Teacher Pages
Mr Williams 7th Grade Tag Science
Syllabus
Life Science 7th Grade TAG 2009-10
Mr. Daniel M. Williams, Teacher
Email: williamsd4@fultonschools.org
Phone: 770.667.2892
Introduction
Welcome to 7th Grade TAG Life Science and the 2009-10 school year! I am thrilled that your son/daughter will be a part of my class. I am committed to making this an exciting, challenging and positive learning experience. This year will be filled with a multitude of lessons, activities and projects that will require students to experiment/manipulate science equipment as well as communicate results from experimentation and sharpen/expand science process skills. There will also be a substantial emphasis on advanced research skills, problem solving, critical thinking and creative thinking (Fulton County TAG objectives). The class is designed to provide students with an understanding of the basic principles of Life Science and their direct application to our world. As an advanced class, students are provided with more opportunities for in-depth research, independent study and advanced communication skills.
Course Description
The 7th Grade Life Science curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition from elementary life science standards to high school biology standards (see Fulton County System wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to provide students with an overview of the common concepts and strands in the life sciences including but not limited to structures and functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ-systems, heredity, biological evolution, diversity of living organisms, and ecosystems. These concepts are investigated through observing, collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting, results of scientific investigations and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.
Textbook
Georgia Life Science Holt McDougal ISBN: 978-0-03-092025-7 $70.75
Online Textbook Access at: my.hrw.com
Students will receive a username and password from the teacher that will allow students to access the textbook and resources online.
Course Outline for the Year
Topics to be covered this year include the following (not necessarily in this order):
Fall Semester |
Spring Semester |
Scientific process skills |
Taxonomy |
Diversity/Characteristics of life |
Organization of life: organ systems |
Cells and cell processes |
Evolution |
Reproduction and heredity |
Ecology |
Outcome Expectations
At the end of this course students should be able to:
- 1. Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
- 2. Demonstrate the process for the development of a dichotomous key and classify organisms based on six-kingdom system using a dichotomous key.
- 3. Describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
- 4. Explain the role of genes and chromosomes in the process of transfer of traits to successive generations in both asexual and sexual situations.
- 5. Explain how the physical characteristics of organisms have changed over successive generations and how species evolve as a result of natural selection.
- 6. Trace the fossil evidences of the long history of changing life forms.
- 7. Demonstrate the interdependence of organisms on one another and their environments in a food web, competitive, and mutually beneficial interactions.
- 8. Recognize that changes in environment can affect the survival of organisms and how this links to the characteristics of the major terrestrial biomes.
Policies, Procedures and Requirements
- Þ Students are expected to participate in class activities, discussions and assignments.
- Þ Homework will consist of the following types of activities:
- 1. Incomplete class work assignments
- 2. Notebook organization, assembly and completion of pages
- 3. Worksheets/Textbook assignments
- 4. Special projects (individual and/or group)
Students are given an adequate amount of time to complete any homework. Consistency and time management are essential for maintaining a balance of the amount of work that should be done each night.
- Þ Labs and hands-on activities are a required part of advanced science. When involved with such lessons, students must follow directions carefully, wait for instructions and behave in an appropriate manner. Students who do not follow these guidelines will not be allowed to participate and will receive a zero for the assignment.
- Þ Most labs will require a formal lab report. Students are to follow the specific format that will be given out within the next few days of school. ALL LAB REPORTS MUST BE TYPED. Computer access will be available to students during academic lab, as well as before and after school.
- Þ Special projects will be assigned periodically. These projects, along with tests, will account for 30% of a student's grade and will be assessed on grading criteria given when the assignment is made and the ability/effort level of the individual student. Advance notice, due date timeline and specific directions will be given with every project.
- Þ Make up work for any absence is the responsibility of the student. Make up work will be placed on the "While You Were Out" bulletin board. If your child is absent, he or she should refer to this bulletin board and pick up missed worksheets, hand outs, upon return to school. A student has the same number of days as the number of days absent to make up all assignments. Make up of a test or quiz will need to be scheduled. The absent student is responsible for making these arrangements with Mr. Williams. Failure to make up assignments, tests or quizzes will result in a zero and thereby become detrimental to the student's quarter/semester average.
- Þ Assignments that are not presented on the due date are considered late. Some assignments will not be accepted based upon the discretion of the teacher. Those assignments that are deemed acceptable must be turned in no later than 2 days after the original due date. Any negotiation for late work will require parental intervention via a note, email or conference.
- Þ Regular attendance is very important to your child's success. Please make sure that absences are documented with a valid excuse.
- Þ Students are required to bring their textbook, science notebook and a writing utensil to class EVERYDAY.
Science Fair and Research Project
7th grade Life Science students are encouraged to complete an independent research project during the first semester. Participation in this project DOES NOT guarantee that a student's project will be entered into the school Science Fair Competition. This assignment will be graded at different intervals and perspectives during the first semester. A grade will be given for the written research paper, oral presentation, logbook record, display board and overall quality of the research. A complete packet that includes a timeline for completion of components, directions, websites and tips will be given to students during August and/or September. This project will be in motion simultaneously with other classroom activities, therefore it is important for students to practice good time management skills and refer often to the schedule of due dates that will be given.
Provision for Improving Grades (Fulton County Policy):
Students who have low (73 or below) or failing cumulative grades may ask the teacher for opportunities to improve their grade when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Fulton County policy requires that TAG students with an average of 80 or below to be placed on academic probation. Written notice of such probation will be given to both the student and parent with information about the probationary period and consequences.
Scheduled Help Sessions:
Help sessions will be offered on an as needed basis on TUESDAYS/THURSDAYS after school from 4:15-4:45 or arranged on an individual basis.
Grading Rules:
The following is a percentage breakdown of how grades will be calculated. Four and half week interim and nine week report cards will be issued.
Tests/Projects 30%
Quizzes 20%
Minor Performance Projects 20%
Labs/Lab Reports 20%
Classwork/Homework Quizzes 10%
Fulton County Board of Education Grading Scale
90 and above = A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
69 and below = F
Expectations
All students are expected to:
- 1. Arrive to class on time.
- 2. Be prepared for learning with appropriate materials/supplies.
- 3. Be polite and respectful to others and the property of others.
- 4. Use appropriate language at all times.
- 5. Follow all directions, procedures, school and county guidelines for conduct.
- 6. Always strive for his/her personal best.
Issues related to behavior will be dealt with immediately. Consequences for infractions include warnings, private teacher-student conference, parent contact, parent-teacher conference, teacher's detention, and being sent to the Think Room. Administrative intervention will be used as a last resort unless a situation arises wherein a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct per the school/county (see the Student Handbook and/or agenda).
Communication:
Open communication between parents, teachers and students is essential for a successful academic year. Notes in the student agenda, e-mails, and phone calls are most effective in keeping abreast of things relevant to your child. Parent initiated e-mails on a regular basis are strongly encouraged for accurate information on a child's progress.
Parent-teacher conferences are also available upon request.
There will be a website with information regarding the course in the near future.
I look forward to a spectacular year. Please do not hesitate to contact me at the above phone number or e-mail address.
Sincerely,
Daniel M. Williams, 7th Grade TAG Teacher