COURSE SYLLABUS

LIFE SCIENCES, 5TH GRADE

UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD AROUND US
Mr. Samuels
jerry.samuelsjr@fresnounified.org
mrslearninglab.weebly.com

A. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will cover a number of relevant topics concerning life sciences, such as:
Animal Biology
Cell Biology
Plant biology and operation (photosynthesis)
Human Anatomy
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

B. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
Course instruction will be presented in a way that engages students through a variety of modalities.
Multimedia resources, web applications, internet search engines, hands-on engagement, and text
consumption will be employed to achieve learning goals.

C. COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Students will have an understanding of basic animal biology

2. Students will have an understanding basic cell biology
3. Students will have an understanding of plant biology
4. Students will have an understanding of human anatomy
5. Students will demonstrate their understanding of ecosystems and their major components
6. Students will learn to leverage technology to research and solve scientific problems they
encounter.

D. COURSE TOPICS/UNITS AND DATES

Unit Start Date Unit Name

August 21st, 2017 Animal Biology
September 11th, 2017 Cell Biology
October 2nd, 2017 Plant Biology
October 23rd, 2017 Ecosystems
December 11th, 2017 Human Anatomy

E. TEXTBOOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES

Required Text: Science Matters by D.C. Retina
Supplies and/or Tools: Pencils, Notebook Paper, Ruler, Nitrile Gloves, Goggles

F. GRADING PLAN

1. Grading will be on a four-point scale as follows:

a. Exceeds Expectations (4 pts)
b. Meets Expectations at a High Level (3 pts)
 c. Meets Expectations (2 pts)
d. Does Not Meet Expectations (1 pt)
2. All assignments in the course will be equally weighted

G. COURSE COMPONENT SPECIFICS

Cheating. There is a no-tolerance policy toward cheating. I went through great lengths to ensure an
enriching and engaging learning environment for all my students, and if you would lack the presence
of mind to cheat on an assignment in my class, I know it is because you didn't bother to assert
yourself.

Horseplay. I enjoy fun as much as the next person, but horseplay is not for the learning
environment. We can still manage to have fun without engaging in potentially hazardous activity for
ourselves and others around us. I have a one strike policy. You will be warned once about how to
behave. I don't fancy repeating myself, so if the behavior isn't corrected, punitive consequences will
unfortunately be administered.
Effort. As a learning community and as fellow learners, I expect you to give me your best effort, and
I in turn promise to give you mine. Remember that as with anything, you can only get out of
something what you put in it. If you invest greatly with your effort, you will reap bountiful rewards.

H. LAB SAFETY
Simple rules to ensure everyone stay safe:
1. Keep sharp objects at your workstation, and do not point them at yourself or another person.
2. Wear safety equipment at all times during experiments and as instructed by the Teacher.
3. No horseplay.
4. Please refrain from using mobile devices during lab time.
5. Be listening when the Teacher is speaking.

I. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Evacuation procedures: For fire drills, we will evacuate through the east staircase.
Location of first aid kit: The First aid Kit is located in the bottom cabinet to the left of the sink.
Emergency ambulance: In the case of emergencies, the Teacher will dial 911 and notify the front
office of the situation.
School Nurse: Mrs. Hamilton, 559-222-3333, 8am 3:30pm