Course Content:
This course is designed to teach you about the living world surrounding you. We will cover the following topics:
1. Tools of a Biologist and Scientific Method 6. Body Systems and Reproduction
2. Cells and Transport 7. Homeostasis and Human Systems
3. Classification 8. Genetics
4. Biochemistry 9. Evolution
5. Cellular Energy 10. Ecology
Goals: Students will:
1. Gain a working knowledge of the living world.
2. Prepare to take the New York State Biology Regents Exam.
3. Prepare to take Advanced Placement Biology or College Level Biology.
Materials: Please come to class daily prepared with the following supplies:
· 3-ring binder (2” minimum) and writing utensils (pens, pencils, etc.)
· Chromebook fully charged (everyday) and earbuds/headphones
Grading Policy:
60% Assessments/Projects –Tests will include multiple choice, short answer, reading comprehension, graphing, and data analysis questions in regents format.
Projects will be a part of this grade. Quizzes are weighed less than tests depending on the difficulty.
10% Attendance/Participation – this grade is based on the following categories:
Preparedness -having all materials with you in class (books, binders, agendas, etc.)
Classwork - completing all class assignments (in class and Google classroom)
30% Labs – Will include inquiry and experimentation. All labs must be completed and handed in by the stated due date. Labs handed in late, incomplete or not appropriately
participated in, the student will receive a reduced grade. Some labs due to an absence can be made up at home with teacher permission or after school during the next available extra help or during a common time off that we share. Completed and graded lab reports must remain in the classroom in a lab folder. No graded labs should be taken from the classroom. Exceptions to the above can only be made due to extenuating circumstances and teacher discretion.
New York State Lab Requirement
· NYS requires that a student participate in 1200 minutes (or 30 class periods) of laboratory exploration along with submitting a passing lab report and expects that students to complete the following labs that will be tested on the Regents Exam:
Balancing Act: Exploring Feedback and Homeostasis: Focuses on the concepts of structure and function in living organisms.
Unraveling the Mystery of Lactose Intolerance: Examines the inheritance and variation of traits.
For the Birds: Designing Solutions: Investigates interdependent relationships within ecosystems.
*Participation and understanding of these laboratory skills are critical for students and absences surrounding these labs should be avoided. There will only be one opportunity to make up these labs, and failure to attend the make-up session will result in loss of lab hours and opportunity to complete the lab.
Attendance Policy: For a lab class, absence on a single period day counts as one, absence on a double period day counts as two. The school district’s attendance policy will be enforced.
Weekly Extra Help will be available. Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30 - 7:50 am. If a student needs help outside these times, he or she can speak with me and I will arrange another common time for us to meet.
Google Classroom
Google classroom will be used to post announcements, notes presentations so that they can have access to weekly lessons, activities and assignments. Not all classwork will be posted as many assignments will also reinforce writing skills. It is the responsibility of each student to monitor the stream and complete all work and submit by the deadline assigned. Some work will be submitted in Google Classroom; blank submissions will be graded once and cannot be made up for credit, however, most labs and classwork will be submitted on paper to the teacher.
Students may email me any time they if are absent or need clarification on assignments. Email any questions to your teacher but please include your name (student) in the subject line.
Technology Responsibility: students are expected to follow the district’s policy with respect to appropriate use of technology. School resources such as Chromebooks, Google classroom or any other digital platforms are expected to be utilized in a responsible manner. (see “Code of Conduct” for consequences)
Note to the student: This course outline should act as a guide throughout the year. You are here to learn about biology and how it relates to your life. That can be done successfully through hard work and participation. I look forward to a great year of learning and scientific exploration.