Mr. James/Mr.

Thompson
Peachtree Charter Middle School
4664 North Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30338
(678) 676-7702
School website: http://www.peachtreems.dekalb.k12.ga.us/
Email address: derek_r_james@dekalbschoolsga.org
Email address: byron_d_thompson@dekalbschoolsga.org
Website: http://mrjamespcms.weebly.com/
Website: http://mrthompsonpcms.weebly.com/

Life Science Team Walker

Course Description
The middle school life science course is designed to give students the necessary skills to prepare for a smooth
transition from elementary life science standards to high school biology standards. The purpose is to give all
students an overview of common strands in life science including, but not limited to, the diversity of living
organisms, structure and function of cells, heredity, ecosystems, and biological evolution.
Major Concepts/Objectives:
HATponics/Using Hydroponics, Aquaponics and Terraponics farming methods.
Diversity of living organisms
Dichotomous key/classification (6 Kingdoms)
Structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems
Purpose of major human body organ systems
Heredity, genes, and successive generations
Ecosystems
Cycling of matter and energy
Natural selection and fossil record

Comments:
The teacher reserves the right to modify the syllabus and teaching times in order to best serve the needs of
individual students and/or classes.
Students will be responsible for doing all assigned daily work, homework, and projects. If absent on a
quiz or test day, and only that day, it is expected that the quiz or test be made up on the next day of
return. If absent the day before the quiz or test and returning on the quiz or test day, the student is
expected to take the quiz or test. Test dates are announced at least one week in advance. Quizzes may be
given at any time.
Late or missed assignments:
Assignments are to be turned in or checked at the beginning of class on the specified due date.
Makeup work due to excused absences is the responsibility of the student. Announced work, such as
homework, quizzes, and major assignments are due the day the student returns. For each days excused absence,
the student will have one day to make up the missed work. Special circumstances can be made.
Textbook:
Life Science. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Publisher. If lost or damaged, the student is responsible for the
replacement cost.

Projects:
Projects and activities will be required to reinforce the steps of the scientific method as a way of preparing
students to handle real world situations, and to facilitate students discovering the relevance of science in their
everyday lives.
Evaluation
The emphasis in this course is on daily participation and being prepared.
40% of the course grade will be based on daily work, classwork, homework, notebooks,
portfolios, sponges, participation, and minor projects, etc.)
20% of the course grade will be based on labs
30% of the course grade will be based on tests and quizzes (written/oral/demonstration) and
projects.
10% of the course grade will be the final exam
Grades are assigned using the following scale:
A = 90-100

B = 80-89

C = 71=79

D = 70

F = 69 or below

Tutorials:
Science tutorials will be held Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15 to 8:40 in Room 722. Students must enter
through the PCMS front entrance and show the Tutorial Pass provided for the team for admittance.
Supplies:
Standard blue/black pens
Colored pencils
Loose leaf paper
2 Composition books

Classroom Wish List: these items are optional but would help with the productivity of the classroom to ensure
that the class is able to work at its full potential
Paper Towels
Clorox wipes
Hand Sanitizer