Smitha Middle School

SCIENCE
678-594-8267
2019-2020
Our Mission is to Reach, Teach, and Empower ALL Students
Instructor(s): Ms. Cynthia Goodson cynthia.goodson@cobbk12.org msgoodsonsblog.weebly.com
Mr. Rich Anderson richard.anderson@cobbk12.org mrrichardanderson.weebly.com
Ms. Nyesha Turner nyesha.turner@cobbk12.org turnersmitha7thgrade.weebly.com
Ms. Aisha Bartley aisha.bartley@cobbk12.org ajbartley.edublogs.org
Mr. Derek Kamal (ESOL) derek.kqmal@cobbk12.org www.SmithESOL.weebly.com
COURSE SUMMARY:
Life Science is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of biology from the study of one-celled organisms to multi-celled
organisms and their body systems. In preparation for high school biology, students will learn and apply common safety lab
practices, use scientific tools and equipment, and work within the framework of the scientific method to solve everyday
problems or answer scientific questions. By the end of the course, students will be able to think critically, apply basic life science
knowledge and problem-solving skills to everyday living, and, consequently, increase awareness of the importance of science in
daily life.
STUDENT AGENDA:
Each student is issued an agenda book to use at school to assist in keeping up with the many assignments, activities and due dates.
While this agenda is also used as a hall pass, students must begin to use it as a time management tool. Parents may use this tool to
communicate with teachers as well. Damaged or lost agenda books must be replaced at a cost of $10.
TEXTS AND RESOURCES:
Students will receive a consumable worktext for select assignments and assessments.
Students should check the teacher’s blog nightly for assignments or updates about class. The teacher’s blog will be updated with
resources that will aid the student in learning the material. Check frequently, as resources are added regularly to match what we are
learning in class.
CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
• ONE 1-inch binder with clear plastic covering
• GLUE
• Notebook paper High-lighter
• Pencils/Pens Markers/ Colored Pencils
• Index Cards Crayons
Personal set of Ear Buds or Headphones (Students should have these at school every day to use with technology)
UNITS OF STUDY
UNIT 1 - Structure and Function of Cell 9 weeks 1st
S7L2 - Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe how cell structures, cells, tissues,
organs, and organ systems interact to maintain the basic needs of organisms. S
E
UNIT 2 - Human Body Systems 3 weeks M
S7L2 - Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to describe how cell structures, cells, tissues, E
organs, and organ systems interact to maintain the basic needs of organisms. S
UNIT 3 - Genetics, Heredity, and Reproduction 6 weeks T
S7L3 - Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain how organisms reproduce either E
sexually or asexually and transfer genetic information to determine the traits of their offspring. R
UNIT 4 - Evolution 3 weeks 2nd
S7L5 - Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate information from multiple sources to explain the theory of
Evolution of living organisms through inherited characteristics. S
E
UNIT 5 - Interdependence of Life 9 weeks M
S7L4 - Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to examine the interdependence of organisms E
with one another and their environments. S
UNIT 6 - Classification 6 weeks T
S7L1 - Students will obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate the diversity of living organisms E
and how they can be compared scientifically. R
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
Students should adhere to all aspects of Cardinal R.E.D. (Respect. Excellence. Dedication) as outlined in student agenda. The school
tardy policy will be strictly enforced at all time. Students are provided 3-minutes to transition between classes. Tardiness will result in
an addition to the PBIS point system.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:
Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, including online assessments, performance tasks, projects, laboratory activities, and
classroom participation.
GRADING AND REPORTING:
60% of Grade Summative Assessments (includes Tests, Projects and/or Performance Tasks)
40% of Grade Formative assessments (includes Quizzes, Activities, Labs, and/or Classwork)
HOMEWORK:
Homework will be strongly encouraged as a means of practicing newly taught skills, reviewing previously mastered skills, developing
independent study habits, or to extend and enrich the curriculum. Completing homework is also strongly encouraged as a means of
preparing for class discussions, class work, quizzes, and tests. Some students may need more preparation than others, and some
assignments may be noted as required and will be expected to be completed by all students.

MAKE-UP WORK POLICY:

Late work submitted after one week is subject to a decrease of one letter grade. All work due before the 4 ½ week progress report date
will not be accepted after that time. If class is missed due to an absence, it is your responsibility to find out what work you have missed
and to make up the work so that credit for the assignment can be applied.

CONDUCT:
PBIS will be the standard behavior program used at Smitha Middle School. Misconduct points can be checked in Synergy.
PARENT TIPS:
Teacher blogs are an effective way to keep up with class activities daily. Parents are encouraged to visit the teacher’s blog nightly.

Grades can be accessed in Synergy. If you do not have a pass code for Synergy use, please see the front office staff at the school.

OFFICE HOURS:
Mr. R. Anderson Monday 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Ms. N. Turner Tuesday 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Ms. A. Bartley Tuesday 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Ms. C. Goodson Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Mr. D. Kamal Friday 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

We look forward to helping your son/daughter have a successful year!

This plan may be changed in response to the needs of the students.

Students and parents please sign and return the syllabus. This syllabus will be stored in the student’s binder at all times.

Student Name (print) Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Contact Number(s) Parent/Guardian Email Address