Biology 2009-2010 IACS Science Department Semester 1 Syllabus
Course Title: Biology Grade: 10 Instructor: Kellie Burtch Extra Help: Tuesday 3-4pm and as requested kburtch@innovationcharter.org 978-649-0432 ext 3154
Course Summary: Biology curriculum will address state and national frameworks through interdisciplinary projects, research, experiments, and laboratory exercises. Emphasis will be placed on current events and real-world applications of coursework as well as career opportunities in the sciences.
Instructor Goals: provide as many opportunities as possible for you to make connections between the natural world and your personal interests. Making science fun, exciting, and accessible for all. Creating a classroom of mutual respect and trust where everyone is comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and making mistakes.
Please bring the following to each class: notebook, three-ring binder, your planner pen, and pencil. Optional: digital camera, field guides. You will know in advance when we are going outside; please dress accordingly as we will go out in most weather conditions.
Fall Semester Topics:
Current Events Fridays: What’s happening out there? Each Friday you will have the opportunity to explore current events and careers in science. The goal is to find and read two articles that are interesting to you, and then write a brief summary about what you discovered. These articles and summaries will be collected in a current events journal that will be checked periodically and submitted for a grade at the end of the semester. Several students will be encouraged to share their findings at the end of each class. Journals will be collected periodically and given a work habits grade.
Honors: This semester, honors students will have an opportunity to work on a multi-grade level team project during regularly scheduled meeting times. The specific project is to be decided the students taking science honors in grades 9, 10, and 11. Your role would be to work as the “life scientist” with a team of chemists and engineers. Regular attendance and participation, as well as maintaining a B is required for honors credit.
Assessment Strands: a) Experimentation: You will have weekly opportunities to conduct laboratory experiments. Throughout the year, you will design both team and independent experiments to further explore aspects of coursework. Results will be shared with the rest of the class and the IACS community in graphic and/or oral presentations. Goals of these activities include fostering a genuine curiosity for further discoveries and connections to real world applications.
b) Research: Writing scientific research papers are an important component of the course. This gives you the freedom to further explore areas of personal interest and make connections to scientists and professionals in the scientific community. Research findings will be shared through presentations, papers, and class discussions.
c) Modeling: Modeling comprehension of course objectives may be accomplished in many ways, including but not limited to: physical models, visual displays, videos, and through formal written assessments (exams and quizzes).
d) Work Habits: Effective use of class time and homework time are of paramount importance to the success of you and the entire class. Grades on each project will reflect effective time management, classroom behavior, and self-direction.
Semester Overview: *Dates and times are approximate; please check grading rubrics and the online syllabus for updates. **Curriculum Frameworks in orange
Textbook: A copy of Prentice Hall Biology by Kenneth Miller and Joseph Levine will be provided for each student. Regular readings will be assigned that will be useful background information before starting projects. Additional readings will be suggested for students preparing to take the Biology SAT in June.
Introductions and Goal Setting: Weeks 1-2 Sept 1-11 (7 days) Assessments: lab report, quiz Goals: Get to know students to better understand how to help them to connect to the curriculum. Begin to build trusting relationships with students. Assist students in becoming comfortable using the scientific method and basic scientific tools/techniques.
Unit 1: Ecology week 3-7; Sept 14-Oct 16 (21 days) Assessments: food webs, lab reports, class participation, current events journal, quiz Goals: Recognize that everything is connected and that the sun is the ultimate source of energy. Develop a heightened appreciation for the human impacts on the planet and begin to play an active role in reducing our ecological footprints. Increase awareness of local flora and fauna.
What is Ecology? 6.3
Text 3.1-3.3
Ecosystems and Biomes
Text 4.1-4.4
Humans
Text 5.1-5.3
Our Future
Text 6.1-6.4
Interdisciplinary Projects Due Thursday October 15th?
Weeks 8-11 Oct 19-Nov 13 (18 days) Unit 2:Cells **Tuesday October 20th Climate Change Assembly Assessments: cell models, lab reports, current events journal, class participation, quiz Goals: Foster curiosity for cells and their functions via creative and fun labs and 3-D models.
Cell basics:
Text: 7.1-7.2
Classification and transport:
Text 7.3-7.4
How and why do cells divide? What is unique about viral cells?
Text: 10.1-10.3; 19.2
Weeks 12-15 Nov 16-Dec 11 (16 days) Unit 3: Biochemistry Assessments: lab reports, current events journal, class participation, quiz Goals: Discover the structures and components of molecules by playing with food! Develop a basic understanding of how we break down food energy and discover where our energy ultimately comes from.
A closer look at our snacks:
Text 2.1-2.4
How do we obtain energy from foods?
Text: 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2
Weeks 16-19 Dec 14-Jan 15 (16 days) Unit 4: Genetics Assessments: Pedigree chart, lab reports, current events journal, class participation, research paper, Exam Goals: Generate interest in the field of genetics by studying the controversy surrounding GMOs and the potential benefits and hazards on our personal health.
Heredity
Text: 11.1-11.4
Genetically Modified Organisms
Text: 13.4
Intro to DNA (If time allows)
Text: 12.1
Semester 1 Exam
End Semester 1
Late work: to receive full credit, work must be turned in complete and by the due date. Generally, I will follow the policy of no credit after work is three days late. If you know of a conflict with a due date and/or know when you will be missing class, please see me as soon as possible.
Plagiarism: Please be sure to only turn in work that is in your own words!! Any cases of plagiarism/academic dishonesty will be referred to administration.
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Biology Syllabus 2009-2010 |