Seventh Grade Life Science Syllabus
This year we will focus specifically on Biological Science. Major topics covered in
previous years will be studied in greater depth and new concepts will be
introduced. In addition, you will learn and improve upon a variety of important
skills such as taking notes, organizing, prioritizing, and laboratory skills. Course
materials will be presented through discussions, lectures, labs, simulations, miniactivities,
use of technology, computers, projects, tests, and quizzes. This will be
both an exciting yet challenging year for you. In order to have a smooth
transition into seventh grade, I’ve provided an outline on my course
requirements and expectations. Please read this together with your parent(s)
and sign the contract. This will be kept in your science binder all year.
Curriculum Covered: Cell Biology, Structure and Function in Living Systems,
Diversity of Life, Genetics, Evolution, Earth and Life History, Physical Principals in
Living Systems, Scientific Method. This curriculum is based on the California
State Standards. For more details on the standards, go to www.sde.ca.gov/be/st
Text: Focus on Life Science, Pearson/Prentice Hall
Classroom Expectations:
Learning Expectations, it is expected from all of my students to be children of
honor and character.
? Spiritual: to honor God in your actions and thoughts
? Academically Prepared: turn in work on time, take pride in your work,
make up missed work immediately, and actively participate
? Inquisitive: ask questions, take time to wonder about our world
? Neighborly: be respectful to yourself, your family, your friends, and our
school
? Trustworthy: bring your required materials to class every day and be
accountable for your actions, especially when working in groups
? Strong: have a positive attitude and integrity in situations that may
challenge you, and communicate any concerns you may have
5 Required Materials for Class Everyday:
1. Binder (1 inch with name, SCIENCE and Class Period written visibly on the
front - No other writing or doodling is allowed)
2. Loose-leaf college ruled binder paper
3. Black AND red ink pens (non-erasable)
4. #2 pencil
5. Textbook
*Failure to bring required materials on a consistent basis will result in a lowered
Effort Grade.
Homework Policy: Homework will be assigned most nights with assignments
due at the start of class. Your child should expect to spend about 15 minutes a
night (this excludes studying for a test). The Middle School policy on late
homework is as follows:
? 1 day late = 75% (even if we don’t have class the next day, you are still
responsible for turning it in for partial credit)
? After 1 day = 0
? Homework is due at the beginning of class when I collect it. If you left
it at home, in your desk, or your backpack, it is still considered late.
? For MAJOR PROJECTS OR LABS = you will be deducted ½ a grade for
each day it is late.
? A computer or computer printer problem is not an excuse for a late
assignment.
Make-up Work Policy
? Make-up work from an excused absence (sick) = 100% credit if turned
in within the # of days absent from school (2 days sick = 2 school days to
turn in). If you have an extended illness (week or more), please make
individual arrangements with me to make up the missed work.
? Make-up tests from excused absences should be done within a week of
returning to school and need to be arranged with me.
? Students must turn in missed work from an unexcused absence
(traveling, sporting event) the day you return to school. If you had a
quiz or test during your absence, you must either take it the day you
return or take it before you leave. You are responsible for getting
assignments and making these arrangements before you leave, not the
teacher.
? Incomplete work will not be accepted for partial credit.
Cheating and Plagiarism Policy: Honesty is expected of all students:
? Cheating of any form will not be tolerated and will result in 0 credit. This
includes the person cheating and the one who supplied the answers.
? All work must be authentic and should be written in the student’s words.
Grading: I grade on the QUALITY of your work and not only on completion and
accuracy.
? Tests/Quizzes = 40%
? Labs/Projects = 35%
? Homework/Class work = 25%
Test Corrections: You may make test corrections for tests (not quizzes) with a
C- or below. In order to earn ½ point for each answer, corrections must have a
brief explanation of the corrected answer, written in a different colored pen, and
completed within a week of the returned test. The maximum grade one can
receive from test corrections is a C.
Extra Credit: Occasionally some extra credit may be offered on particular
assignments or in the form of bonus points on a quiz. It may not be used to
replace a missing assignment or a low test score. Therefore, it should not be
counted on to significantly alter one’s overall grade (ex. from a C to a B+).
Communication: Communication is very important to me. I am here to help
you in any way I can. My goal is for you to have a successful and enjoyable year
in Science. If you do not understand a concept, are struggling, or have any
concerns, please let me know as soon as possible. I would be happy to
meet with you and figure out a way to help you.
HOMEWORK OR STUDYING HELP:
If you are having difficulty on a particular homework question or concept, please
email it to me. I check my email every night until 9:00 p.m. most evenings, and
I would be happy to provide help online. I will not give you the “answer,” but I
can give you hints or information to lead you to the right direction.
You may contact me
I look forward to working together with you this year!
Student’s Signature: ________________________________Date: __________
Parent’s Signature: _________________________________Date: __________