Course Expectancies for Biology Honors

Mrs. Ortiz

Mr. Fabret

Foothill High School

Rm. 308

Course Scope:

This one-year course is designed around introductory biological concepts designed for the academically oriented student. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills, research skills, and laboratory techniques. Independent study projects and inquiry-based learning experiences are integral parts of the course requirements. This course fulfills one of two high school graduation requirements for science and fulfills college entrance requirements for laboratory science.

Textbook:

Modern Biology by Holt, Rinehart and Winston

Course Outline (Benchmarks):

Quarter 1 –

Nature of Science, Human Biology, Chemistry of Life, Cellular Biology, Cell Transport and Cell Energy

Quarter 2 –

Nature of Science, Cell Cycle, Molecular Genetics and Laws of Genetics

Quarter 3 –

Nature of Science, Speciation, Population Genetics and Diversity

Quarter 4 –

Nature of Science, Taxonomy and Classification and Ecology

Course Goals:

  1. To utilize the nature of science through scientific processes of inquiry.
  2. To safely conduct original scientific investigations.
  3. To evaluate the development of biological concepts in a historical context.
  4. To utilize scientific evidence when developing explanations.
  5. To explain how genetic information is passed from one generation to another.
  6. To describe how all life forms, at all levels of organization, use specialized structure and similar processes to meet the needs of living things.
  7. To describe how ecosystems display patterns of organization, change and stability as a result of the interactions and interdependencies among the biotic and abiotic components of the Earth.
  8. To investigate diversity of life as explained through the biological principle of change over time.
  9. To analyze the transformation of energy related to living organisms.
  10. To explore the chemistry of life processes.
  11. To explore the process of cellular respiration.
  12. To explore the process of photosynthesis in plants.
  13. To describe examples of homeostasis.
  14. To describe characteristics of viruses, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals.
  15. To explore career opportunities related to biology.
  16. To discuss moral and ethical issues related to biological concepts.
  17. To demonstrate an understanding of character, ethics, safety skills and manners appropriate for this course

Grading Scale:

School-wide grading scaleClassroom Grading Distribution

90 – 100ASummative80%

80 – 89BFormative20%

70 – 79C

60 – 69D

59 & belowF

Description of Grading Procedures

  • Students who exceed ten unapproved absences for any semester will lose credit for that semester and will receive a failing grade.
  • Notebooks will be evaluated on the day before each chapter test is to be taken. Students will be required to place all work done in and out of class, within the notebook and all notes must be taken in the Cornell format in order to receive full credit.
  • Grades will be posted to ParentLink each Friday at the end of the school day unless otherwise informed. Grades will not be discussed during the week unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • Students will receive a letter grade for each nine-week quarter. A student’s semester grade will be determined as follows: 40% (first nine weeks) + 40% (second nine weeks) + 20% (semester exam)
  • Students will receive a 10% reduction for each day as assignment is turned in late to be added, after the assignment is graded.

Absences

  • After any absence, the student will be required to initiate contact with the school instructors to obtain appropriate make-up work within three school days directly following the student’s return. The student may approach the teacher before school or after school for their make-up work.
  • Students will receive two days for each day absent in order to make up their work. Work must be handed in on the third day or no credit will be given.
  • Students who are absent the day of a chapter test may not make up the test during class time and will be required to schedule a time before or after school within three days of their return.

Behavioral Expectations

  • Students will be expected to adhere to all written and verbal guidelines regarding laboratory exercises, classroom clean-up, behavior and other classroom activities. Failure to do so may result in denial of credit for assignments, a lost opportunity to participate in classroom experiences or immediate removal from the classroom.
  • Respect your instructor and your peers. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
  • Inappropriate comments, cursing or yelling will not be permitted in the classroom at any time and will result in disciplinary action.
  • Any damage to classroom property will result in disciplinary action and a fine card.
  • If seen in class for any reason (unless previously arranged), cell phones and electronics will be given to the office for a parent/guardian to pick up at their convenience.

Discipline Plan

There should be no problem with regards to behavior in the classroom if students take responsibility for their actions as-well-as their education, and treat others with respect at all times. When disciplinary action becomes necessary, the following steps will be taken:

  1. Verbal Warning
  2. Conference with the student
  3. Parental Contact and coach/advisor contact
  4. Teacher Detention
  5. Referral to the Dean

If a severe offense occurs during the class period or a student is non-compliant with the teacher’s requests, the student will be immediately sent out of the classroom.

Tardy Policy

  • Any student who enters the class after the bell is considered late to class.
  • Any student who is 30 minutes late to class will receive an absence for that period.
  • Students will receive a verbal warning after being late twice and a detention on their third offense.
  • On the fourth tardy the student will be given a Dean’s referral.
  • Subsequent tardies will follow the Dean’s progressive discipline plan.

Academic Dishonesty

  • All students are required to do their own work. Copying the work of another (whether student or outside source) is considered plagiarism. Any student who is academically dishonest will receive a zero for that assignment or test, will not be allowed to make up the assignment and may be subject to further disciplinary action.
  • Any talking during a test or quiz will be considered as academic dishonesty and the student will receive a zero.

Teacher Availability

  • As a volleyball coach, I am very dedicated to my team throughout the season. I will be available from 6:30am-7:00am in the morning and will be available after school, by appointment only, until no later than 2:00pm.
  • The best way to reach me is through Interact – I will make every attempt to respond promptly.

ParentLink

  • ParentLink will be updated every Friday and will allow students and their parents/guardians to check the status of student grades and attendance.
  • Daily printouts of grades will not be given unless under special circumstances.

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Please Detach and Return by 9/3/2012 for full credit. (yes, it’s an assignment )

I have read and understand the procedures that have been set forth in this syllabus. I agree to adhere to these guidelines in an effort to establish a productive and positive learning environment within the science classroom.

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Student Name (Print and Sign) Parent/Guardian Name (Print and Sign)

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Date