7th Grade Life Science
Mr. Steven W. Moore
439-2010 ext. 245
smoore@tewksburyschools.org
Textbook: Life Science
Prentice Hall Science Explorer c 2001
Laboratory Manual: Exploring Life Science
Prentice Hall
In the seventh grade Life Science program, the students will be taught scientific skills enabling them to acquire biological knowledge. Typically, biology was taught to ninth or tenth grade science classes, but in recent years local high schools have placed it in their third year science curriculum. A student with an interest in biology will have to wait three years before being reintroduced to the study of biology. It is my hope to stir the students' interest in the biological sciences and teach basic concepts and techniques at an earlier age. The textbook and laboratory manual will be used as a resource for laboratory investigations in addition to outside material presented by the teacher.
Students will learn to draw their own conclusions through observation, experimentation, analysis of data, and reading references rather than accepting statements of fact from their teacher or text. The Life Science program in the seventh grade is designed to develop initiative and investigative skills while allowing the students to enjoy the study of life science. Laboratory work is the norm for this class, not just an occasional activity.
The class format will be that of investigative laboratory exercises with relevant lecture material being presented in pre-lab and post-lab discussions. In class we will be examining the complexities of living organisms, demonstrating the common needs, similarities and differences in the anatomy and
physiology of living organisms. The students will examine the microorganisms, plants, animals, and the
functions and interactions carried out by these organisms to sustain life.
Major Topics to be covered:
1. Microscopy / Protists
2. Cells and life Processes: a comparison of basic cell structure
3. Taxonomic Classification and the Diversity of Animal Life
4. Comparative Anatomy and Physiology: examination and dissection
5. Systems of the Human Body
6. Genetics and Evolutionary Changes
7. Entomology: insect collections, identification and classification
Grading System for The 7th Grade Life Science Class
Evaluation will come equally from the three areas listed below.
1. Homework and Laboratory Assignments
Homework assignments and lab work will be checked and reviewed by the teacher. Assignments should be written in complete sentences and include the question in the answer. If the assignment is in the laboratory manual, complete sentences should be used, but it is not necessary to restate the question. (Typically, there are 15 - 20 assignments per marking period.)
*Assignments handed in a day late will only receive partial credit. After the second day late, the assignment receives a 0% as a grade.
2. Quiz Grades and Laboratory Reports
There will be a quiz approximately every two weeks. Formal laboratory write-ups will be collected and graded. A format for writing these labs will be given.
3. Test Grades
The class will take two or three tests each marking period. The test questions will be taken from the textbook, class notes, handouts, and laboratory investigations.
Old Turnpike School's Grading System
98-100% A+
93-97% A
90-92% A-
87-89% B+
83-86% B
80-82% B-
77-79% C+
73-76% C
70-72% C-
67-69% D+
63-66% D
60-62% D-
Below 60 % F
Over the Holiday Break (Dec. 24-Jan. 4)
Read pages 621 - 643 in chapter 20 "The Nervous System"
Education Gateways makes no warranty for SchoolNotes.com.
Information on this site is generated by the users. The views
expressed are not necessarily those of Education Gateways or its members, and
Education Gateways is not responsible for user's conduct on SchoolNotes.com.
