2009-2010 Course Syllabus for 7^th Grade Science Term 3

Teacher: Ashley Gipson E-mail: Ashley.Gipson@Biloxischools.net

Teacher’s Web Site: under construction

Objectives: This is a general overview of what the teacher will teach and what the student is expected to master.

4 Describe the properties and structure of the sun and the moon with respect to the Earth.

a. Justify the importance of Earth materials (e.g., rocks, minerals, atmospheric gases,

water) to humans.

b. Explain the causes and effects of historical processes shaping the planet Earth (e.g.,

movements of the continents, continental plates, subduction zones, trenches, etc.)

c. Describe the causes and effects of heat transfer as it relates to the circulation of ocean

currents, atmospheric movement, and global wind patterns. Provide examples of how

these global patterns can affect local weather.

c1 Characteristics of the Gulf Stream and other large ocean currents

c2 Effects on climate in Eastern North America and Western Europe

c3 Effects of heat transfer to the movement of air masses, high and low pressure areas, and fronts in the atmosphere

d.Conclude why factors, such as lack of resources and climate can limit the growth of

populations in specific niches in the ecosystem.

d1 Abiotic factors that affect population, growth, and size (quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, soil compositions)

d2 Cycles of water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen in the environment 0

d3 Role of single-celled organisms (e.g., phytoplankton) in the carbon and oxygen cycles

g. Research and evaluate the use of renewable and nonrenewable resources and critique

efforts in the United States including (but not limited) to Mississippi to conserve natural

resources and reduce global warming.

g1 How materials are reused in a continuous cycle in ecosystems, (e.g., Mississippi Ethanol Gasification Project to develop and demonstrate technologies for the conversion of biomass to ethanol)

g2 Benefits of solid waste management (reduce, reuse, recycle)

g3 Conserving renewable and nonrenewable resources (e.g., The Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Program in Jackson, MS)

h. Predict weather events by analyzing clouds, weather maps, satellites, and various data.

Tests and Grades

Grading: A=90-100 B=80-89 C=75-79 D=70-74 F=below 70 I=incomplete

Grading follows the policies of Biloxi Public Schools. A mid-term progress report and a report card following the end of each term are issued. The student’s current grades are available via Internet IOD. (http://iiod.ssts.com/Home.asp?state=MS)

Tests: Tests will be on Fridays. Tests account for 55% of the term grade average. Term exams are 20% of the term grade average.

Retesting: Retesting is an option for any student. The test MUST be taken once before retesting can become an option, however.

Homework/Assignments/Projects: Homework due the following day unless otherwise specified; assignments not accepted late except for absence from school.

Course Requirements: enter required activities and projects (e.g., projects that students must complete; enter consequence if student does not complete task)

Important Dates:

Midterm progress report: Feb. 11 Common Term Assessment: Mar. 11-12 Report cards: Mar. 18