Honors Biology Syllabus

Instructor: Mrs. Dwyer

E-mail: dwyer_gena@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Phone: (503) 399-3241

Website: http://sites.google.com/site/nshsdwyer/

Description:

Honors Biology is a one credit survey course designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and skills associated with the Life Sciences. This class features a learning approach that emphasizes reading, writing, inquiry, and communicating biological concepts. The course emphasizes laboratory experiences to introduce and/or reinforce the classroom instruction. As this is an honors class, students are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Students are expected to come to class prepared (have all necessary materials and a positive attitude) and participate in class. Reading and homework assignments are not optional. Honors courses are greatly accelerated and students are expected to keep up. This can be easily accomplished if the students follows several basic steps. First, pay attention and stay focused during class. Second, do all assignments and labs, on time, to the best of your ability. All assignments given during the course of a week are due the following Monday, unless otherwise indictated.

Schedule of Topics

Fall Semester

I. Population Ecology

II. BioGeo-Chemical Cycles

III. Human Impacts

IV. Cells

Spring Semester

I. DNA

II. Genetics

III. Evolution

NGSS Standards

The content of biology is driven by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The specific standards for high school life science that will be covered the first semester of this course are:

Population Ecology (6 weeks)

HS-LS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.

BioGeo-Chemical Cycles (3 weeks)

HS-LS2-4 Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.

Human Impacts (6 weeks)

HS-ESS3-5 Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth's systems.

Cells (3 weeks)

HS-LS1-4 Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms.

DNA (4 weeks)

HS-LS3-1 Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

Genetics ( 5 weeks)

HS-LS2-2 Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable erros occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

Evolution (9 weeks)

HS-LS4-1 Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biolocal evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence.

Class Requirements and Expectations

A dedicated notebook for biology class notes and classwork is strongly recommended. It is also expected that students will attend class prepared to learn (i.e., bring notebook and pencil/pen).

1. Be responsible. It is necessary for the operation and safety of the classroom to act responsibly.

2. Be courteous, respectful and kind. One person at a time speaks in any discussion or lecture. Do not use vulgarities in the classroom. Include everyone in all activities.

3. Ask for permission to leave. I am responsible for you all period.

4. Eat and have drinks elsewhere. Water with a screw-type lid is permitted.

5. Be in the classroom and prepared to begin lessons when the bell rings.

6. Do all assigned classwork and homework. It is the key to achieving a passing grade.

7. Electronics are not permitted in the classroom during school hours. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis.

Grading Procedures/Attendance Policy:

All quizzes, tests, notebooks, labs, and book report are scored on a 10 point scale. Overall grades are earned based on a standard 100 point scale.

Weighting of scores:

It is critical to your success in this class to limit your absences. The vast majority of students who fail, will fail simply because they don’t show up to school. In the event that you are absent, you must make up the work that you are missing, regardless of the reason for your absence. It is YOUR responsibility to obtain and complete missing work. In order to advance to the second semester of Honors Biology, you must earn a C or better for first semester. Students who fail to do so will be placed in Regular Sophomore Biology so that they can better succeed.

Homework Requirements

Homework will be assigned as needed. This class endeavors to use best teaching and learning practices to help students succeed. Homework is a very important part of learning. It is the expectation of this course that all students will do all of their homework.

Book Report

Book Report Instructions and Rubric are posted at https://sites.google.com/site/nshsdwyer/Home/honors-biology/book-report-instructions Since the book report is valued at 10% of your overall grade, it is highly suggested that you do not procrastinate on this assignment. Read the instructions provided at the link above.

1^st Semester Book Report is due by Friday, January 10, 2020.

2^nd Semester Book Report is due by Friday, May 15, 2020.