Life Science Course Syllabus

Instructor: Ms. Rebecca Aaland

Contact Information: r.aaland@isd1511.net

Course Goals/Description: Welcome to Life Science! The objectives of this course is to:
provide an in-depth study of the earth sciences, develop critical thinking skills and study habits,
and prepare for further studies in high school. Throughout the course you will have the
opportunity to investigate the major areas of modern earth science.

Units Covered:
Unit 1: Scientific Method/Metric System/Life Unit 5: Animals
Unit 2: Heredity and Evolution Unit 6: Ecology
Unit 3: Diversity of Life Unit 7: The Human Body
Unit 4: Plants

Textbook: Life Science—Glencoe Science, 1999

Materials (Highly Recommended) for Class: Textbook, 3 Ring Binder/Folder,

Composite Notebook (Science Journal), Pen/Pencil, Colored Pencils

Classroom Expectations: Respect, responsibility, and being prepared for class are
essential for a positive classroom environment.
• Please respect the Teacher Spaces. Personal and confidential materials may be in
those areas (especially the desk).
• Cleanliness is a sign of respect. Please keep your work areas clean. Also, please do not
bring or consume food and drink in the science classroom! All district and building
behavior expectations will be enforced in this classroom.
• All students will feel welcomed and respected.
• ABSOLUTELY NO BULLYING OR TEASING OF ANYONE!!! This type of behavior
will not be tolerated and anyone bullying or teasing will be dealt with.
• All students will be welcomed and respected in this class.

Daily Work: Homework assignments are designed to prepare the students for the next class
lesson. You must be prepared for class in order to receive the full benefit of the lesson that day.
For full credit, assignments must be neat, complete, and submitted on time. Once that lesson has
passed, the potential benefit of the assignment has also passed.

Quizzes: Quizzes are a part of this course; in order for you to do well, you must be prepared.
Students can expect quizzes to cover material currently being covered in class, labs, and
readings.
If you should miss a quiz, it is your responsibility to make it up the day you return. It is
always best to complete a missed quiz as soon as possible. In all cases, a missed quiz must be
made up by the end of the week it was given; in order to receive credit.
Late Work Policy: If you should miss class due to an absence or illness, it is your
responsibility to make up the work, get notes, or hand in any assignments that were given.
• You will always have two days for every one day of excused absence to make up late
work with no penalty.
• If you know in advance that you will be missing class, you are expected to check
assignments before you go.
• Late work assignments will be reduced to 25% of their total point value each day it is late
and no late assignments will be accepted for credit after taking the unit/chapter test. All
late work must be handed in directly to the teacher.

Grade Calculation: Your grade will be based off the total number of points you have
accumulated over the quarter and semester. This class is a practical based class, therefore your
grade will be based on the labs/activities, quizzes, and your test scores. Your work will be
compiled into a neatly organized notebook and/or a 3 ring binder. Quarter grades will be based
off of the total number of points you have accumulated though daily work, labs, and quizzes.
PLAGARISM and CHEATING will not be tolerated and will result in a
grade of 0 for the assignment and a parent/student/teacher conference will
be held.

Grading Scale:
B+ 87-89.9 C+ 77-79.9 D+ 67-69.9 F 59.9 <
A 95-100 B 83-86.9 C 73-76.9 D 63-66.9
A- 90-94.9 B- 80-82.9 C- 70-72.9 D- 60-62.9

Attendance Policy: Absences are an unfortunate reality of schooling. However, being gone
does not absolve you of responsibility. As a student, you are expected to see the teacher the day
you get back to get caught up as soon as possible. Any work that was due the day you were gone,
including presentations, will be due the day you get back. Absences that are anticipated must be
brought to the teacher’s attention before you will be gone. These kinds of absences include
vacations, field trips, and doctor or other appointments. Attendance and tardiness will be handled
per district policies.

Grade Reduction: Your grade can and will be reduced in this class if you are unexcused or
chronically late per district policy.
Here are the guidelines for this class.
• 2 unexcused absences will reduce your grade 10%,
• 3 unexcused absences will reduce your grade 20%
• Three tardies equal 1 unexcused absence…please be here on time.

A positive learning environment will be maintained in the classroom. Respect for

yourself and others is essential! If you fail to follow the district and classroom expectations,
alternative educational opportunities will be provided. I appreciate when people help others,
work hard, and ask questions. Please be responsible for YOUR education!!
 Course Syllabus and Safety Rules During Lab and Field Investigations
Student/Parent/Guardian Signature

The following rules are for the safety of the student as well as for the protection of others. The
student should become familiar with these rules, understand their meaning, and put them into
practice. A copy of the rules will be posted in the laboratory and signed copies will be kept on
file.

1. Report ANY Accident to the person in charge immediately, no matter how minor.
2. Know where to find and how to use first aid, safety, and the firefighting equipment.
3. Observe all signs, labels, and directions, especially those that recommend caution. Never
begin an investigation until you have read and have a complete understanding of the
procedure.
4. Take special care in handling or using any equipment to prevent damage or breakage.
5. Do not handle any laboratory equipment, materials, plants, or animals without
permission.
6. Safety glasses, goggles, or shields MUST be worn during any activity involving heat,
chemicals, or other materials potentially hazardous to the eye.
7. Throw all solids and paper to be discarded into a waste jar, basket or proper container.
8. Lab work areas and equipment should be cleaned and wiped dry at the end of each lab
activity.
9. No foods or beverages are permitted in any science laboratory.
10. On field trips students will always work with one or more partners, never alone.

I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the safety regulations as set forth above. Failure to
abide by all safety regulations will result in removal from the lab activity and the student will not
receive credit for the activity.

Student Signature:_________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________________________