Biology

Biology


3rd & 5th hour - Ms. Breann Nichols

Room 11, 217.742.3151 Ext.212

bnichols@winchesterschools.net

Biology: "bio-" = life and "-ology" = study of

In other words, it is a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and vital processes. Themes that we will be studying in this course include scientific skills, cellular processes, biochemistry, genetics, natural selection, ecology, and the social implications of science on society.

Completion of this course will incorporate several modes of learning.

  • Notes - binder/notebook checks.
  • Daily Bell Ringer Questions
  • Homework
  • Labs/projects/activities
  • Tests & Quizzes
  • This will then be consolidated with the final exam, which is weighted at 20%.


Notes

  • Teacher presentations - TAKE NOTES – effort you put in is the result you get out.
  • Binder checks at the midterm and end of term


Daily Bell Ringer - 5 points per day, 25 points for the week

  • 5 daily questions during the first 5 minutes of class
    • Not a requirement for absence make up( students should use this time to make up notes)


Homework - 5-40 points each


  • Most in text assignments are given on one day and checked the following day.
  • We will be using Google Classroom


Tests & Quizzes - 10-100 points each;

  • Vocabulary - handed out at the beginning of the chapter and quizzes at the end.
  • Mini-quizzes - assess a specific skill.
  • Tests are given at the end of each chapter, unless otherwise noted, and include matching, multiple choice, short answers, and problem solving.
  • I do not grade on a curve
  • Semester Exams are cumulative but will be more weighted to material from the end of the term


Labs/Projects –5 pt./day unless otherwise noted (usually 10 – 15 points total)

  • Lab reports need to be completed and turned in for full credit.


Extra Credit – Given throughout the semester


Classroom Rules -When in doubt, rules and discipline set by the student handbook will be defaulted to.

  1. I will complete all assignments
  2. I will not plagiarize, cheat, or copy from any source.
  3. I will follow directions the first time they are given.
  4. Eyes front and no talking while the teacher is talking.
  5. I will clean up if I make a mess.
  6. I will treat others the way I want to be treated.


If you choose to break a rule:


First time: Name on Board. Warning

Second time: One Check.* 10 minutes after school on Thursday.

Third time: Two Checks. 20 minutes after school on Thursday.

Fourth time: Three checks. 30 minutes after school on Thursday. Parents called.

Fifth time: Four checks. 40 minutes after school on Thursday, referral written and student sent to the office.

Severe Disruption: Student sent immediately to office.


*Name and checks erased each Thursday afternoon


Late Work Policy - Work submitted on due date has a potential for 100% of points. You will be allowed 1 unexcused late work of 1 day late submission per semester. Any other late work is a ZERO. Keep in mind that I am not going to hound you or chase you down for late work, so be diligent and get it in.


  1. You will have one day for every day of your absence to turn in late work.
  2. Idiosyncratic circumstances will be dealt with on an individual basis.
  3. All late work must be handed in directly to Ms. Nichols, NOT just placed in the assignment “IN” box.


Biology Curriculum (Subject to change due to pacing)


Unit 1 Intro to Biology

Unit 2 Cells

Unit 3 Genetics