August 2008

Dear seventh graders,
Welcome to Goleta Valley Junior High School and welcome to life science.
Here is a general list of topics you will learn this year based on the California Science
Content Standards  www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/scgrade7.asp  as well as some information
on grades and resources you will need for class.


First semester
Nature of science (NOS) - scientific methods
Model making (physical and mathematical)
Researching and investigating using a variety of tools
Introduction to human anatomy and physiology
In depth analysis of human body systems
Structure and function of animals and plants
Microscopes - extending our senses with tools for seeing a “small” world
Cells - structure and function of plant and animal cells
Cellular activities:  photosynthesis, cellular respiration, cell division, cellular interaction
Midterm

Second semester
Genetic traits - cells, environmental influences
Heredity & Mendelian Genetics    
DNA - the genetic material in each cell
Biological Evolution - change over time
Darwin and natural selection
Fossils, radioactive dating, rock cycle
Geological time scale
Biological diversity
Classification and kingdoms of living organisms
Final

Materials Needed
Plenty of paper, pencils, pens and a binder to keep it all organized
Notebook for notes and assignments (science journal)
Recommended:  school agenda, calculator, color pencils, glue stick, memory stick


GRADES  (check your grade online at www.gvjh.org   teachers)
Please do the work on time, late work is not a good habit (you will lose credit).
A    outstanding work, 90% or higher               B      good work, 80-89%
C    average work, 70-79%                               D      below average work, 60- 69%
F     Far below average (<60%)

          CITIZENSHIP - Aim to be pleasant/productive.
    O   OUTSTANDING behavior, follows the class/school rules very well all the time
    S    Satisfactory behavior, follows the class/school rules most of the time
    U   Unsatisfactory.  There are noticeable problems with behavior in class
    N   Needs improvement.  PROBLEMS are consistently serious