Table of Contents
This course is designed as a year of advanced biological survey. Laboratory experiments and research investigations will be emphasized. Students will be evaluated by performance on tests, quizzes, laboratory work, class participation and research investigations. Each of the following topics in biology will be covered to varying degrees:
Scientific Method Genetics Cytology Microbiology Evolution Ecology A special emphasis will be placed upon the "integration" method of learning. Students will not be asked to just memorize a list of compartmentalized facts and repeat them on a test. The student must learn to incorporate and integrate bits and pieces of scientific data into one large, meaningful composite. It is essential that students begin to prepare for IB examinations in their freshman year by incorporating this method of learning into their curriculum for study.
90 -100= A
80 - 89 = B
70 - 79 = C
60 - 69 = D
0 - 59 = F
At the end of any grading period, the total of a student's points will be divided by the toal number of possible points. This result is then multiplied by 100 in order to yield the student's percentage grade. This percentage is then converted to a letter grade according to the scale above.
Students will have a performance contract each grading period on which to keep a record of their grades. No averages will be given out by me during a grading period (other than failing notices at the mid-point). Grades are also available on Parent Connect. It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of her/her own grades. Academic coaches should ask that up-to-date performance contracts be brought to each coaching session.
Notebooks may or may not be checked during any grading period. If checked, it will be unannounced. Criteria for notebooks are:
1. A separate notebook (or section) for each grading period.
2. No papers should be thrown away for the semester. They may be of value in studying for the midterm and final exams.
3. Each notebook will be separated into the units studied.
4. Each unit will include the following:
a. Title page
b. Table of Contents
c. Section Divisions
1. Chapter outlines/notes
2. Chapter Questions
3. Glossary
4. Assignments
d. Lab list for the unit
5. Notebooks are worth 100 marks any time they are checked.
6. Notebooks may be checked more than once or not at all in any single grading period.
20% loss of appraised grade per day late (up to two days late only).
It is the responsibility of the student to turn in work on the assigned date.
Work will NOT be orally requested by me in class.
Assigned work will always be in the same place on the assignment board in class and on Homeworknow.com It is the responsibility of the student to note the assignment and the due date. I will NOT call the student's attention to any daily assignments.
The responsibility for obtaining missed assignments lies totally with the student.
The student is allowed the number of school days missed plus one day to return missed assignments. After this time the assignment is considered late and will be marked accordingly.
Missed work is turned in (following standard classroom procedure) with the words "MAKE-UP" written across the top - otherwise it will be counted as late work.
Tests and in-class assignments missed for legitimate absences (a verification of absence form must be signed by parents/guardians prior to making up work) will be made up on an assigned make-up day after school.
Missed labs are vary difficult to make up. Many are able to be set up for only a short time and then must be discarded. The student should avoid missing ANY labs if at all possible. Any and all make-up labs will be conducted after school only.
Should be placed in the upper right-hand corner and consist of the following:
1. Name (first name first, last name last)
2. Date assignment is turned in
3. Period of class
4. Descriptive title of assignment on first line
5. Two or more sheets must be stapled - not torn, not paper clipped, not glued.
May be objective and/or subjective and will include data-based questions.
Objective only. May be announced or unannounced. *Usually unannounced.) May be over material read but not yet covered in lecture.
This is a high lab course and requires a very responsible student. Safety is stressed in my labs and irresponsible behavior will NOT be tolerated.
Unacceptable behavior will result in:
1. First Offense: Warning to student and notification of parents.
2. Second Offense: Removal of lab privileges for the remainder of the grading period (receiving a zero for each lab missed); conference required with Administrator and parents.
3. Third Offense: If a third offense occurs, the student will lose lab privileges for the remainder of the semester (receiving a zero for each lab missed); conference required with Administrator and Parents before student will be allowed to attend lab sessions.
No extra credit is available.
Student - I am available at least 20 minutes before school or almost any day after school (with prior notice) that I do not have other conferences or meetings. Let me know ahead of time if you are coming in to see me and I will be sure to meet you or make alternative arrangements.
Parent - Conferences must be set up through the Guidance office at least 24 hours in advance. However, if you send a note to me via student courier with your phone number, I will be more than happy to call later in the evening. You may also contact me via email.
If the student does not understand something in class - THAT is the time to ask a question! Do not be afraid to ask!!! If there are no questions, then I must assume that everyone understands the concept.
There is no such thing as a 'dumb" question - there are a lot of strange ones - but none that are 'dumb."
If a student needs extra assistance - s/he should come to me and talk about it.
I won't bite (most of the time). DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS! Biology is extremely interesting and increasingly in the eye of the public. We have seen such topics as cloning, epidemics, artificial biological manipulation and wildlife preservation become more and more a part of every day life and conversation. At least a basic understanding of biology is vital to the survival of our present and your future world. working together this year we will begin to gain that understanding.