Biology A

Biology A Syllabus

Instructors: Andy Stephens and Ed Kaschins

Phone: 720-561-8729

Email: andy.stephens@bvsd.org , ed.kaschins@bvsd.org

Class Website: bvsd.schoology.com

Credit: 1.0 per semester

Course Description

This course holds many exciting adventures in science. During this academic year, you will learn how to apply scientific processes to analyze and solve problems by interpreting scientific data and drawing logical conclusions. The class will be unique in that the concepts learned can be widely applied to real life. Emphasis will be on developing process laboratory skills including data collection & analysis, evaluation of information, and oral & written communication of experimental results. In addition to lab work, we will learn about the following units. Note that units 1-4 will be covered in Biology A and units 5-7 will be covered in Biology B. 

• 1. The science of life

  2. Biochemistry

  3. Cell Theory

  4. Final Projects

Prerequisite

Physical science lab skills is a highly recommended course to have taken before biology.  You must be familiar with the nature and process of science before taking this course.

Objectives

• 1. Develop an understanding that leads to a lifelong love for the biosphere.

  2. Become a biologically literate citizen that is able to understand current events (genetically modified food, stem cell research, cancer treatments, etc)  and act accordingly.

Materials

• 1. Schoology Account-Join our class using a teacher provided class code. This is where you will turn in all of your assignments.

  2. Google account-Your account will be used to create webpages for projects, collaborate with groups, and post lab data with partners.

  3. Organized method for taking notes and an organized google drive folder.

  4. Good Attitude-We will spend 60 hours together in class and are working together to create the best experience for everyone. 

Expectations

1. Work hard.

   1. Follow New Vista's Core Values.

      • Practice respect-Be helpful, be kind, value differences, don't swear.

      • Its about teaching and learning

        • Students-Attend, engage, and pass with B's or better

        • Teachers-Make it interesting and interactive

      • Support each other-Positive encouragement for everyone, use confidentiality and emotional support

      • Keep school and school activities substance free

      • Have fun together

      • Participate-Make these values real everyday, become members of the community; plan, organize, and be on communities

   2. Cell Phones-We will use New Vista's cell phone policy.

   3. Headphones-Headphones should remain out of site during class time unless allowed by a teacher. When you are allowed to use them please only listen to music WITHOUT lyrics.

   4. Tardy-If you arrive late, please write your name on the board and the number of minutes late you arrived. You will stay after class to help clean up, organize the class, or put up chairs during break or after class ends.

   5. Absence-YOU are responsible for making up the work you miss, don't wait, use the website.

   6. Food-Healthy food may be consumed during non-lab activities in the classroom as long as it does not distract from anyone's learning or teaching.  Examples of healthy food include: fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches.  Examples of unhealthy food include: candy, soda, and twinkies.  If you are unsure about whether a type of food is healthy, ask.  

   7. Leaving Class-I expect you to stay in class unless it is an emergency or you are meeting with school faculty or staff.  However, I understand that you may need to use the restroom during class time, get a drink, or take a quick walk.  Therefore, we will have a one in one out policy.

Grading

1. The major assignments in this category are lab reports. Two students will be randomly selected one day prior to the report due date to present their lab reports to the class. Every student will present once per quarter. The presentation is worth the equivalent of one lab report grade-30 points.

2. Each student is allowed to use one page of original notes on unit tests.Tests will be self-reviewed in class using red pen only. This exercise increases retention of information and confronts misconceptions. Your complete academic honesty is expected. If you fail to meet this expectation you will fail said test.

3. The major assignment in this category is the class website. You will make a web page for each unit, peer review it, and it will be worth 40 points each time.

4. The major assignment in this category is a participation self evaluation.