Mrs. Vaughn 
 
 
Text Book: Life Science, Glencoe Science 
 
Text books will be made available for student use in the classroom. Students will not be assigned a text book to bring home.  
 
Suggested Supplies: 
3 Ring binder 
Dividers 
Loose leaf paper 
Pencil 
Pen 
 
Goals: (Taken directly from the Georgia GPS website) 
 
• Seventh grade students keep records of their observations and use those records to analyze the data they collect.  
• They observe and use observations to explain diversity of living organisms and how the organisms are classified.  
• They use different models to represent systems such as cells, tissues, and organs.  
• They use what they know about ecosystems to explain the cycling of matter and energy.  
• They use the concepts of natural selection and fossil evidence in explanations.  
• Seventh graders write instructions, describe observations, and show information in graphical form.  
• When analyzing the data they collect, seventh graders can recognize relationships in simple charts and graphs and find more than one way to interpret their findings.  
• The students replicate investigations and compare results to find similarities and differences.  
 
The middle school life science course is designed to give students the 
necessary skills for a smooth transition from elementary life science standards to high school biology standards. The purpose is to give all students an overview of common strands in life science including, but not limited to, diversity of living organisms, structure and function of cells, heredity, ecosystems, and biological evolution.  
 
 
Description: 
 
This class will be a hands on class that provides the investigation and scientific study of the structure and function of living organisms and their ecological relationships with one another. There will be an emphasis on applications that are meaningful to the student. Attention is given to important principles and concepts that help students understand there are general characteristics of life evident in every organism. Additionally students will learn the differences that distinguish one species from another.  
 
Course Outline: 
 
• Ecology 
• Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling 
• Structure and Function of Cells 
• Organization of Life 
• Biological Traits and Heredity 
• Evidence of Evolution 
 
Labs: 
 
During the school year labs will be conducted. Some of these labs will involve food. If your child has a food allergy, please make me aware so that substitutions can be made. Also, I may ask for volunteers to bring in items to complete labs. This will be done voluntarily, and if your child is not to volunteer, please make them aware of this. Please do not ever feel like you must send the items, although donations are always appreciated.  
 
Projects: 
 
Each nine weeks students will be assigned a project. A project grade will count the same as a test grade. Please be advised that students will have a choice in the project they complete. Students will be given class time to work on their projects, however, projects are considered mainly “homework.” Please let me know if you need any help in purchasing supplies for these projects at least one week before the due date of the project. Also, if you have any questions about the project your child has chosen, please feel free to contact me with questions. 
 
Homework: 
 
Homework will be given to your child however; they will not have Science homework on a daily basis. An average week may entail one to two homework assignments. Homework will be a viable part of your child’s grade. 
 
Grading: 
 
Homework grade will be counted once 
Quizzes grade will be counted once 
In class assignments grade will be counted once 
Test/Projects grade will be counted up to three times 
 
• Your child’s grades will be updated weekly (Tuesday at the latest) and available on Powerschool.  
• Assignments are due on the date set by the teacher, Late assignments will be accepted one day late, however, there will be a 20 point deduction from the final grade. Late work will not be accepted any later than one day late.  
 
Classroom Rules:  
 
• Be Respectful, of yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and any other individuals in the classroom, including substitutes and guests.  
• Be Prepared, for class by having your supplies, and a positive attitude. 
 
Consequences: 
 
1. Warning 
2. Silent lunch and lose one stamp 
3. Parent contact and lose two stamps 
4. After school detention 
5. Teacher discretion 
 
Policy Regarding Cheating: 
 
Students will be given assignments of different natures, Examples: independent work, group work, partner work, etc. The student will be expected to complete the assignment with the guidelines given. If the student receives aid outside of these guidelines, it will be considered cheating. For example: if the assignment is to be independent and they work with a partner, this is cheating. Any instances of cheating will result in a zero grade for the assignment. 
 
Please know that I am always open to communication with parents. Contact me in the manner that is best for you, via phone at the school 706- 638-6440, through email at ellievaughn@walkerschools.org or schedule a conference.  
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Week #3 (modified-08/20/08) 
 
Monday - ITBS test 
How are living things classified?  
Powerpoint and notes (Chap. 1, section 3 and 4) 
 
Tuesday- ITBS test 
(cont.) How are living things classified? 
 
Wednesday-ITBS test  
Dichotomous Key activity 
 
 
Thursday-ITBS test 
review for test (game) 
 
Friday- ITBS test 
test 

Posted by: Ellie Vaughn