Class Syllabus

2009-2010 Biology Course Syllabus

Room: 252 (East Wing) 

I. Course Overview This course is designed to extend the depth of the student’s knowledge of Biology.  It is an inquiry-based, hands-on approach to studying the characteristics of life.  During this course, students learn to collect and analyze data and reach conclusions; maintain a journal of laboratory experiences; strengthen reading and comprehension skills for success when testing, as well as discuss local and national issues that impact today’s society.

 II. Class MeetingBiology will meet on Mondays through Fridays for 94 minutes per session. (AHGE will be taught for the first 30 minutes of each class session) 

III. Required Materials & Resources: 

  •   Textbook: Glencoe Biology (2005)
  • 3-ring binder with loose leaf paper (college rule) 
  • 1 folder with pockets
  • Black or Blue pens ONLY (Pencils are only allow during test)
  •   Color Pencils
  •  Ruler
  •   Calculator
  •   Copier Paper-500 sheet count (worth 5 extra bonus points) 

*Throughout the year there will be times when additional supplies will be needed for special projects/assignments 

IV. Laboratory ActivitiesBasic Laboratory activities will be used to reinforce certain concepts of the curriculum.  Students will be asked to bring in perishable items when needed.  A Safety contract is required for students to engage in laboratory work!!!  

VI. Student Evaluations Nine weeks grades are determined by the completion of the following: 

  • Class Participation/ Attendance
  •   Notebook (class notes, lab journal)
  •   All Assignments (class work, homework, journal articles) 
  • Special projects
  •  Tests and Pop Quizzes 

A. Class Participation: Class participation is required.  Failure to participate in class will earn you a grade of “0” for non-participation.

 B. Assignments: Points will be earned for completeness, following directions, correctness/ effort, and timeliness.  When absent from class students are responsible for all work missed and must make up the work

 C. Homework:  Homework completion is strongly emphasized.  In order to receive full credit the assignment must be complete.    

  D. Journal Articles: Read an article of at least five-paragraphs in length that is related to Biology.  The article may be taken from a newspaper, magazine, internet or journal, but not from the encyclopedia.  Articles do not have to be extremely technical, pick something that is of interest to you.  Type a summary of the article in two to three paragraphs on white paper (New Times Romans, 12 fonts).  Be careful not to PLAGIARIZE.  A copy of the article must be included in order to receive full credit.  The articles are due EVERY MONDAY (unless given assigned a different date by teacher).

 E. Vocabulary Quizzes: A minimum of 10 vocabulary quizzes will be given during the nine weeks.  Each quiz is worth 10 points and will be given at the beginning of class on Fridays. (BE ON TIME) F. Tests/ Exam: Each test is worth 100 points. When absent from class, students are responsible for making up any tests or exams in accordance with guidelines in the student handbook. 

CLASSROOM RULES:

  •  RESPECT YOUR TEACHER, PEERS, AS WELL AS, YOURSELF!!!!!!
  • PLEASE DO NOT TAKE OR TOUCH ANYTHING ON THE TEACHERS DESK OR YOUR PEERS DESK WITHOUT ASKING!!
  • All papers must be headed in the right-hand corner with  name, date, block, name of assignment.
  •   Bring all material to class (there will be no trips to LOCKERS)
  •  When the bell rings you should be in your assigned seat doing the bell-ringer ( If not in classroom prior to the bell sounding you will have to sign the tardy book, unless you have a pass from the main office or another teacher)
  •  You must adhere to the school dress code (Boys- NO SAGGING & Girls- No sleeveless tops, no visible midriff)
  •   ABSOLUTLEY no food, drinks, or gum  
  •  PROFANITITY IS NOT ACCEPTED
  • Please use the restroom between classes (passes will be issued for emergency situations) 
  •   Keep your area neat and clean. Please put all trash in the waste basket
  •   Goggles and gloves must be worn at all times during experiment 
  •  Sit in your assigned seat unless authorized by the teacher to move
  • NO CELL PHONES, BEEPERS, MP3 PLAYERS, OR ANY KIND OF ELETRONIC DEVICES ARE TO BE SEEN IN THE BUILDING
  •  Please turn all work in, at the designated area (Work is not to place on the teachers desk)?  Raise your hand to ask, as well as, to answer a question.  Please to not blurt out.
  • CHEATING IS PROHIBITED: If caught cheating the assignment will be taken up, graded and recorded.
  • ADDITIONAL HELP IS AVAILABLE….JUST ASK!!!! 

  • Consequences for Not Following Procedures: 
  •  First Offense: Verbal warning (unless physical interaction is involved)
  • Second Offense: Student, Parent, Teacher contacted
  • Third Offense: Referral to administration