700 Donald Street
Mobile, AL 36617
(251) 221-3125
Course Syllabus for Zoology
School Year 2014-2015
Teacher: Ms. Shaundrie Jones
Classroom: NW-1
Email:
Phone: (251) 221-3125
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a high school survey course that focuses on the study of animals’ anatomy, behavior, function and impact on the environment. This course is an introduction into the diversity of the animal kingdom. After this course, the student should be able to understand and identify a variety of organisms, their internal structures and habitats.
TEXTBOOK
“Biology: The Dynamics of Life”, Glencoe Science, Biggs et al., 2004
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
My Philosophy
Education is one of the most vital instruments in your life and you, as a student, must accept responsibility for your own actions and decisions. I believe that it is the student’s job to take responsibility for his or her own education. As a teacher, I will provide you with the raw materials to gain a thorough understanding of the subject matter but it is your job as a student to dedicate the necessary time and effort to mastering this information. As you prepare for your college education, I hope that you will take advantage of my offers to help you perfect study skills, critical thinking skills, and content mastery. I can be a valuable resource for you, but it is ultimately your decision to utilize this resource.
Methods of delivery
1. Lecture focusing on conceptual relationships.
2. Class discussion to facilitate analysis of data and problem solving.
3. Laboratory and field experiences.
4. Some audiovisual presentations.
5. Some outside reading
Homework
Graded homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework turned in after the assignment is collected is considered late. For the first semester, graded homework may be turned in late, but it will lose 10% of its possible grade. Any homework not turned in by the date after it is due will receive a zero. If you are absent the day an assignment is due it must be turned in no later that the day after you return. Extended absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Sloppy or incomplete homework will be downgraded.
Other Important Information
Athletic and extracurricular activities are planned and organized well in advance-- so should you be. If you need to leave for a sporting event, drama, etc and an assignment is due, the assignment needs to be turned in BEFORE you leave school. Even if you are to miss the entire class, the assignment is still due and should be turned in before you leave. If the assignment is not turned in, it will be considered late.
Tardiness to class in unacceptable UNLESS, you have a note from the teacher or administrator you were just meeting your tardy will be unexcused. If you receive a note, you are to report directly to class.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
You will be respectful at all times.
You will arrive at class on time, every day.
You will actively participate in class.
You will follow the rules and regulations of John L. LeFlore High School and the Mobile County Public School District.
You will keep the classroom clean and orderly, including your desk.
You will not be given passes to leave the class for the first 15 minutes and last 10 minutes of class.
You may not to eat or drink in class (water is permitted).
You will be responsible for your work that is on the homework calendar. You are required to pay attention to the due dates.
Classroom Discipline
You will be required to follow classroom rules. Classroom discipline will be monitored using a token economy. You classroom account will be credited with $100 Rattler Bucks. Once you have loss your money, you will be subjected to disciplinary actions which include, but not limited to, written assignments, after school detention, parent-teacher conference and suspension.
School Wide Standards
Be on time
Respect yourself, others and the educational process
Be in uniform
Follow all rules in your handbook
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM
Cheating and plagiarism are serious breaches of ethics and trust. I may use one of many plagiarism detection services if I suspect plagiarism. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing, you will get an immediate F for the assignment, and quite probably, an F for the course.
GRADING SCALE
Grade Percent A 90 – 100; B 80 – 89; C 70 – 79; D 60 – 69; F 0 – 59
Grades are averaged using the point system described below:
·Tests (~100 points)
·Quizzes and labs (~100 points)
·Homework and small class work assignments (~10 points)
·Opening assignments (~10 points)
·Major projects (one each semester – 200 points)
How is my classroom average calculated?
- Test - 60%
- Homework - 10%
- Laboratory Work - 10%
- Class work - 10%
- Notebook - 10%
- Total Grading -100%
- 15.00 lab fee
- 3 - Ring Binder with pockets
- Dividers
- 4 Packs Loose Leaf college ruled paper
- Pens, pencils and a high lighter
- Access to the library or a computer at home to complete homework
Ms. Shaundrie Jones
Ms. Shaundrie Jones
Student Signature ______Date ______
Parent Signature ______Date ______