Biology 24-25’
Mr. Jones
sjones@usr2.com
816-593-2294 Ext. 244
Introduction:
Biology I is state tested sophomore course. Students will be led through the principles of life ranging from ecology, genetics, microbiology, and the scientific method to prepare them to succeed on the EOC (end of course) exam and higher-level science courses. Biology is the most comprehensive science and requires great detail in vocabulary and interpretation of processes. Students will be challenged to think critically about how life exists and the relationship between living and nonliving components of the world around them.
Student Expectations:
1. Students will arrive to class before the final bell rings with all materials needed for the day (NO EXCEPTIONS)
2. Students will respect Mr. Jones classroom by following directions and being respectful of lab equipment and classroom materials.
3. Students will respect each other when working in group, individual, and whole class lessons by listening, thinking, and collaborating with others.
4. You are expected to complete all work on time by the due date unless accommodations are made prior with Mr. Jones.
5. Students are responsible for their own work/learning by asking questions, participating in class daily, or making arrangements for tutoring if they need help.
Absences:
1. The student is responsible for receiving missed work and make up assignments.
2. Assignments shall be obtained in advance if the absence is planned ahead. It is the student’s responsibility to inform teachers of their absence at least one day in advance to get homework. All assigned work shall be submitted upon returning to school, unless prior arrangements are made with the Mr. Jones.
3. All classroom work (to include tests) shall be completed as indicated by Mr. Jones. Not to exceed 1 day for each day of absence.
Tardiness:
Students will be considered tardy to class if they are not in the classroom ready for class when the tardy bell rings. This means having ALL materials needed for class, if students need to get materials, they will be forced to use a hall pass or receive a tardy when all hall passes are used. Upon receiving 4 tardies in science they will be given a 1-hour detention. Anything over will result in further discipline.
Classroom Rules:
1. Follow directions and student expectations set by Mr. Jones.
2. No outside food or drink other than water are allowed in the science classroom
3. No outside technology is allowed in the classroom (see Technology)
4. Be respectful to the teacher, other students, or science materials that are not your own.
Grades:
Students will be graded under the following categories and weighted by grade type
1. 25% Daily Assignments
2. 50% Test and Quizzes
3. 25% Homework
Homework:
Students will have weekly homework assignments including BET due every Friday unless otherwise specified by Mr. Jones. Anything not completed during the allotted class time will be homework.
Late Work/Assignments:
Late work will be accepted with a 25% deduction every day past the due date.
Course Outlook:
Quarter 1: Quarter 2:
Introduction to the Study of Life Cellular Structures and Function
Principles of Ecology Cellular Energy
Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems Cellular Reproduction
Population Ecology
Biodiversity and Conservation
Quarter 3: Quarter 4:
Sexual Reproduction and Genetics Molecular Genetics
Evolution by Natural Selection Complex Human Heredity
Lab Safety:
Students will be given a safety contract and complete a safety test in the first week of school to be completed. Students must have the contract signed and returned and pass the test before conducting any lab experiments.
Textbooks and Equipment:
Students will receive a textbook at the beginning of the year. They are responsible for taking good care of it and its binding and pages. It shall be the responsibility of students to pay for any lost or damaged school property that has been placed in their possession. The cost will be for replacing the lost or damaged items.
Technology:
Students will be using google classroom to complete BET and other assignments. Any use of the chromebook in my class other than google classroom will result in possible loss chromebook.
Cell Phones:
Students will be required to place their cell phones face down on the designated phone spot at the beginning of class. They will not be permitted. They will be able to gather their cell phone at the end of class when the bell rings.
Students are not allowed to use personal technology devices such as cell phones, headphones, or mp3 players within the classroom. If such devices are used during class period the student will receive a warning and the device will be turned into principal for remainder of day. School handbook outlies further discipline.
Discipline
Students will be held after class for the following:
1. Any negative remark to oneself or others
2. Not following lab safety rules as outline by safety contract.
3. Disrespecting others’ property
4. Not completing required number of exit ticket questions set by Mr. Jones (depends on student’s use of time and understanding)
5. Packing up before being dismissed by Mr. Jones.
Students will be held for a total of one minute for every offense up to three minutes to which they will be assessed a detention to be served at a disclosed date.
Tutoring/Extra Help:
Tutoring will always be available for students by appointment with Mr. Jones or during seminar second and third quarters.
For Parents:
I love teaching students and seeing them reach heights they may not see themselves. I love it when students succeed and see their hard work pay off by developing life skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and inquiry. That is why I set a challenging curriculum and hold students accountable for their learning and actions. If you have any questions at any time, please feel free to contact me as I would love to help address your concerns and help your student succeed.