MYP Sciences
Biology/ESL Biology
Denton High School 2017-18
Jonathan Berg Conference: 2A, 3A, 4A
Rooms 251Tutorials: A day, All Lunches
940-369-2109
Email:
MYP Mission Statement
The MYP (Middle Years Program) covers the 9th and 10th Grade portion of the International Baccalaureate. The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Biology I/MYP Science Year4 is an introductory course investigating the fundamental concepts that characterize life - including molecular and cellular biology; genetics and heredity; ecology and evolution; and finally, plant and animal physiology. It is a comprehensive, fast-paced course designed to fulfill a student’s first year of biology and is an excellent preparatory class for further studies/classes in the field of biology. At the conclusion of the course, students will have gained experience and understanding of scientific methodology, terminology, and technique. Additionally, students will develop the insight necessary to formulate opinions and make informed decision regarding relevant issues in biology and society.
OUTLINE OF CLASS (tentative):
1st Semester:
Introduction to Science and Lab Safety; Biomolecules; Intro to Cells
Cell Energy; Cell Transport; DNA
Mitosis; Gene Expression
2nd Semester:
Genetics; Meiosis and Human Genetics; Natural Selection; Evidence of Evolution
Taxonomy; Cells vs. Viruses; Relationships within Ecosystems;
Abiotic Factors of Ecology; Changes in Ecosystems
CLASSWORK: Expect frequent, short homework assignments; including outside reading of the textbook and internet articles, viewing of YouTube and university instructional videos, and practice and review assessments. If you do not have home internet access, you will need to provide a flash drive in order to download assigned videos or articles, or you may utilize the school library internet resources during non-instructional times (before/after school, lunch). There will be quizzes over assigned homework. There may also be individual and group projects, laboratory investigations and field studies, and at least three major grades in each quarter. To be successful in this class, do not miss class and do not fall behind.
GRADING POLICY:
60% - Major Summative Assignments (tests, projects, etc.)
40% - Minor Summative Assignments (Quizzes, Homework, etc.)
SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Bring Daily
❧Pens (blue, black only) or pencils (#2 or HB lead)
❧Red Pen for correcting/grading
❧Map color pencils & markers
❧2” - 3” Ring binder with dividers/folders
❧Spiral Notebook
❧Box of Tissues
❧Hand sanitizer
CLASS PROGRESS & PARENT INVOLVEMENT:
Parents are encouraged to utilize the District’s Home Access Center and my teacher website:
●Monitor student’s grade progress and attendance for all classes
●Find assignments attached for reprint-ability (if your child lost an assignment).
●Find outline of the Unit Planner – assignments, due dates, homework, lab & test dates.
●Contact teacher for questions or concerns email:
Please refer to this link for setup:
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT:
You should familiarize yourself with the student handbook. I will uphold the rules of our campus as defined in the Student Code of Conduct and will treat all students with respect and consideration. You should plan to be punctual, prepared, and “ready to learn” each day of class. It is my intention to come to class prepared and ready to conduct a meaningful class in which we will work together in a respectful environment. In turn, I expect respectful and courteous behavior to be exhibited by all students, at all times. Failure to meet expectations will result first in a verbal warning, followed by a teacher-student conference (or In-class detention), parent contact, and then, if necessary, a referral to appropriate principal.
ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UP POLICY:
Regular and punctual attendance is an absolute necessity for success in this class. Some lab exercises may not be able to be made up; however, an alternate assignment may be necessary. In the event of an absence, the make-up procedure is in accordance with school policy - students will have the same number of days missed plus one to complete all missed assignments. Make up work is your responsibility (please check my website to see what you have missed). Make up tests, quizzes, and labs will be made up, before or after school within one week of your absence. Reassessment will not be made up during class.
Tardy Policy:
➢ All classrooms will be locked at the tardy bell.
➢ Students who are still in the hallways will be ushered to the “Tardy Table” in the connector hall by a teacher on duty or an administrator.
➢ Student will have to present their ID for a pass.
➢ Students may not enter a class without a pass approved at the “Tardy Table.”
1st Tardy- Warning
2nd Tardy- Parent Contact by teacher.
3rd Tardy- Saturday School
4th Tardy- Saturday School or ISSC at administrator’s discretion.
BE WARNED: TARDIES AND ABSENCES CAN IMPACT YOUR CREDIT. JUST BECAUSE YOU PASS A CLASS DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL GET CREDIT FOR IT.
BEST POLICY…. GET TO CLASS ON TIME!!!!
Reassessment Procedures:
All students have the opportunity to show mastery of the material after putting forth extra practice. I am dedicated to guiding all students to mastery. Students who receive below their desired mastery of the learning target on the first try will have the opportunity to reassess after completing the following steps. If the student does not follow all steps, the student will not be given the opportunity to retest.
REASSESSMENT IS A GIFT…IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU A BETTER LEARNER.
Late Work:
➢An assignment will NOT be accepted after 10 days.
➢Once past the 10 days, the assignment will be graded as MSG = 0 (zero) and cannot be re-assessed or changed.
To Reassess:
In order to earn your FULL 10 day reassessment window students will need to:
➢Must have turned in the summative assessment on the due date (you will lose a reassessment day for every day that you delay turning in your assignment)
oThis includes tests
➢Submit a valid attempt to meet minimum standard (ie – you must really try to do the work and not be lazy)
oI will call parents (required) if I think you aren’t trying and have chosen to forfeit your reassessment window.
➢Complete ALL minor assignments bydue date or within that assignment’s 10 day window.
➢Show up on time for all reassessment appointments (tutorials, etc.)
➢Demonstrate new or additional learning to increase the grade (i.e. show application of knowledge, this is up to the student to do)
➢Minor Assignments will not be reassessed.
Looking forward to an excellent year,
Jonathan Berg
I have reviewed and accept the information from the syllabus above:
Student Name (printed) : ______Student Signature: ______Date: ______
Parent Name (printed): ______Parent Signature: ______Date: ______
The Denton Independent School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, race, color, and or notional origins in its educational programs. Admission to career programs is based on age, grade, interest, aptitude and ability. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admissions and participation in any educational programs.