Renaldi, Jennifer

Welcome to Life Science.  

Course Description: This course is a middle school levelintroduction to biology. We concentrate on all things living, fromsingle-celled organisms to complex.

Course Objectives: By the end of the year, studentswill be able to:

1. Know how to use a microscope and other scientific tools

2. Know and understand the scientific method.

3. Have a basic understanding of cell structures, cell functionsand

cell processes.

4. Have a basic understanding of our classification system and the

Kingdoms of Life.

5. Have a basic understanding of DNA, chromosomes and how traits

are inherited.

6. Have a basic understanding of plants, their parts and processes.

7. Have a better understanding of the research and writing processes.

8. Appreciate the importance of science and technology in society.

Student Evaluation: Utilizing a point system, students will be evaluated on a number of criteria. These criteria include but are not limited to the following; tests, quizzes, posters, foldables, group projects, research assignments, creative writing, presentations, web based activities, lab write ups, participation and notebook checks. All students are required to have a three ringed binder for notes and handouts. If possible, students should also have five notebook dividers labeled; essential questions, vocabulary, notes, journal and assignments.

Life Science Curriculum andVocabulary: Please see the attached pages for our curriculum sequence and vocabulary requirements.

  

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Environmental Science

7th Grade

I.                    Introduction to 7th Grade Environmental Science

II.                  Interactions of Living Things

a.       Everything is Connected

                                                               i.      Distinguish between the biotic and abiotic parts of the environment.

                                                             ii.      Explain how populations and communities are related.

                                                           iii.      Describe how the abiotic parts of the environment affect the ecosystems.

b.      Living Things Need Energy

                                                               i.      Describe the functions of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem.

                                                             ii.      Distinguish between a food chain and a food web.

                                                           iii.      Explain how energy flows through a food web.

                                                           iv.      Describe how the removal of one species affects the entire food web.

c.       Types of Interactions

                                                               i.      Explain the relationship between carrying capacity and limiting factor.

                                                             ii.      Describe various types of competition.

                                                           iii.      Distinguish between mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

III.               Cycles of Nature

a.       The Cycles of Matter

                                                               i.      Diagram the water cycle, and explain its importance to living things.

                                                             ii.      Diagram the nitrogen cycle, and explain its importance to living things.

                                                           iii.      Diagram the carbon cycle, and explain its importance to living things.

b.      Ecological Succession

                                                               i.      Describe the process of succession.

                                                             ii.      Contrast primary and secondary succession.

                                                           iii.      Explain how mature communities develop.

 

 

 

Grading scale:

90 – 100 =A

80 – 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

60 – 69 = D

Below  60 is failing

Projects and assignments include but are not limited to the following:

Individual assignments (daily class assignments)

Group assignments

Computer lab research

Environmental science lab reports

Group research projects

Participation

Tests

Quizzes

 

Keeping up with assignments:

All assignments will be posted on the Environmental Science page of your child’s edline account.  Please refer to the site for homework assignments and worksheets.

All folders are kept in my classroom except for when it is needed for homework, studying for tests or quizzes, or other various student reasons. 

All students are expected to record daily assignments in their school issued assignment books.

 

Teacher communication:

Email: jrenaldi@hannasd.org

Phone: 717.657.5125

All emails will be answered within 2 business days.   Friday emails may not be answered until Monday morning.