Science 7, Life Science, taught by Mrs. Bradshaw

Course Objectives and Goals:

1. To promote the use of systematic inquiry and data-based decision making

2. To raise awareness of our connections to the natural world

3. To encourage the use of scientific method in real life situations

4. To foster personal growth as a life-long learner

Required Supplies:

1. Prentice Hall Life Science Textbook: Maton et al. 1997

2. 1.5 inch binder or larger

3. Looseleaf paper

4. Pens and pencils

Classroom Procedures, Requirements, Expectations and Rules:

Please see the 1st binder entry. I recommend that parents periodically review the binder contents with their child. All items should be numbered consecutively. Where papers have marked errors, has the student made corrections?

Parent Communication regarding progress:

Agenda notes, progress reports, report cards, phone calls for potential problems and emergencies

Evaluation Methods:

Grading: Raw Score Numerical
Homework, Projects, Classwork, Binder, Journal: Approximately 67 percent
Quizzes, Tests: Approximately 33 percent
Extra Credit: Occasionally offered to all students, not done individually
Late Work: All late work loses credit. Daily homework must be submitted by end of the school the day after it was due or will be recorded as a zero.
Midterm and Final Exam: Comprehensive, assorted questions requiring short answers, no essay, but may include a lab practicum

Absences / Missed Work:

Use the hotline and study buddy. Extension based on amount of time missed.

Extra Help:

Usually Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30 to 3:15. Please inform me beforehand.

Teacher Detention:

Assigned as needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:35-3:25. If a student is assigned detention, a brief note will be written in their agenda book to explain why.

Course Outline:

• Introduction-Scientific Method including observation and experimentation

• The Living Body-Metabolism from systems to cells

• Life Cycles-From Cells to Species

• Midterm Evaluation

• Genetics-Patterns of continuity and change

• Taxonomy-Organizing the diversity of life

• Ecology-Recognizing natural connections

• Evolution-Gradual change of species

• Final Evaluation

Themes that will continue throughout the year:

• Science is a process

• Observations are a cornerstone of science

• Life in all its diversity still shares common characteristics

To contact teacher:

E-mail jbrad@vcsdk12.org or call 765-3314 x 343 (Best time to return calls is 3:30 pm)