Campbell Middle School



Campbell Middle School – An International Baccalaureate World School



MYP Science Course Syllabus

2014-2015

Dr. Kutscher – Life Science 7th Grade – IB MYP Level 2

Contact Email: Andrew.Kutscher@

Contact Phone Number: 404-941-0496

I. Course Description

This is a science course focusing on life science topics of interdependence of life, cells and genetics, and evolution. An emphasis will be placed on holistic learning, communication, and intercultural awareness.

• Holistic learning focuses on each student as an individual.

• Communication means that we will be focusing on collaboration through group work, cooperative learning, presentations, written reports and lab partners.

• Intercultural Awareness will emphasize learning outside our classroom and appreciating others in the world.

Interdisciplinary connections will be made throughout the course with math, language A, humanities, technology, art, and physical education. The IB learner profile provides the learning outcomes for the year. Students will be asked to reflect on the qualities in the learner profile that will be exemplified throughout the course. This science course will not only fulfill the students’ IB MYP aims, but also the Georgia Performance Standards shown below.

II. Units of Study

• Interdependence of Life

• Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling

• Structure and Function of Cells

• Human Body Systems

• Genetics and Heredity

• Evidence of Evolution

• Classification

III. State Standards

• S7L1 - Students will investigate the diversity of living organisms and how they can be compared scientifically.

• S7L2 - Students will describe the structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

• S7L3 - Students will recognize how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.

• S7L4 - Students will examine the dependence of organisms on one another and their environments.

• S7L5 - Students will examine the evolution of living organisms through inherited characteristics that promote survival of organisms and the survival of successive generations of their offspring.

IV. MYP Science Aims

The aims of the teaching and study of sciences are to encourage and enable students to:

• Develop inquiring minds and curiosity about science and the natural world

• Acquire knowledge, conceptual understanding and skills to solve problems and make informed decisions in scientific and other contexts

• Develop skills of scientific inquiry to design and carry out scientific investigations and evaluate scientific evidence to draw conclusions

• Communicate scientific ideas, arguments and practical experiences accurately in a variety of ways

• Think analytically, critically and creatively to solve problems, judge arguments and make decisions in scientific and other contexts

• Appreciate the benefits and limitations of science and its application in technological developments

• Understand the international nature of science and the interdependence of science, technology and society, including the benefits, limitations and implications imposed by social, economic, political, environmental, cultural and ethical factors

• Demonstrate attitudes and develop values of honesty and respect for themselves, others, ad their shared environment.

V. Text and Resources

Holt Science and Technology: Life Science textbook

Online textbook website: ,

username – kutscher, password - science

All students have received the username and password for the online textbook. Hard cover books can be checked out if necessary.

VI. Areas of Interaction

Throughout our study we will use the areas of interaction to build connections between students’ knowledge and experience, and to place the curriculum in the context of the real world. For example, student will develop approaches to learning that help them undertake experimentation and investigations to demonstrate their understanding of concepts of life science. In relation to human ingenuity we will explore the systems of life and how those systems interact with each other and the environment. Students will incorporate community and service into their study of science which will encourage responsible citizenship as they deepen their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

VII. Methodology

The methodology used in the classes includes inquiry based laboratory experiments, group work and activities, grade level readings related to subject matter, interactive technology experiences and demonstrations, vocabulary building, individual reflection on concepts learned, research projects and papers, and homework assignments connecting concepts to everyday life.

In the MYP, teachers work together to develop a variety of methodologies, focusing on approaches to learning, especially critical thinking and reflection. Individual and collaborative active learning strategies are at the heart of the classroom instruction. Real world connections and opportunities to investigate and solve problems will help students become world citizens who understand contemporary issues with a depth and wisdom drawn from the experiences of the past.

VIII. Methods of Assessment:

Students will complete a variety of formative and summative assessments including quizzes, tests, projects, homework, labs and lab reports, daily work, and presentations. Work characteristics will also be assessed(behavior, respect, cooperation, following directions, participation, and the ability to independently). There will be a post test at the end of each unit. There will be a final exam at the end of each semester.

IX. Grading and Reporting

Class averages will be determined using the weighted averages for content to be covered shown below. Parents may access the online gradebook (Synergy) at any time to view your student’s grades, missing assignments, and attendance.

In addition, at least two specific tasks (assignments) are assessed for each criterion each quarter. Reflecting on these assessments over time, and with an eye toward growth over the course, the teacher and students will work together to make a final judgment for each criterion. The sum of these final levels of achievement, as determined by current MYP grade boundaries, establishes the student's final grade in the course. Students will receive quarterly reports that assess their achievement toward learning in the following IB criteria: One world, Communication in science (notebook, lab reports, research, projects, oral presentations, written reports), Knowledge and understanding of science (class work, quizzes, homework, tests), Scientific inquiry (class work, labs), Processing data (class work, labs), and Attitudes in science.

• Tests/Projects: 30%

• Classwork/Quizzes: 30%

• Labs/Bell Ringers: 30%

• Homework: 10%

X. Homework Policy

Homework will count for ten percent (10%) of the final grade. Daily assignments can be found on my blog at

This plan can be changed, if necessary, to reflect the needs of the students

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Yes, I have read this syllabus and understand what is expected of me/my child in science class.

Parent/Guardian Name:

Parent Email: Telephone:

Student Name (Print): ________________________________________________

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