Course Syllabus
Life Science
2015 - 2016
Instructor:
Mrs. Eden
Room B8
Email: emily.eden@lcps.org
Office Hours:
A Days: 8:10 am to 8:23 am, Block 2, 3:23pm to 4:00 pm
B Days: 8:10 am to 8:23 am, Block 6, 3:23pm to 4:00 pm
Textbook:
Holt, Rinehart, & Winston, Life Science. Harcourt Classroom Education, Austin, TX. 2001
Class website: http://www.lcps.org//Domain/2049
Course Description:
In science, a special emphasis is placed on the research process in all grades. This includes
making decisions about the generation and testing of ideas; prediction, measurement, data collection and
representation; evaluation of sources of information; collaborative investigation; interpretation and
communication of findings; evaluation and verification of findings and considerations relating to the
social context of research. Seventh grade Life Science emphasizes a more sophisticated understanding of
change, lifecycles, patterns, and relationships in the living world. Topics include: Classification, cell
theory, interdependence of organisms, adaptations within a biome, and biological changes over time.
Some sociological principles and genetics are also introduced. Students analyze data collected and
identify origins of errors that occur during experimentation.
Note: Students enrolled in life science courses participate in animal dissection. Students who decline to
participate will be offered alternatives to dissection. A student’s objection to participating in an animal
dissection should be substantiated by a signed note from his or her parent or legal guardian.
Course overview (in Order):
I.
Lab Safety and Techniques
II.
The Scientific Method (this topic will be covered all year)
III.
Life
a. Organization of living things
b. Characteristics of living things
IV.
Life Processes
a. Animal Requirements
b. Plant requirements
V.
Classification of living things
VI.
Cells
a. Structure: Animal vs. Plant*
b. Cell theory
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VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
c. Mitosis
d. Meiosis
Cellular processes
a. Cellular transport
b. Respiration/ Photosynthesis
c. Cell reproduction
Genetics
a. DNA
b. Chromosomes
c. Heredity
d. Advances in Genetic Engineering
Change over time (Evolution)
a. Principles of Evolution
b. Relationship between mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction
Classification of Plants
Ecosystems
a. Characteristics of different biomes
b. Adaptations
c. Food webs
i. Producers, consumers, & decomposers
ii. Predators & Prey
d. Energy pyramids
e. Carbon cycle
f. Water cycle
g. Nitrogen cycle
h. Factors that influence populations
i. Ecosystems and the Human influence
Classification of Animals (includes dissection of an earthworm and a frog as time allows)
Assessment and grading:
Loudoun County has developed its grading system to become more aligned with the state science
standards. Students will be assessed with both informal and formal methods.
All homework and class work will be assessed for mastery. A student’s final grade will be determined
by their performance on labs, tests, quizzes, and projects. Please see the county grading scale below.
98 – 100% = A+
77 – 79% = C+
93 – 97% = A
73 – 76% = C
90 – 92% = A70 – 72% = C87 – 89% = B+
67 – 69% = D+
83 – 86% = B
63 – 66% = D
80 – 82% = B60 – 62% = D0 – 59% = F
Retake Policy:
Test/Quiz reassessments will be allowed for students earning a D or F grade if all assignments for that
unit are complete at the time of the test. The student’s final grade for that assessment will be a
combination of the reassessment and the original.
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