You are about to undertake a very thorough study dealing with the field of Biology.  Biology is a part of your everyday life.  Everything is connected to Biology in some way or manner.  I will attempt to show you how your life is linked to the science of Biology.  My passion is DNA.  I especially like watching the CSI shows even if they aren't realistic in some areas.  Most CSI's specialize in one area, not five or six different areas.  During the course of the year, you will gain an understanding of the key concepts of Biology clearly and accurately within a context of unifying themes.  Who knows where the field of Biology will lead us.  If you read Joe Levine's Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Disease, it really wakes you up to what the future may hold.  If you check it out, be sure to wait a few minutes for the download.  It has many pages to his document. 

Maryland Biology High School Assessment:  What is the HSA TEST?  You can practice the test from previous years.  You can view the tests from previous years.  Using the web site for the HSA can be verying confusing.  So, I have a CD that parents can borrow and burn a copy of the CD dealing with the HSA.  This has proven to be much more helpful when studying with your child for the test.  All you have to do is ask to borrow the CD. 

• Topics to be covered include:  Photosynthesis, Cells, Cell Respiration, Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Genetics, Biochemistry, Gel Electrophoresis, Meiosis, Scientific Method, Evolution.  These are just a few of the topics.
•  GRADES:  vocabulary is very important.  I have been told that there is more vocabulary on the Biology HSA than on the English portion of the state's HSA.  You will have vocabulary homework.  Prefixes and suffixes are the roots of many Biology words.  If you know the root, it will help you with the definition.  You will have to have a notebook.  It will be graded at the end of the marking period.  Tests, quizzes and classwork will be a part of your grade.  For AP Biology students, there will be NO extra credit.  For all other Biology students, the only extra credit you will be capable of getting is by cashing in your emergency pass.  If you miss class because of illness or another emergency, it is THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THE MAKEUP WORK!!!!  IF YOU DON'T DO YOUR HOMEWORK, DON'T EXPECT ME TO ACCEPT IT LATE!!!!!  If you are in school on tuesday when homework is given and you are in class on wednesday (next day) when it is due, I EXPECT IT TO BE TURNED IN THEN.  If an emergency happened that night that kept you from doing it, you had better tell me or else it is a ZERO.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR GRADE.  NOT MOM, NOT DAD, NOT GRANDMA OR GRANDPA.  What YOU DO is what YOU GET!!!!!
• Biology CM and Regular Biology classes will find Ms. Massengale's site very helpful.  I even get some of my notes from her web page.  She has even put together study guides for the chapters.  If you have a tough time reviewing on your own, try playing jeopardy. The first time you can probably use this is when we complete studying the section on Biochemistry.
• Dissection:  Every year students ask about dissection.  If you do not want to dissect, you do not have to.  There are many virtual dissection sites such as the one for the cat and pig.  Squid, earthworm and if you are interested in medical school, human anatomy can be very helpful.  The human anatomy site offers many ways to test your knowledge.  Dissection in Biology usually occurs in the Spring of the year.
• AP Biology Students:  Be ready to work.  We have 54 chapters to cover in less than 40 weeks.  So, that means we will be moving fast over the course of the year.  Do not rely on me to do all the work for you.  Before you take the AP Biology test, you may want to review.  Sparknotes is a good tool to use.  It will let you know "roughly" what score you might receive after taking their test.
• In reviewing the topics covered, you will want to use ClassZone.  This site has practice quizzes, review games and other resources.
• You can also go to the Wi-Hi web page and click on my teacher page to get various topics.  But, some of the links will not come up.  Good Luck.