Barbara Worth Junior High School
Grade Life Science Syllabus Room 18
2014 – 2015
7th
Course Description
Life Science – The Study of Living Organisms
Goals and Objectives
By the end of the semester / school year, the student will know, understand, and demonstrate knowledge of
the 7th Grade California Science Standards.
►Demonstrate knowledge of general cell structure and function. Standard: 1
►Select and use appropriate tools and resources, print and electronic, to collect data and
information as part of a research project or lab activity. Construct models to communicate
scientific knowledge. Communicate the results of research/lab activity in written and oral
presentations. Standard: 7
►Demonstrate knowledge of cell reproduction, including sexual-asexual organisms, inherited
traits, genes, and DNA. Standards: 2, 5
►Demonstrate knowledge that physical principles underlie biological structures and functions.
Standard: 6
►Demonstrate knowledge of the evolution of species including genetic variations, biological
adaptations, and environmental factors. Standards: 3, 4
Instructional Strategies to Include the CCSS and NGSS Science and Engineering
Practices
►Direct Instruction
►Cooperative Learning Groups
►Labs using the Steps of the Scientific Method in written lab reports / Projects using the Steps of the
Design Process / Models to include graphs, diagrams, physical replicas, mathematical representations and
analogies.
►Cornell Notes, Summarizing, Graphic Organizers/Foldables
►Essential Vocabulary Instruction
► Interactive Notebook
Assessments
►Weekly Graded Assignments may include: Labs, Class work, Notebook checks,
Homework, quizzes, etc.
►Chapter Tests / End of Year Final Exam
Grading Criteria
According to BESD Grades / Evaluation of Student Achievement Policy, grades will be issued as follows:
A
90% - 100%
Superior
B
80% - 89%
Above Average
C
70% - 79%
Average
D
60% - 69%
Below Average
F
0% - 59%
Failing
Weighting of Assignments
According to BESD Grades / Evaluation of Student Achievement Policy, weighting of assignments will be
as follows:
►Tests shall be weighted as 40% of the final grade.
►Class work shall be weighted as 20% of t he final grade.
►Homework shall be weighted as 20% of the final grade
►Lab Activities shall be weighted as 20% of the final grade.
Course Policies and Student Expectations
Attendance
It is important that a student attends school everyday, on time, and with required materials. If a student is
absent it is their responsibility to talk with the teacher before or after school concerning work missed. An
excused absence does not excuse the student from completing the work. The student will be given one day
for each day of absence to turn in the work for full credit. (Example: Student is absent 2 days, they have 2
days after they return to class to complete the work.) In the case of extended absences due to major illness,
hospitalization, etc. where the student will miss a week or more, please contact the school office to make
arrangements for the work so that the student does not fall behind. If a student is absent on the day of a
test, they will take the test on the day that they return to class.
Homework Policy
According to BESD Grades / Evaluation of Student Achievement Policy, homework is an assignment that
is completed independently outside of the classroom. Homework will be assigned at the discretion of the
teacher.
Late Assignments
Students will have one week to complete assignments. Late assignments are given partial credit. A
maximum grade of 75% may be earned for late work. Incomplete assignments will receive 1/2 credit and
may be completed and turned in late for a maximum grade of 75%. No late work will be accepted the
week grades are due.
Extra Credit
Extra credit may be assigned at the discretion of the teacher and only for those students that have ALL
assignments completed. Extra credit is to boost your grade; it will not be assigned in lieu of a missing
assignment.
Chapter Tests
Students who receive an unsatisfactory grade on Chapter tests only, (60% or less), may make written
corrections on a separate sheet of paper; submitting the original test with parent signature and the
corrections no more than 1 week after the test was returned to the student. A maximum grade of 75% will
be given for corrected tests.
Required Materials
Students are required to bring the following to class each and every day: BWJHS Agenda, Binder with
Interactive notebook (IN), vocabulary cards, pencils/erasers and notebook paper.
Materials Provided
Textbook: CPO Focus on Life Science.
Lab Manual: Investigations
Supplemental resources provided by the teacher relating to the subject matter.
Lost notebook must be replaced by the student. (Teacher only provides 1 free copy per student per
year.)
Course schedule
1st Quarter: Standards: 1, 5, 7,
2nd Quarter: Standards: 1, 6, 7
3rd Quarter: Standards: 1, 2
4th Quarter: Standards: 2, 3, 4
TUTORING
Room 18, 3:00 to 3:30 Monday and Wednesday, other days may also be available depending on
teacher's schedule.