Honors Biology

Welcome to Biology 2020/21!

Mr. Jason Scott

We will delve into the world around us and explore hands on, why and how living things survive in their place on earth. We will come to appreciate the incredible variety of organisms from viruses to bacteria to plants to animals to humans. We will look at how living things work and function.

What you will need:

- A composition book

- Writing instrument for note taking

What you will do:

- Read. Watch, and Do different web-based activities and take notes

- Maintain notes in your journal

- Complete homework as assigned

- Contribute to group activities, labs and presentations

- Ask questions and contribute to class discussions and streams

What Mr. Scott will do:

- Prepare you for college classes by making this course challenging and interactive, and teaching study skills valuable for tackling difficult subjects

- Help every student succeed who has a desire to do so and is willing to work hard.

- Inspire you through hands on labs and activities as much as possible.

Grades will be based on the following:

Tests and quizzes 50%

Projects, classwork, tickets out of class, lab report and other essays 40%

Lab etiquette 10%

90 – 100% A

80 – 89 % B

70 – 79 % C

60 – 69 % D

50 – 59% F

Homework policy:

Homework is given once a week and due the following Monday or Tuesday based on if you are in A block or B block. I measure your achievement through the open note quiz each week.

Quizzes and exams:

Quizzes are each week, usually on the first day of the week and are based on the previous weeks learning and homework assignment. They are open note.

There are 6 exams, Scientific method and biochemistry, Cell organelles and transport, Energetics (Respiration and photosynthesis) 1^st semester, and genetics, evolution and ecology 2^nd semester. Each exam is its own unit and they are not cumulative, however many concepts in Biology build on one another so some ideas will show up on multiple exams. You may do test corrections to improve your grade.

Projects and labs: There are several large labs that will include lab reports, and multiple smaller in class labs that will require data collection, graphing interpretation of data and other science skills. Group reports or projects may occasionally require significant out of class time, but most can be done in or through Google docs.

Late policy:

Late assignments are 50% off. Late assignments will not be accepted after 1 week late. If you have a reasonable reason for missing an assignment, please talk to me.

Lab etiquette:

Every student receives 100 points at the beginning of the year for behavior and performance in class. If the student is absent or fills out the attendance form late, they will lose these points. If they are disruptive or disrespectful in the discussion streams in class, they could lose as many as 5 points per day.

Food and drink:

Food is not allowed in class. If you bring food into my class, it must stay in your backpack or bag. Anyone observed eating in class will receive a log entry and be asked to come after school to clean the classroom. No exceptions. If you have a medical condition requiring you to eat, you may keep food in my office and access it there. Water bottles may be in class, but no other drinks, even if they only have ice. There may be occasions where the lab is culturing bacteria and even water bottles will not be allowed. However you may eat while attending class from home…