Class syllabus

CP Biology

2025-2026

Mr. McGlashan

E-mail: lmcglashan@wocsd.org

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

Google Classroom join code: 

Period 1: a5esma44

Period 4: hiwcybyc

Period 6: qh4rakiw

Course Description:

This class emphasizes the many facets of living organisms. We will explore microscopic aspects of cellular mechanics and the big-picture concepts of heredity and evolution, with everything in between. This includes the characteristics and diversity of life, the scientific method, cellular structure and function, genetics, and ecology. Through reading, writing, inquiry, lab activities, class discussions, and projects, you will explore these topics and how they are relevant to your own body, your own genes, the environment we live in, and other organisms. We will also look at current discoveries and advances in the biological sciences.

Course Connections to the Vision of the Graduate

Students will:

• • Demonstrate proficiency in academic subject areas

  • Pose and pursue substantive questions

  • Interpret, critique and synthesize information

  • Identify problems, explore resolutions and design solutions

  • Respond to failures and success with reflection and resilience

  • Purse experiences of interest, passion and curiosity

  • Collaborate with others to solve non-routine problems and novel tasks to elevate beyond what one would accomplish individually

  • Listen to alternative ideas and communicate responses cogently and respectfully

General Rules:

*Be respectful to your environment, yourself, and others always

*No food or drink in the classroom except water!

*Arrive to the class on time & be prepared

*Take responsibility for your own learning

*Follow class expectations & procedures

*All school rules apply

Supply List:

Pen or pencil

Three ring binder (at least 1") with 8 dividers!

Class Website

Google Classroom – Our Google Classroom site will be your go-to spot for homework, important announcements, extra help, resources, printable papers, and much more. You MUST log on regularly!  This can be accessed at https://classroom.google.com/ - each section will have their own code to join the class, which will be provided in the first week of school.

Grading

30% Labs & Projects

35% Tests & Quizzes

15% Participation 

20% Classwork & Homework

If you feel you are falling behind or need extra help (or just have a question!) PLEASE visit me after school or email me at any time – I’m available most days after school, but please let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly :)

Topics Covered This Year:

• • Introduction, including Characteristics & Classifications of Life

  • Biochemistry

  • Cells, Mitosis, & Cancer

  • Respiration & Photosynthesis

  • Body Systems

  • Genetics

  • Evolution

  • Ecology

Make Up Policies:

*One day absent = one extra day to turn in work

-IF YOU ARE ABSENT, BE PROACTIVE!!!

1. Check Google Classroom to access missing work online

2. Ask me for any missed work you cannot access online

3. If you’ve already tried both, ask me for more info (outside of class)

*Late work will be accepted until the end of a unit.

-Each day late = 10% decrease in score from final grade

*Score below an 85% on a test? Ask about test corrections to improve your grade!! You can earn back credit up to an 85%.

Class Procedures & Expectations:

1. The study of biology depends on collaboration, thoughtful risk-taking, and asking a lot of questions.  As a scientific learning community, we must ALL respect each other’s unique viewpoints, strengths, and challenges.  We must all contribute to a productive and safe learning environment.  Questions are encouraged and expected!

2. Cell phones are disruptive and distracting to learning. They MUST BE SILENCED & IN YOUR BAG OR ASSIGNED POCKET during the entire class.  If you use your phone at all during class, it will be confiscated, you will receive a 30-minute detention with me, and I will call home to discuss the issue with your parent/guardian. *Please let me know ahead of time if there is an emergency where you may need to receive a phone call during class and we can make special arrangements for that day*

3. When you walk into class, there will be ROUTINES to follow every day:

• • Silence & put your cell phone away in your bag or assigned pocket

  • Turn in any homework or late work 

  • Read the Warm up/Do now question & any other instructions on the board once you’re seated

  • Complete the Warm Up and take out your Science Notebook

  • Once the teacher begins speaking, you should be quiet & listening

4. You may SIGN OUT via the sheet near the door- to get a drink or use the bathroom (tell me where you're going) at any appropriate time, after listening to instructions, or turning in a test/quiz.  Use your best judgement!!!

5. Defiance or disruption will earn you a series of consequences:

1st: a formal, verbal warning & an email home

2nd: a 30-minute after school detention

3rd: One hour after school detention & a trip to the office

I have read the above, and understand the rules and expectations of Mr. McGlashan’s CP Biology class.

Student signature:_________________________________ Date:_______

Parents/guardians- Please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns at lmcglashan@wocsd.org.

Parent signature:___________________________________ Date:_______