Life Science 7 Syllabus 2007-2008              

Mr. Miller – D305

 

The Life Science curriculum covers the topics contained in the VA Standards of Learning (http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Superintendent/Sols/home.shtml) for 7th grade science.  

A variety of instructional methods will be used with the goal of concept mastery for all students.  

The following is the anticipated pacing for the academic year 2007-2008.

 

1st Qtr    Ch. 1-6  SOL: LS 1, 2, 3, 4, 13

·        Scientific Investigation

·        Characteristics/Needs of Living Things

·        Cell Theory/Structure/Processes

·        Genetics/Role of DNA

 

2nd Qtr    Ch. 7, 9, 10, 11   SOL: LS 5, 14

·        Theory of Evolution

·        Classification

·        Bacteria/Viruses

·        Protists/Fungi

3rd Qtr     Ch. 12-15   SOL: LS 3-6, 8, 11

·        Plants/Plant processes

·        Animals/Behavior

·        Invertebrates

4th Qtr  Ch. 16-19,21 SOL:LS 7, 9, 10, 12

·        Fish/Amphibians/Reptiles

·        Birds/Mammals

·        Ecology

·        Cycles in Nature

·        Environmental Impacts

 

Grading Scale:              Weighting:

        92-100 A                         TESTS/PROJECTS – 40%

        84-91 B                           LABS/QUIZZES – 30%

        75-83 C                           CLASSWORK – 20%

        67-74 D                           HOMEWORK – 10%

        0-66 F    

 

Extra Credit:

Points may be earned for Science news summaries.  Students must find and summarize a current event/news item related to Life Science.  The item could be an article from a newspaper or printed from the Internet.  If taken from the Internet, students must be sure it is “News” and not just information from a Science-related website.  Also, the news should be fairly recent – dated within the previous month.  The summary must be typed and explain how the news is relevant to what we have studied in Life Science.  Each student can submit two articles per quarter, each one earning up to 5 points to be added to the lowest test grade.

Projects:  Students will complete biome reports and be assigned various projects throughout the year.  Participation in the Science Fair is optional.

 

Late Work is accepted for partial credit:

·        5 points(5%)/day reduction for projects

·        classwork/homework earns a maximum 75% when turned in late

 

A Few Notes:

·        Reading the textbook is critical to understanding concepts and mastering vocabulary.  The majority of the textbook reading is done outside of class.  The textbook is available online and usernames/passwords will be provided.

·        Students should come prepared to learn each and every day by bringing materials: book, notebook, paper, writing utensils, colored pencils.

·        I do stay after school to provide assistance.  Please give me advance notice if you would like to stay after school for help.  Don’t wait until the day before a test to get help! 

 

Communication:

There are five main avenues of communication that I will use this year:  interims, report cards, email, webpage, and student agenda.  Students will be recording their test and quiz grades in the agenda.

 

If you have special concerns or would like specific information on your child’s progress in between interim time and report card, please email or call me and I will respond with the desired information.

Email:  smiller2@ycsd.york.va.us

Telephone:  898-0525

Website:  http://yorkcountyschools.org/teachers/smiller/millerindex.html