Class Details
Materials
Every student is expected to come to class prepared to learn. Basic materials include pens and pencils, paper, and a school issued Chromebook with sufficient charge to maintain use throughout the class period. It is also recommended that each student keep a separate three-ring binder, or simply a section in a binder. It is a benefit to your learning to keep work that has been handed back.
Homework/Department Expectations
Students must learn a core of knowledge as well as laboratory techniques, and they must apply these using the processes of analysis and deductive reasoning. For this reason, students that are used to memorizing all the facts in a particular unit may still find this a challenging course as they are frequently asked on tests to analyze an experimental design and graphs of data within the context of questions that require them to apply their knowledge.
All teachers of Biology are in close communication and in the past have followed the same sequence of chapters and use the same core questions on tests. This has resulted in a consistent approach and rate through the course, regardless of instructor. However, as we are always striving to progress and new materials are often piloted by various teachers to explore its worth in the classroom.
Textbook
The biology teachers at Torrey Pines will be piloting the textbook, Experience Biology: The Living Earth authored by Miller and Levine. Students entering Biology are expected to complete a minimum 45 minutes a night of homework, 5 nights a week. This consists of reading, viewing curated videos through Edpuzzle, textbook related online activities ("Interactivities"), completing lab reports, and exam preparation. Some in-class assignments not due by the end of class become homework assignments if not completed during the period.
Students will have access to an online textbook that they will be able to access offline as well. Students will also be able to access labs, worksheets, and activities through this online platform (SAVVAS Realize) available through google classroom.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom will be used for class communication as well as for turning in assignments. Students will be able find and access all materials necessary for the course: including classwork, homework, announcements, meeting links, and due dates. I will be using this medium almost daily to post messages to the class regarding assignments, important due dates, and any other announcements. Students are expected to use Google Classroom as an essential classroom resource. Parents/Guardians are also welcome to be added to the Guardian View of Google Classroom.
Make-up Work and Late Work
If the student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to make up the missing assignments. The student must take responsibility to speak with the teacher about make-up work via email, before or after class. The teacher is under no obligation to grant requests for make-up work for students who have been truant or who have an unexcused absence.
Make-up class assignments: Make-up class work must be completed within one class period of student’s return to class. (extensions for longer absences)
Make-up labs: The student must make-up labs within two class days.
Make-up exams: The student must schedule to make up any exam, and must take the exam within two class days.
Late homework/class assignments may be turned in for half credit if it is completed.
Late labs and projects are penalized 10% per school day late. If the assignment is more than four school days late, then the assignment receives maximum of 50% credit.