Cambridge Life Science
Course Overview
The Cambridge Curriculum is founded on the values of the University of Cambridge and best practice
in schools. The curriculum is dedicated to developing learners who are confident, responsible, innovative and
engaged. Each curriculum framework for English, mathematics and science is designed to engage learners in
an active and creative learning journey. All Cambridge life science objectives will be covered in this course.
While these standards align with the Georgia Performance Standards, they will be taught at an accelerated
pace and with greater depth. Once completed, we will advance to the 8th grade Cambridge objectives and
explore physical science.
The seventh grade life science course is designed to give students the necessary skills for a smooth
transition from elementary life science standards to high school biology standards. The purpose is to give all
students an overview of common strands in life science including, but not limited to, diversity of living
organisms, structure and function of cells, heredity, ecosystems, and biological evolution. Seventh grade
students keep records of their observations and use those records to analyze the data they collect. They
observe and use observations to explain diversity of living organisms and how the organisms are classified.
They use different models to represent systems such as cells, tissues, and organs. They use what they know
about ecosystems to explain the cycling of matter and energy. They use the concepts of natural selection
and fossil evidence in explanations. Seventh graders write instructions, describe observations, and show
information in graphical form. When analyzing the data they collect, seventh graders can recognize
relationships in simple charts and graphs and find more than one way to interpret their findings. The
students replicate investigations and compare results to find similarities and differences.
Text

Glencoe Science – Georgia Science, Grade 7
o Online access – www.glencoe.com/ose (access code: D4BC5C74F1)
NOTE: Any lost or damaged textbook is the responsibility of the student and parents. The student cannot be
issued a new textbook until payment in full has been received for the lost textbook.
Materials Needed for This Class
 Binder or section of large binder for science
 Paper and pen/pencil
 Flash drive (can be used for multiple subjects and will not be needed everyday)
Classroom Expectations:
 Follow directions quickly.
 Raise your hand for permission to speak or leave your seat.
 Respect yourself, others, and your school.
 Make smart choices.
 Keep your teacher happy.
If you choose to break a rule:
 1st infraction – Teacher-student conference and parent phone call
 2nd infraction – Classroom/lunch detention and parent phone call
 3rd infraction – Referred to school counselor
 4th infraction – Referred to office
School-wide Tardy Policy
When a student arrives tardy, unexcused, either to class or school we will follow this policy each semester.
Tardy to Class (2nd-6th periods)
4th Offense - Level 2 referral / detention
6th Offense - Level 2 referral / Saturday School
8th Offense - Level 2 referral / 1 day ISS
Tardy to School
4th Offense - Level 1 referral
6th Offense - Level 2 referral
8th Offense - Level 2 referral and parent conference
Grading Scale
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
59 and below
Mastery Grades
Certain assignments and assessments that demonstrate a student’s mastery of state standards will count
toward the student’s academic average, which will appear on the quarterly report cards. A grade of 80% or
higher demonstrates mastery of a standard; therefore, students who earn less than 80% on an assessment
will have an opportunity to review the information and/or skills related to the standard and make another
attempt to demonstrate mastery on an alternate version of the original assessment.
Homework Grades
Typically, homework provides additional practice for concepts learned in class, and it counts as a “practice”
grade that is not part of a student’s academic grade on the quarterly report cards. However, some
assignments that students work on both in class and at home may still count toward the academic grade
(e.g. projects).
Academic Probation / Reassignment – Cambridge and Honors classes
Any student in a Cambridge or Honors class who earns a report card grade of “C” or lower for one quarter
will be placed on academic probation for that class. If the subsequent report card grade for that same class
is a “C” or lower, the student will be reassigned to a regular education class.
Sequence of Instruction*
 1st Quarter
o Scientific Methods and Overview of Life Science
o Environmental Science
o Cellular Biology
 2nd Quarter
o Genetics
o System and Maintenance
 3rd Quarter
o Human Body
o Classification of Life
 4th Quarter
o Origins and Survival of Organisms
o Introduction to Physical Science
*
The length of time for each unit is approximate and may vary depending on the rate of student mastery.