Course Description:
Biology is an in-depth look at life and all of its processes. We will study Biology through the lens of the Biology Practices (BPs). Students will learn: (Check Google classroom. Each student will have a hard copy too in their notebook)
See detailed rubric on separate page. (Hard copy)
The 4 Core Ideas we are studying are:
From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
How do organisms live, grow, respond to their environment, and reproduce?
Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
How are characteristics of one generation passed to the next? How can individuals of the same species and even siblings have different characteristics?
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
How and why do organisms interact with their environment and what are the effects of these interactions?
Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
How can there be so many similarities among organisms yet so many different kinds of plants, animals, and microorganisms? How does biodiversity affect humans?
These core ideas will be studied through storylines. The storylines will take us from Africa’s Lions and Elephants, to the sea life of the Pacific Northwest, to a family with a genetic disorder, all the way to the diversity of Penguins and Dogs. Through these storylines we will discover together the principles of Biology expressed in the core ideas.
Expectations:
Exercise Respect - This means respect for yourself, for your classmates, for your classroom, for learning, and for your teacher.
Conduct Yourself as a Student Who is Here to Learn - This includes everything from keeping your cell phone* in the pockets during class, being on time, completing assignments, following bathroom policy**, bringing the right materials to class, participating in class discussions, and following laboratory safety rules at all times. Any behavior which is detrimental to the learning environment is unacceptable.
*More on cell phones:
Cell phones must be kept off or on vibrate and stored away in the pockets during class unless specific permission is given. Smart watches cannot be used for messaging during class. If you need to use your phone for any reason-including texting or making a call-you must ask for permission first. Earbuds/headphones are not allowed during lectures or class activities, even if no audio is playing. Inappropriate use of technology (including smart watches) will be documented in Aeries and communicated to parents/guardians. On a third incidence, administrative action will be taken. Permission must also be requested before recording audio, taking photos, or capturing video.
**About bathroom policy:
Students will be allowed to use the pass at appropriate times for no more than 7 minutes. The first and last 10 minutes of class, as well as while I am talking to the class or students are presenting are off limits. Students who are out of class longer than 7 minutes will be reported to their administrator for disciplinary action. Devices and backpacks will remain in the room while the pass is in use. Only one student may use the pass at a time.
QUARTER/SEMESTER GRADING SCALE: (Hard copy and google classroom)
5% - Formative Activities (BP7)
This is your classwork, lab work, homework, book assignments, online work and anything that is PRACTICE for the assessments (Show What You Know).
Late work is ACCEPTABLE for full credit as long as it is turned in before the unit assessment. Late work will not be accepted after the unit is complete.
95% - Assessments a.k.a. SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW (SWYK)
This includes summative assessments, projects and CER’s.
Materials: One 5-subject notebook, chromebook, writing utensils.
Redo/Retake Policy
If a student does not meet one of the Biology practices assessed, students may try again to show proficiency. Any student scoring a 0-2 is encouraged and expected to attend trojan time for additional support/practice and make a second attempt to show proficient understanding of the Biology practice. Students can earn a maximum score of 3.
Students must complete 1 of the following:
The student must show a completed and corrected study guide.
The student must have a conference with the teacher to go over the original test and corrections.
The student must complete equivalent formative activities at teachers discretion.
NOTE: The retake test must be completed within 2 weeks after original assessment grade is issued to student. There are no makeups for retakes.
What does this mean? This means that your grade is mostly determined by how much you show you understand on assessments and such.
Does this mean I don’t have to do any FORMATIVE assignments and still get a good grade in class?
NO. The Biology assessments are based on your ability to apply what you learn in class, not just repetition of information. So keeping up with your FORMATIVE assignments will give you the knowledge and practice you need in order to do well on the tests.
What does it take to be successful in Biology?
Participate in discussions and be PRESENT everyday
Be focused on Formative activities. These are meant to prepare you for the Show What You Know. All assessments are OPEN NOTEBOOK.
ASK questions. SEEK help if you don’t understand something.
Keep up with your assignments - try not to get behind.