AP Bio--CONGRATULATIONS! You beat the SC and global averages!! You're awesome. I am proud of you. 😊 ~thib
Biology CP Syllabus
Teacher Information
Teacher: Mr. David Thibodeaux, M.Ed. Room: B301
Phone: 864.355.6560 Email: dthibodeaux@greenville.k12.sc.us
Office Hours: Refer to my website for detailed information on availability of tutoring times. This information is also posted in the classroom for student convenience.
Navigate to my website for my course schedule: thibscience . My website is to be used in conjunction with our Google Classroom.
Course Description and Information
Prerequisites: Science teacher recommendation and a willingness to explore your potential.
Course Description and Goals
Biology 1 CP is designed to help the college preparatory student develop a three dimensional approach to learning, integrating Science and Engineering Practice, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas through investigative, hands-on lab activities that address the South Carolina State Department of Education (SCDE) Standards for Biology.
A state required end-of-course test in Biology will be administered as the final exam for this class and the class will be required for graduation. The grade on the end-of-course test will count as 20% of the student's final grade.
Units
Quick Review: Science as a Process, Measurement, Data
U1 Characteristics of Life/Cell Dynamics
U2 Cell Cycle, DNA and Heredity
U3 Genetics of Inheritance
U4 Energy Systems
U5 Ecosystems
U5 Evolution
Review (check calendar for details)
Course Resources
Textbook: Experience Biology; Miller & Levine. Publisher: Savvas. Access to the textbook is available through Class Link. All course materials are provided in class and/or made available in my online classroom.
Digital Resources:
My website and Google Classroom are where all resources and information for this class will be made available.
Course Description and Information
Course Outline of Study Please review the following list of subject material that will be covered during the semester. Science and engineering practices will be embedded in the learning of all content standards.
Quarter One
Introduction to Laboratory Science
Biomolecules & Enzymes
Cell Structure & Types
Cell Cycle & Mitosis
Meiosis
Stem Cells & Cell Differentiation
DNA & Protein Synthesis
Introduction to Genetics
Complex Patterns of Inheritance
Biotechnology
Quarter Two
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration & Fermentation
Energy of Ecosystem
Ecosystem Dynamics
Evolution
EOC Review
Student Learning Objectives and Standards:
By the end of this course, each student will be able to explain:
B-LS1-1. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
B-LS1-4. Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.
B-LS1-5 Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
B-LS1-6. Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and other large carbon-based molecules necessary for essential life processes.
B-LS1-7. Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed, resulting in a net transfer of energy.
B-LS2-1. Use mathematical and/or computational representations to support explanations of biotic and abiotic factors that affect carrying capacity of ecosystems at different scales.
B-LS2-5. Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
B-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem health.
B-LS3-2. Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.
B-LS3-3. Apply concepts of statistics and probability to explain the variation and distribution of expressed traits in a population.
B-LS4-1. Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.
B-LS4-2. Construct an explanation based on evidence that the process of evolution primarily results from four factors: (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment.
B-LS4-4. Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.
B-LS4-5. Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
Classroom Expectations
Academic Integrity There is no excuse for not exhibiting good integrity and character as a student. Students that deliberately participate in cheating or any sort of academic dishonesty will earn one or all of the following consequences:
zero on the graded assignment
a referral to an administrator
Rules of Conduct
On Time—Students will be in the classroom when the tardy bell rings or attend virtually as instructed by the school/district.
On Task—Be focused on objectives and assignments at all times.
Order—Students will conduct themselves in an orderly manner that enhances the learning environment.
Respect—Respect yourself enough to be successful; be respectful to others.
Safety—Follow all written and verbal instructions for classroom and laboratory assignments.
Incentives for Positive Behavior and Actions
*Better education and life skills necessary for future employment and success. (It’s a tough world out there.)
Bonus points can be earned for academic achievements in the classroom. If you choose to work harder and are able to demonstrate improved skill and knowledge, I believe you should be compensated. 😊
Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior
Student will receive a warning. (Detention as appropriate for offense.)
Student/Teacher conference and/or parent contact. (Detention as appropriate for offense.)
Per district policy, “Students using electronic devices in class without permission from their teacher will have them confiscated.” Referral to administrator.
Student Materials and Supplies
A willingness to learn and some organization skills.
Three-ring binder, loose leaf paper, some type of “tab” system.
A working and charged Chromebook. One will be provided by the school. All work is only accessible via a student’s school credentials.
Calculator (four function or better)
Graph paper, blue and/or black ink pen, pencils, colored pencils, notebook paper
*Note: All assignments—classwork, lab, homework, etc.—will be administered in a manner consistent with the district and state safety guidelines. Students enrolled in face-to-face courses will be expected to be prepared for data collection activities and/or similar type of interactive learning. You the student are responsible for arriving to class prepared.
Grading Policies/Practices
HOMEWORK— “Come to class tomorrow less confused than you are today.” This is my homework policy. If this means you don’t need to do any work after class, then don’t. If you need to do thirty minutes, an hour, etc., then that’s what you do. I’m here to support you in your learning. Ultimately, you are responsible for your success or lack of success in this class.
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS— I reserve the right to administer formative assessments at any time that typically will be a daily graded assignment related to the prior day’s lesson. Students are responsible for keeping up with all material for this course, and all material is accessible online. (*Note: If you are a virtual student you will be responsible for completing the Academic Reflection form every day.)
MISSED ASSIGNMENTS— Students will have one week to make up assignments missed due to excused absences only. Other arrangements may be made if the student has made a good faith effort to work out an acceptable schedule for turning in missed work. Failure to do so will result in a zero for all missed assignments. The student is responsible for scheduling and making up all missed assignments upon their return to class.
LABORATORY ASSIGNMENTS—These assignments will be relevant to the topics discussed in units of instruction. Lab work will be assessed either individually and/or be incorporated in unit tests and quizzes. A test grade will be earned each quarter for the cumulative average of all lab assignments in that quarter.
CLASSWORK ASSIGNMENTS—Students use a three-ringed binder to organize all daily class notes, laboratory activity notes, handouts and other important study materials, which will serve as a study guide. The student is responsible for having an updated notebook during each and every class period.
COMPUTER ASSIGNMENTS—You have been issued a Chromebook. Students should make arrangements with friends and family for computer and printer access in case of emergencies. Students will be required to complete independent work outside of the classroom like virtual lab assignments, etc. (Prior planning prevents poor performance.)
Grading Policy and Grading Scale
Major Assessments
(test, formal lab practical, culminating lab)…………....60%
Minor Assessments
(quizzes, labs, lab practical, daily grades, etc.)…….….40%
A = 100 – 90
B = 90 – 80
C = 79 – 70
D = 69 – 60
F = below 60
Q1(3)…………….…..40%
Q2(4)….………….....40%
Final Exam*......….20%
*End-of-Course Examination administered by the state department.
Late Work Policy and Procedures
LATE ASSIGNMENTS— Every student is expected to turn in assignments by the due date. Circumstances that involve critical life events (i.e., death in the family, major medical excuse,…) will be handled appropriately as warranted. Students and families are responsible for communicating with me and the school administration about such circumstances so that we can assist and accommodate your circumstances.
Classwork and HW for which the student was present for will not be accepted late.
All assignments scheduled prior to an absence are expected to be submitted/completed on the first day the student returns to school.
Due Dates are the initial day an assignment is due. (Check the course calendar.)
The Final Deadline is three days after the due date--the last day an assignment will be accepted for credit.
Assignments submitted after the Due Date but before the Final Deadline will 1) be considered late and 2) receive a 40 point late penalty. This is a department policy.
Tests (Major Assessment)
Make-up Tests: Students are responsible for coordinating a proper makeup time per the teacher policy.
A student who refuses to take a scheduled test while present at school will receive a final grade of 0 on the assessment. This is a school policy.
EARNING BACK POINTS (KIND OF A “REDO”?)—Students will have one opportunity at the end of the quarter to earn points to improve their academic standing. This will be in the form of a major assessment (as prescribed by the instructor). Points earned will be added to the major grading category of the grade book. The student is responsible for choosing to participate in this extra credit, remediation/redo policy. (Details will be provided at the appropriate time verbally and/or via the course calendar.)
AI Disclaimers
MagicSchool Syllabus Statement
This year, students will use MagicSchool AI, a generative AI platform designed specifically for education. As tools like ChatGPT and Gemini become standard in the professional world, utilizing MagicSchool prepares students for the future workforce by teaching safe and responsible technology use.
Students will use these tools for real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving. To ensure appropriate use, teachers retain access to all student chats. MagicSchool strictly protects privacy and does not collect or utilize student data. All AI software, including MagicSchool, complies with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.
Generative AI Syllabus Statement
This course may utilize generative AI tools, such as MagicSchool and Google Gemini, to supplement traditional instruction. Greenville County Schools prioritizes the ethical use of these technologies for brainstorming and self-guided learning.
Critical Thinking First: AI must not replace original thought or coursework.
Academic Integrity: Using AI to complete and submit assignments as original work constitutes plagiarism.
Required Citation: If teacher-approved, all AI use must be properly cited.
Content Awareness: Students must remain vigilant regarding potential biases and inaccuracies in AI-generated content.
Policy Compliance: All AI programs align with GCS Board Policy and Administrative Rule IA.