms.
Explain how the physical characteristics of organisms have changed over successive generations and how
species evolve as a result of natural selection.
STUDENTS WITH INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS (IEP):
Supplemental materials such as hand-outs, parallel curriculum texts and study guides will be used on an asneeded basis and/or as indicated by the students instructional levels with modifications and accommodations
provided as outlined by his or her Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.)

Please go to the website to fill out parent contact information and electronically sign the syllabus!

GRADING POLICY: The students final grade for each semester will be based on 100% using the evaluation
components listed below:
Category
Classwork
*** the written or oral work done in class by the students
Participation
Assessments, Projects
Final Exam

Weight
40%
15%
30 %
15%

FULTON COUNTY GRADING SYSTEM:

A 90 and above
B 80-89
C 70-79
F 69 or below
MATERIALS:
2 bound composition books
Pens (all colors permitted)
Highlighters
Binder (optional)

Markers
Colored pencils
Glue
Scissors
**NO white out or correction tape**

RECOVERY PROCESS:
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Every attempt should be made by students during the semester to successfully complete tasks as required by the
instructor.
2. Recovery opportunities are designed to allow students to improve a low or failing cumulative grade average if
they have demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements, including attendance, during the
semester.
3. It is at the teachers discretion to determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may
improve their grade averages.
TUTORING:
Tutoring will be hosted in varying formats to include lunchtime tutorials and afterschool remediation and
review. It is the students responsibility to schedule tutoring sessions with his or her instructor in advance. In
order to participate in tutoring students must sign up on the tutorial list found at the front of the class. Students
should make satisfactory transportation arrangements prior to staying after school.
SCENTED ITEMS:
*I am scent sensitive, and cannot tolerate many fragrances. Personal lotions, perfumes, scented hand sanitizers,
etc. may be confiscated and subject to disposal if used in the classroom. Students are not permitted to use any
body spray/ perfume, scented lotions, room deodorizers, or scented hand sanitizers during or
immediately before coming to class. They may use hand sanitizer and lotion that is provided by me and they
can only use what is approved (must ask for my approval beforehand).
Please go to the website to fill out parent contact information and electronically sign the syllabus!

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Students will come to class prepared to learn and with all necessary textbooks and materials. Book checks and
notebook checks will be conducted periodically.
Students will submit all coursework assigned by the instructor neatly and on time.
Students will adhere to class and safety rules.
Students will exhibit positive behavior and respect each other at all times.
Please do not hesitate to contact your childs teacher if additional information is needed or to schedule a
conference. All teachers may be reached at (470)254- 2740 or personally email your students teachers.
Please sign and return.
I have read and understand the requirements as outlined in the 7th grade Life Science course syllabus.
Student Name ____________________________________________________

Period: _______

Guardians Name _________________________________________________

Guardians Signature _____________________________________________

Date: ________________

Home Phone number: ___________________________________________

Work Phone number: ____________________________________________
Cell Phone number: _____________________________________________
Email address: ____________________________________________________

Please go to the website to fill out parent contact information and electronically sign the syllabus!

*PLEASE DETACH AND RETURN THIS PAGE ONLY*

Please go to the website to fill out parent contact information and electronically sign the syllabus!