1
LIFE SCIENCE SYLLABUS
MODEL MIDDLE SCHOOL
164 BARRON ROAD
ROME, GA 30161
706-290-8150
INSTRUCTOR:
DR. AMY TILLEY
amytilley@floydboe.net
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A survey of basic scientific concepts/principles associated with the area of life science including basic scientific
principles. Topics include: Ecology, environmental conditions/characteristics, factors effecting survival of
organisms, interdependence of organisms, energy flow, nutrient cycling, transfer and recycling of matter/energy,
relationships between organisms, interdependence of organisms, structure and function of cells, levels of cellular
organization, roles and interactions of major systems, comparison between six kingdoms, biological traits and
heredity, roles of genes and chromosomes, inheritance of specific traits, asexual, sexual reproduction of organisms,
evidence of evolution, natural selection, environmental conditions, fossils, evidence of change.
TOPICS/COURSE OUTCOMES:
UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO DESCRIBE, EXAMINE
AND IDENTIFY THE FOLLOWING:
Unit: Introduction-Scientific Concepts
A. Scientific Method
B. Experimental Design
C. Dimensional Analysis
Unit: Structure and Function of Cells
A. Cell Structure
B. Cell Function
C. Levels of cellular organization
Unit: Organization of Life
A. Levels of cellular organization
B. Roles of major systems
C. Interaction of systems
D. Comparison between six kingdoms
Unit: Biological Traits and Heredity
A. Roles of genes and chromosomes
B. Inheritance of specific traits
C. Asexual and Sexual reproduction of organisms
Unit: Evidence of Evolution
A. Natural Selection
B. Environmental conditions
C. Evidence of change
2
Unit: Ecology
A. Environmental conditions/characteristics.
B. Factors effecting survival of organisms.
C. Interdependence of organisms.
Unit: Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling
A. Transfer and recycling of matter and energy.
B. Relationships between organisms.
C. Interdependence of organisms.
GRADING POLICY:
TESTS/PROJECTS: 55%
CLASSWORK, HOMEWORK, QUIZ: 30%
FINAL: 15%
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
The student will be responsible for:
1. Completing all assignments for the course (research, labs, daily/homework, and projects).
2. Working diligently on all assignments from beginning to the end of the period.
3. Creation/organization and maintenance of organized notebook.
4. Being prepared for the course daily (pencils, pens, paper etc…).
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Attendance Requirements:
Frequent and regular attendance is vital key to being successful in the academic arena. Please
review the Floyd County Board of Education procedures regarding attendance. All missing
assignments including tests/daily/homework, projects are to be made up within three days upon
returning to school.
3
HONOR CODE:______________________________________________________________
When we join Dr. Tilley’s science community, we sign the Roll of Honor and formally enroll
under the pledge:
“On my honor, I will strive to give my personal best in and have a positive attitude towards all. I will neither
give, receive, nor use unauthorized aid in my academic work, nor will I permit such action by any member of
this community. I will respect the persons and property of the community, and will not condone discourteous
or dishonest treatment of these by my peers. In my every act, I will seek to maintain a high standard of
honesty and truthfulness for myself and for Model Middle School.”
Student Signature: __________________________________________ Date: __________
Parent Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: __________