Zoology Syllabus 

Zoology     

3rd Hour - Ms. Breann Nichols      

Room 11

217.742.3151 Ext.212         

bnichols@winchesterschools.net  

This course discusses the branch of biology that deals with animals and animal life, including the study of the structure, physiology, development, and classification of animals. Some of the topics discussed include the classification of animals, invertebrates, including sponges, flatworms, mollusks, insects, arthropods, and echinoderms, and vertebrates, including fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.  

Completion of this course will incorporate several modes of learning.

• Notes - binder/notebook checks, Virtual Interactive Notebooks

• 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 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.

7. I will use appropriate language 

If you choose to break a rule:

If you choose to break a rule:

• Verbal Warning

• Detention

• Office referral

Severe Disruption: Student sent immediately to office.

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)

Classification 

• Unit 1 – Invertebrates 

  • Introduction to Animals 

  • Sponges,

  • Cnidarians 

  • Flatworms

  • Roundworms

  • Mollusks

  • Annelids 

  • Arthropods 

  • Insects 

  • Echinoderms

  •  Invertebrate Chordates 

• Unit 2 – Vertebrates 

  • Fishes 

  • Amphibians 

  • Reptiles 

  • Birds 

  • Mammals