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Waynesville Middle School
7th Grade Life Science
Helen Warren
BS Biology, Drury University
MS Secondary Education/Biology, Missouri State University

Rationale

Advances in science and technology have produced a rapidly changing world.  As we move into the 21st century, science and technology play an increasingly important role in all aspects of society.  Scientifically literate individuals must be familiar with the natural world and recognize both its diversity and its unity.  They must use scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking of individuals and social purposes.  They must come to understand that science knowledge involves understanding the universe in which we live, and communicating those theories to others.  Finally, scientifically literate individuals must recognize science as a means by which we evaluate real-world situations in an effort to survive, understand and flourish.  Students in the 21st century must be well prepared in the application of science to their daily decisions.

Course Description

In the middle school years, students should progress from studying life science from the point of view of individual organisms, to recognizing patterns in ecosystems and developing understandings about cellular dimensions of living systems. 

Student's understanding of ecosystems and the interactions between organisms and their environments have progressed sufficiently and ideas about nutrition and energy flow will be introduced. 

The use of technology will be integrated into the curriculum.  Students should have fine motor skills necessary to work with a computer and light compound microscope.