Course Syllabus: 7th Grade Science
Course Title: 7th Grade Science
Periods Per Week: 4
Teacher Name: Rebecca Waintrup (Edelman)
Email: [email protected]
Best Way to Contact Teacher: E-mail
Telephone: 617- 928-9100 x4560
Course Description: This year we’ll be focusing Life Science. We will be focusing on microscope skills,
cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, and evolution. Activities will include projects, lab activities,
discussions, and the science fair.
Big Ideas:





Life is composed of cells, and are multicellular or unicellular.
There is a hierarchical organization of biological structures within some multicellular
organisms.
Anatomical structure is related to their functions.
Within the biosphere, all living things are interconnected through exchanges of energy.
Living things change over time, and these changes can lead to the development of new
species.
Essential Questions:





What is the criteria for determining whether or not something is alive?
What are the characteristics of living things?
How are living things biologically organized?
How does energy move within the biosphere?
How do living things and ecosystems change over time?
Detailed Unit Description:
Unit Name
Introduction
to Science
Classification
of Organisms
Structure and
Function of
Cells
Systems in
Living Things
Unit Content
 Describe the steps of the scientific method
 Use critical thinking skills to develop solutions to scientific problems
 Demonstrate proficiency in using the metric system within the science classroom
 Develop basic microscopy skills
 Classify organisms into the currently recognized kingdoms according to characteristics that they
share.
 Be familiar with organisms from each kingdom.
 Recognize that all organisms are composed of cells, and that many organisms are single-celled
(unicellular), e.g., bacteria, yeast. In these single-celled organisms, one cell must carry out all of the
basic functions of life.
 Compare and contrast plant and animal cells, including major organelles (cell membrane, cell wall,
nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, mitochondria, vacuoles).
 Recognize that within cells, many of the basic functions of organisms (e.g., extracting energy from
food and getting rid of waste) are carried out. The way in which cells function is similar in all living
organisms.
 Describe the hierarchical organization of multicellular organisms from cells to tissues to organs to
systems to organisms.
 Identify the general functions of the major systems of the human body (digestion, respiration,
reproduction, circulation, excretion, protection from disease, and movement, control, and
coordination) and describe ways that these systems interact with each other.
Course Syllabus: 7th Grade Science

Reproduction
and Heredity
Recognize that every organism requires a set of instructions that specifies its traits. These
instructions are stored in the organism’s chromosomes. Heredity is the passage of these instructions
from one generation to another.
 Recognize that hereditary information is contained in genes located in the chromosomes of each cell.
A human cell contains about 30,000 different genes on 23 different chromosomes.
 Compare sexual reproduction (offspring inherit half of their genes from each parent) with asexual
reproduction (offspring is an identical copy of the parent’s cell).
Evolution and
 Give examples of ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors are causes of evolution
Biodiversity
and the diversity of organisms.
 Give examples of ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors are causes of evolution
and the diversity of organisms.
 Relate the extinction of species to a mismatch of adaptation and the environment.
 Give examples of ways in which organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem
that enable the ecosystem to survive.
Skills Taught and Assessed:
At the completion of the year, students will demonstrate a proficiency in using the metric system, be
able to develop appropriate hypotheses and design scientific experiments to solve problems, utilize
scientific equipment, operate a microscope, and execute an independent research project.
Major Assignments/Field Trips:
Students will complete a variety of projects and labs throughout the year. Rubrics will be provided to
explain grading. Students will also participate in the science fair in the spring. Class time will be provided
to work on their independent projects.
Grading
Grading is comprised of homework, classwork, lab work, tests, quizzes, and projects. Students should
expect regular quizzes, as well as a test at the completion of a unit. Students will be graded using a point
system, with certain assignments being worth more.
Binders
Plagiarism/Cheating
All papers should be kept in the science section
of the student’s binder. Students should divide
the section accordingly using dividers:
Plagiarism and cheating carry serious academic
and behavioral consequences. For incidents of
plagiarism or cheating, a student will be given a
zero on the assignment. Parents will be
informed of the incident and the student will be
referred to the administration for further
consequences.



Tests/Quizzes
Notes
Classwork
Conversely, students may also tape handouts
into a science notebook. All papers must be
labeled with the student’s name, date, section,
and a title.
Availability for Extra Help:
Monday Lunch
Tuesday Havurah
Thursday Lunch (standing study session)