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Life Science Course Goals Children in the 7th grade already have a natural curiosity for the world around them. When we tap this innate thirst to understand God’s creation, we can do many things. Students not only pick up mere facts about the world; they learn reasoning, observational skills, technical writing, critical thinking, ethics, and most of all, an appreciation for the miracle of creation of the physical world and the life it supports. At this age, children are entering the second phase of the Classical Trivium: The Dialectical Stage. So at this time, rather than simple discovery-based science and the fact-memorizing that was sufficient for the Grammar Stage, we begin to enter the world of theories and the analysis of these theories based on scientific observation and logic. In Life science we do memorize some, but mostly we try to understand how living systems work and how they work together with the natural world around them. This course is also practical study of the features and functions of living things. It is an important basis on which to build the study of biology in high school. The program develops an awareness of living things, the processes which support life and relationships among organisms. Life science principles are introduced through student reading of the texts, class discussion, writing assignments, online posted discussions, laboratory exercises, and sharing pictures and group projects on the white board. Controversial topics which touch on the role of religion and the study of life science will have extended discussion through the forum in interactive discussion threads in which discussion posts are part of the homework. Beginning Report writing will be practiced quarterly with students choosing from many topics that extend the text coverage. Critical thinking and analysis of various theories will be emphasized. Teacher Expectation: I want the students to share their thoughts, ideas and observations as we progress through the year. I would like them to enjoy sharing collection and lab pictures. The secondary thrust of this course is to train your child (and you) in the daily study and reading skills necessary to merge well into our high school program. The Dialectical Stage naturally draws benefit from discussion with others regarding the topics at hand. Our Topic Discussion and Project threads, will provide a time and place to have round table discussions with other students from various backgrounds and interests about important ideas. Children can share links with their class mates once they are cleared with the instructor. Your child will also complete easy “kitchen type labs” using easily obtained items from grocery or hardware stores. Your child will be assigned chapter quizzes and unit Tests (every 2-4 chapters) Motivation to complete work in a timely manner will come from enforced due dates for quizzes, tests and writing and lab projects. At this age my children began to crave intellectual exchanges with others their age. If a student were to study this topic completely within the family circle and “go it alone,” he or she would surely get the ’facts” but miss out on the enjoyable experiences of respectfully listening, discussing— even debating — other ideas with other kids. These skills are crucial to high school, and later, college. This benefit is what first drew me to online classes for my own children. Please explore this course description. If you have any questions do let me know… God Bless, Mrs. Harrison Math and Science Department Head |
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“Science is the organized knowledge of God’s creation.” Sr. Mary Matthew RSM A beloved science teacher |
