CLASS SYLLABUS & UNIT 1 – SYLLABUS

Introduction to Life Science

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce you to the study of life itself. Life Science is the study of how and why living things work and interact with their environments. This course will examine many organisms and their responses to their surrounding environments. This course will also cover basic scientific knowledge needed to be a better-informed and more capable citizen.

Classroom Expectations:

  1. Be in your seat when the bell rings.
  2. Follow directions.
  3. Stay on task all period.
  4. Come to class prepared.
  5. Treat yourself and others with respect.

Lab Safety:

  1. Locate safety equipment. Know where the eyewash, first aid kit, and exits are to be used in an emergency.
  2. Each person is responsible for performing his/her job safely.
  3. Do not engage in games or horseplay at any time.
  4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the laboratory.
  5. Report any accident no matter how small to the teacher.

** If you choose not to follow these safety procedures, loss of lab privileges may result. In addition, certain lab activities may involve special safety procedures that will be explained and strictly enforced!

If you choose not to follow the classroom and lab expectations, your actions may result in disciplinary actions noted in the team syllabus.

Textbook and supplies:

  • Life Science: by McDougal-Littell. Should the student lose a text, it will become that student’s responsibility to pay the amount necessary for the school to replace it. Any damages to the book while in the student’s possession will be assessed and fined accordingly. Textbooks are available for checking out Please see me if you would like to do so.
  • All lab supplies and equipment are provided to each student, without fee, for the student’s use in the completion of the lab activity.
  • A one inch three ring binder with five dividers is required for this class in order to maintain and organize material.
  • Highlighters and writing utensils (pen or pencil)

Grading:

  • Tests and projects 50%.
  • Daily (class work, homework, labs, anchor activities, and unit notebooks) 40%.
  • Homework 10%

Additional Information

It is important that the school and parents work together to ensure each student’s academic success. Notes, PowerPoints, study guides, and additional supplements for your child to practice with at home can be found at my website at

**Enrichment Activities**

Each 9 weeks, every student is required to complete one enrichment activity. These activities allow students to expand the learning of major concepts learned in class. Students will be required to complete three activities per 9-week period and they will be accessible in the student’s notebooks, in the classroom, and on my website. These activities can be completed and turned in at any time during the 9-weeks.

Topics that will be discussed in Unit 1: The Introduction to Life Science and Kingdom Archaebacteria and Kingdom Eubacteria:

  1. Introduction to Life Science: 5. Classification
  2. Scientific Method:6. Introduction to bacteria

3. Laboratory Safety7. Osmosis and diffusion

4. Use of Lab Equipment:8. Prokaryotic Cells

(microscopes, graduated cylinders, 9. Introduction to Viruses

triple beam balances, thermometers, and more)

Vocabulary terms to know in order to discuss the Introduction to Life Science and Kingdom Archaebacteria and Kingdom Eubacteria:

  1. cell 10. taxonomy
  2. asexual reproduction11. dichotomous key
  3. DNA12. bacteria
  4. scientific method13. binary fission
  5. hypothesis14. diffusion
  6. controlled experiment 15. osmosis
  7. variable 16. prokaryotic cells
  8. classification 17. theory
  9. Homeostasis

Students should be reminded that they will have a test over the vocabulary above just before the unit test. Making flashcards is a great way to review at home or during spare time.

Please utilize the flashcards made by the 7th grade science teachers at

Find Flash Cards: EMS life science. Each unit we study is located here for the students to practice. Choose the unit we are on and print them off or practice on the site.

Our first unit of the year will last approximately from August 4th through September 2nd. Above is a general outline that will give you an idea of each topic we will be covering. The following is a list of ways to help your student succeed in science this year.

  1. First and foremost – make sure your student is in class everyday and paying attention! Many of our discussions can’t be made up by simply reading the book.
  2. Know the vocabulary! Science is a foreign language. If you don’t know these basics, how will you keep up as we discuss the concepts associated with the vocabulary? Use Quizlet to find EMS life science flashcards.
  3. Your student should read their notes one time each night. Read DOES NOT mean memorize; simply read them one time. If something does not make sense, make a note of it and ask for an explanation in class. After reading notes one time, put the notebook away and do something fun!
  4. The class agenda will be on the board each day. Look for it each night in the student planner. The agenda must be written in the planner for each day. This is not an option. Pay careful attention to announced quizzes and tests.
  5. Quizzes will focus on vocabulary and notes.
  6. Study guides will be given out prior to each exam. We will begin these in class. Most students finish these at school. If not finished in class, the study guide must be completed for homework. An incomplete study guide will result in not being allowed to participate in the review game. Missing a review game is the worst thing you can do in my opinion! Because…..
  7. …the day before a test we will play a review game. The review game is a fun way to use the information that will be on the test. I encourage all students to take notes on any game question for which they are unsure of the correct answer. This narrows down exactly what they need to study for the test.
  8. The rest of the time in my classes is devoted to:
  9. Discussions – take these new concepts and apply them to real world situations that interest them
  10. Labs
  11. Activities and demonstrations
  12. Projects (details will come later…)
  13. Videos
  14. If you have any questions regarding any of this information, feel free to e-mail me at . I look forward to a great year!

Mark Weese

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Class Syllabus & Unit 1 Syllabus

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