General+Biology+Syllabus

Biology Class Syllabus & Expectations __Contact Information: __
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__Course Overview and Objectives: __  Welcome to the world of Biology! During the next year, we will introduce various topics of life science through laboratory activities, discussions, computer explorations, and lectures. We will cover the topics of Scientific Inquiry, Ecology, Cell structure and function, Genetics, Evolution, and Organisms.  Every unit will include: Note Taking, Book Assignments, Lab Exercises as well as various activities to demonstrate biological concepts. Students are FULLY EXPECTED TO COMPLETE ANY HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS IN ORDER TO PASS THIS COURSE! There are also a couple large group projects that the students need to complete. This includes a video project on Cell Organelles and a brochure on Genetic Diseases. There may be one or two more added as well. This projects will count for a large portion of the students grade.  It is my expectation that by the end of the year, many of your questions will be answered, and many more questions will be formulating in your head for future science inquiry. I advise students to ask relative questions during class about any materials they find confusing. Students are encouraged to use their resources in order to solve problems that they may come across in this course.  At semesters end, I would like for you to have an understanding of how the materials of class can be applied to the living world around you. This will provide you with the fundamental background you need in your future science classes. I also hope that you will have a better understanding on the scientific process!

__Materials: __ 1 ½ inch 3-ring binder and loose leaf paper or notebook! Highlighters Colored Pencils Scientific calculator (optional) Text Provided *THESE MATERIALS ARE FOR THIS COURSE ONLY. YOU MAY NOT USE YOUR NOTEBOOK OR BINDER FOR ANY OTHER COURSES!

__Grading: __ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">EVERY student is expected to keep their grade sheet for their notebooks with them at all times!(The Pink Sheet) This grade sheet should be kept in their notebooks and brought to class every day! <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">A student’s grade will be WEIGHTED as follows: <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">15% Homework <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">30% Labs/Class work <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">40% Tests <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">15% Final Exam

__<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 21.3333px;">Classroom Guidelines ____<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">: __ __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Tardy Policy: __
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">You are expected to be in the room __before__ the bell rings. If you are not in the room, you are tardy.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">If you are in the room YOU MUST BE SEATED. There are other lab classes that have equipment set out that you need to be very careful with.

__<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Safety: __ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">1. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">We will go over it, but make sure you read the Flinn Lab Safety Contract **__before you sign it__**. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">2. Do not touch, taste, or smell anything in lab without permission. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">3. Wear your safety goggles whenever working with flame, hot plates, glassware or chemicals. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">4. If at anytime I feel that you are violating ANY safety policy you will be asked to leave the room and receive a ZERO for the day!

__<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Behavior: __ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">1. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 21.3333px;">Respect!! <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> Treat yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and all other faculty with the UTMOST RESPECT. Now that you are in High School you are expected to __Act like young__ __adults.__ Disrespecting one of your classmates will result in an immediate referral! <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">2. There is no need to bring jackets or coats into the classroom. Leave them in your locker <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">3. Do not groom in class. Grooming is private. Monkeys groom in public. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">4. CD/tape players/Ipods should not be seen (SCHOOL POLICY). There may be times in class when I allow you to listen to them, but you MUST ASK PERMISSION! <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">5. Name calling is inappropriate and unacceptable, DO NOT DO IT! <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">6. **REMAIN IN YOUR SEAT UNTIL THE BELL RINGS!** <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">7. Bring your own materials to class, I will not provide writing utensils. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> Pencils are **sold** for 25 cents each. __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Class Work & Make-Up Work: __ <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> __Article Summary__ - Find a one page or longer article on chapter topic OR new discovery and write ten questions to the author. Attach copy of article to summary and label it with the chapter number for which the extra credit is for. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> __Video Summary__ - Record a video of new discovery on the news, TV show, or magazine how (60 minutes or 20/20) and write a one paragraph summary. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">absences. All other late work will be accepted for __half credit__ on the next day only <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">3. If you are absent, you must ask me about the work you missed. Together, we will work out a date when the assignment is to be handed in. __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">YOU __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> (the student) are expected to collect any work that you have missed while you were absent. Also, __YOU__ (the student) are responsible for turning in work not turned in with the class as a group, DO NOT EXPECT ME TO ASK FOR IT! <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">4. If you are absent on the day or two before a test, and are present on the day of the test, you __must__ take the test since they are announced several days beforehand. <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">5. Cheating on any assignment or test will result in a grade of zero. School policy states that a referral is issued.
 * 1) __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Extra credit __<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">: One 10 point extra credit per chapter which is due before the next test.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Late work is accepted for full credit per the student handbook for excused