OVERVIEW:
Welcome to Biology. This syllabus is intended to provide you with a summary of some of the material that will be covered throughout the course. Additionally, the syllabus outlines the grading policy, materials needed, classroom expectations, safety precautions, and tips on how to succeed in the course.
MATERIALS:
Pen, pencil and eraser
Box of tissues(boys)
Roll of paper towels(girls)
Map colors
Glue sticks
Composition book
YOU NEED TO HAVE NOTEBOOK AND SOMETHING TO WRITE WITH EVERY DAY!!!
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
In addition to the rules outlined in the student handbook the following are my
expectations for each student in the classroom:
Turn in all assignments by their due date.
Be in your assigned seat with materials before the tardy bell rings
Bring your materials to class each day
Respect yourself and all others in the classroom
Always follow directions!
DISCIPLINE
By meeting these expectations, you will be well on your way to succeeding in the classroom. Failure to meet these expectations may result in one or any combination of the following disciplinary actions:
1. A verbal warning.
2. Private Conference, held after class.
3. Parent/Guardian contact.
4. A referral to the office.
TOPICS INCLUDED IN THE COURSE
Lab Safety
Scientific Method
Biochemistry
Cells
Cell division
Photosynthesis
Energy Flow
Cellular respiration
Gamete formation
Genetics
Evolution
Homeostasis
Viruses
Classification
Taxonomy
Body systems
Plants
Ecology
Biomes
Academic language
GRADING POLICY:
Grades will be derived from an overall average that includes your minor average (60%) and your major average (40%).
Major grades will primarily be chapter tests, but may also include projects and/or presentations. There will be a minimum of two (2) major grades per grading period. This could include a test or project based assessment.
Minor grades may include assignments such as homework, quizzes, labs, and reports. There will be a minimum of at least ten (10) daily grades per six weeks period.
ABSENCES AND MAKE-UP WORK:
When a student is absent, due dates for assignments will be adjusted according to the student handbook. Some assignments may be requested in advance if a student knows they will be missing school. Certain assignments and labs will not be able to be completed by the student outside of class and an alternative assignment may be assigned in place of the original assignment for which they missed due to absence. When a student returns from an absence and completes an assignment they missed due to absence, they must print the word, “ABSENT” next to their name. Otherwise the assignment will be considered incomplete and will receive a grade of zero.
INCOMPLETE WORK/LATE WORK
Minor grades: late work will be accepted until 3 weeks after the due date. Each day late will result in a 10pt penalty down to a minimum of a 20. Late work can be found in the classroom and/or on Google Classroom.
Major Grades: Major Grades will only be accepted 1 week after due date. With a 20% penalty the first day late, followed by 10% every day after that.
TUTORIALS:
Tutorials are available upon request.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN THE CLASSROOM
The following tips are based on characteristics that I see in students who tend to do well in our biology class. These tips should prove helpful in order to succeed in the classroom.
Arrive on time, ready to work, EVERY DAY. This looks like a student in his or her seat before the bell rings, they have already turned in any assignment(s) from the previous day, they have their materials with them and have already begun to read or work on any bellringer assignment for that day. Ask questions– The sciences are inquisitive disciplines by nature, and biology is no exception. Asking questions is simply part of the scientific process that is used to solve problems and no student should ever feel embarrassed or intimidated to ask questions in class. Asking questions goes a long way with most teachers, as it demonstrates a student’s effort and willingness to learn.
Be a team player. There are many positive things to be said for a person willing to help a fellow classmate, or someone who goes out of their way to compliment and encourage those around them. Each year I have many students who struggle with the scope and content of our class, yet they are successful because they are determined to work diligently, and have learned to work cooperatively in a group setting. “Yes sir/maam”, “no sir/maam”, and “thank you” are common phrases among many successful students.
“If at first you don’t succeed"….try, and try again.” It’s the essence of science. Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that something won’t work.” I tell my students it is okay to struggle. It’s okay to make mistakes. That is when learning takes place. The successful student is one who is not afraid of failure, but is ready and willing to learn from it when it happens.
Get organized –An organized student is prepared and can put his or her hands on materials quickly and effortlessly. An organized student also is able to comprehend knowledge quickly as they learn how to sort and place pieces of information in a logical manner. Organized students are resourceful and efficient. Ultimately, organization eliminates distractions which could potentially inhibit learning.
Be optimistic. Smile. Happiness is simply a state of mind which you can completely control yourself. Happiness is also relative. A glass that is seen by one person as being half-empty can also be seen by another person as being half-full. It is up to you to choose how you want to see it.
Be prepared for success. You can’t always predict when opportunities for success will present themselves. You may not immediately recognize these opportunities either, as they are often disguised as obstacles, challenges, inconveniences, or moments that take you out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to take advantage of them with a positive attitude whenever and wherever you encounter them.
Parent Contact: If you have questions or concerns please contact us. You may email us or call the school and leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.
I look forward to working with each of you this year. Please feel free to come to me with any questions or concerns.