Syllabus
Lab Biology & Honors Lab Biology
(SC120-80, SC120 , SC121) 2019-2020
Course Description
This course will be a modeling and laboratory-based study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Topics will include cells, molecular basis of heredity, interdependence of organisms, biological evolution, matter, energy, and organization of living systems and comparative anatomy/biodiversity.
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Contact Information
Melani Calloway
Room 206 (480) 545-3100 x6775
melani.calloway@gilbertschools.net
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Materials and Supplies
- Biology textbook (to be kept at home)
- Pencils/pen
- 3-ring binder with dividers
- Colored pencils
- Writing paper
- Highlighter
- White board markers
- Supplies need to be available every day (stored in their backpack).
Grading Standards: Grade Weights:
- A 100-90% Assignments: 20%
- B 89-80% Labs: 20%
- C 79-70% Projects: 10%
- D 69-60% Tests & Quizzes: 30%
- F 59% and Below Final Exam: 20%
Late/Missing Work
All assignments will have specified due dates. Assignments may be turned in late with a penalty of 10% deduction for each day late (with a maximum penalty of 50% deduction), until the end of the term. At the end of each term, all missing assignments will be converted to zeros. If you have an excused absence, you will be given two days to submit late/missing work.
Extra Credit
Students are allowed to redo or fix assignments, labs or quizzes/tests. If a student is interested in raising their grade, they must “fix” existing problems, so any extra opportunities for points (such as extra credit) will not be given.
Test Retakes
My overall goal for students is to learn! So, if students do poorly on a quiz or test, they may retake it. Before they will be allowed to retake the test, they must fill out a Google form entitled, “Test Retake Request”, which is found on Ms. Calloway’s website. They will be given a number of choices to “relearn” the material, which may include: doing 20 minutes on Quizlet, watching a lesson on Khan Academy, completing a Study Guide etc... This form must be filled out at least 2 days prior to retaking the test.
Student Binders
Students are required to keep a binder for Biology. Students will keep it very organized (see the Biology Binders handout) all year long! This is a key component of the class grade because most homework and classwork are graded at the END of each unit during a Binder Check. Binders will be used to keep notes, laboratory activities, worksheets and selected quizzes.
Students are responsible for maintaining this binder for the entire semester and they must bring it to class each day.
Electronics Policy
- Students are required to bring their chromebook to school every day, but the power cords MUST remain at home. The chromebook should be charged at home each night and ready to be used each day.
- Student may NOT listen to music during classwork, tests or lab activities.
- Cell phones must be stored in the student’s backpack during class time. If students are using their cell phones during class, the following consequence progression will occur:
- Ms. Calloway confiscates the phone until the end of the period.
- The phone is taken to the front office, where the student may get it at the end of the school day.
- The phone is taken to the front office, and a parent/guardian must pick it up.
- A behavioral referral is given.
School Rules
1. No hats in the classrooms
2. Follow the school dress code
3. No food or outside drinks in the classroom (closed water bottles are okay)
4. No personal use of electronics during class time
Behavior Consequences/Plan
Verbal Warning to student, followed by:
- One-on-one chat
- Call to Parent
- Student-Parent-Teacher conference
- Referral
In some cases, students may be immediately removed from the class for the remainder of the period.
Safety
Student safety is paramount in the science classroom. During laboratory activities, students may come into contact with certain necessary hazards while working.
Injury in the laboratory can be reduced by:
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Tie long hair back securely
- Be aware when moving about the lab- of yourself and others
- Wear safety goggles when appropriate
- Report broken glass and solution spills to the instructor immediately
- Refraining from horseplay in the lab
- Refraining from eating or drinking
Note: Students who breach reasonable laboratory safety practices will be removed from the classroom for the remainder of the activity, with no warning. Due to the potential hazardous nature of science, this is an issue that is handled with zero tolerance.
Attendance
School attendance policy WILL be followed.
Tardies
Students are expected to promptly arrive in class, on time. Students who are tardy will receive the following consequences:
3 Tardies: Call home
5 Tardies: Administrator Referral
Scope and Sequence of the Course
Semester 1
Scientific Processes, Natural Selection, Chemical Reactions, Cellular Processes
Semester 2
DNA, Heredity, Variation, Unity & Diversity
Extra Help
Students can seek extra help before school, at lunch, or after school in Ms. Calloway’s classroom. Additional tutoring times will be available with other science teachers and this schedule will be published as soon as possible.
Please print only this page, and return it to class
Syllabus Acknowledgement
CVHS Biology 2019-2020
Student
I have read through this syllabus and the procedures*. I have reviewed the course policies regarding grading, missing/late work, and behavior. I understand Ms. Calloway’s rules and procedures* and will do my best to follow them.
I understand all policies, and will be able to act accordingly to ensure my success in Biology.
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sign date
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print hour
Parent
Note: It will be of tremendous value if you register with Infinite Campus to receive updates about your student’s attendance and grades! Please follow this link to register:
http://gilbert.ss11.sharpschool.com/parent_zone/g_p_s_infinite_campus/
I have read through my child’s syllabus and procedures*. I have reviewed the course policies regarding grading, missing/late work, and behavior.
I understand all policies, and will be able to actively work with the instructor and my child to ensure their success in Biology.
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sign date
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*Procedures were discussed on the form entitled, “Ms. Calloway’s Class Procedures”.
These forms are all found on Ms. Calloway’s website at: https://sites.google.com/gilbertschools.net/calloway/home