COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The Biology course includes an in-depth study of living things and how they function. Emphasis is on the structure and biochemistry of cells, plant and animal physiology, genetics, and ecology with a focus on homeostasis and system interactions in organisms as well as population interactions with their environments. In addition to the general biology description of the course, honors students are further challenged with critical thinking questions and problem solving labs requiring formulating hypotheses and designing experiments. Students are exposed to an advanced level of understanding of biotechnology. Key concepts and unifying themes are presented to help students develop a coherent view of life and to understand the importance of biological sciences in society.

GOALS OF THE COURSE:

• To develop science literate students

• To connect science and biology to the real world

• To provide students with an understanding of how life works

• To prepare citizens that can make logical science minded decisions

• To have fun and think about things we have not thought about before

SUPPLIES NEEDED:

You are responsible for having a LAPTOP, Tablet, or Cellphone in order to access the class site and watch class videos. You will also need the following items...

1) Headphones

2) Something to write with (Pen or pencil)

3) Paper (Can be in a note book or composition book)

In order to be prepared for class:

• Ask questions. Lots of questions.

• Participate in discussions

• Be respectful of everyone

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS COURSE:

❑ The Nature of Science

❑ Intro to Atoms and Chemistry

❑ Osmosis, Enzymes, and Cells

❑ Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

❑ Cell Division and Reproduction

❑ Cancer and Cloning

❑ Genetics

❑ DNA, Mutations, and Viruses

❑ Gene Expression

❑ Evolution

❑ Population Growth

❑ Ecology

You can find all of our notes, activities, videos, and assignments, for every single day of class at DavidBirdScience.com under Biology

You can find a list of all of our biology videos here

GRADING CATEGORIES:

In this course I will be using skills based grading.

-Application - Applying what we have learned in class to answer and solve novel situations. For this category students demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material and apply critical thinking skills.

-Terminology - Items in this category require memorization. Biology is a language and it is important to learn the terminology.

-Products - Turning in items you have produced. These items include labs, assignments, projects, and activities.

Homework:

I am against homework. For my classes your homework will be to finish anything you do not finish in class. Sometimes you will be asked to watch a short video at home, study, or finish a project.

TOTAL 100% GRADE SCALE:

I use a 50% Zero Policy. What this means is that the minimum grade any assignment/assessment submitted will receive is a 50%.

GRADING SCALE EXPLANATION:

Level of Understanding Percentage Scale Rationale

Incomplete 50-59% The learner has not provided enough evidence to assess proficiency

Not Yet 60-69% The learner has provided evidence for assessment but has not yet demonstrated understanding of specific knowledge and skills

Emerging 70-79% The learner has demonstrated an “emerging” understanding of specific knowledge and skills

Proficient 80-89% The learner has demonstrated understanding of the specific knowledge and skills

Advanced 90-99% The learner has demonstrated outstanding scholarship and fluent understanding of specific knowledge and skills

Mastery 100% The learner has demonstrated the highest level of conceptual and procedural understanding of specific knowledge and skills.

Late Work/Missing Work:

It is important that you communicate personally and/or through email and/or Microsoft Teams if you know you will be absent and/or late with an assignment. You are expected to keep up with the work in this class and turn in your assignments on time. Always complete the Late Submission Form when submitting work after the original due date. If you have a pattern of missed assignments or feel that you are struggling to meet deadlines, you are expected to communicate with your teacher and Academic Counselor for support and to work toward a solution.