Biology Syllabus

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Mrs. Lebow

Email:

Phone: 936-890-7105

Conference: 11:50 – 12:40 a.m.

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Course Description

Biology is the study of life, examining living organisms and how they interact with their environment. The curriculum is an introductory course taught in two semesters of high school. The primary objective of the course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of modern biology and scientific processes, work collaboratively with peers, and develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Overall, the curriculum is as follows:

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First Semester

·  Unit 1: Safety and Evidence-Based Thinking

·  Unit 2: Ecology

·  Unit 3: Biochemistry

·  Unit 4: Cells

·  Unit 5: Photosynthesis Cellular Respiration

·  Unit 6: Cell Cycle

·  Unit 7: Protein Synthesis

Second Semester

·  Unit 8: Genetics and Heredity

·  Unit 9: Evolution

·  Unit 10: Classification

·  Unit 11: Viruses, Bacteria and Protists

·  Unit 12: Plant Structures and Adaptations

·  Unit 13: Body Systems

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Classroom Behavior

·  In order for this year to be a productive one, we must all strive to treat each other with respect and courtesy.

·  As per school policy, no eating or drinking in the classroom. Dispose of any kind of food or drink prior to entering this room.

·  The classroom will be kept clean and orderly at all times. You will be dismissed only after the room is arranged like it was before you entered.

·  Occasionally, there will be permitted use of technology in the classroom for educational purposes. When technology is in use, all guidelines provided by the teacher must be followed.

·  You will have limited uses of the bathroom/hall pass. Use them wisely and there are NO exceptions.

·  Students will be expected to follow the CHAMPS chart below.

Teacher-Led Instruction / Cooperative Groups / Laboratory Activities / Individual Assignments / Tests
Conversation / No talking unless called upon by teacher / On task/topic discussion with group members / On task discussion with lab partners / No talking / No talking
Help / Raise hand, wait for teacher / Raise hand or ask a group member / Raise hand or ask a lab partner / Raise hand, wait for teacher / Raise hand, wait for teacher
Activity / Listen, read and write notes / Complete activity or discussion assigned / Follow procedure exactly as written / Work on the assigned task alone / Read questions and answer to the best of your ability
Movement / Stay seated. Raise hand for restroom, pencil sharpener, etc. / Move to assigned area when told and stay until asked to return to your seat / Move to assigned area when told and stay until asked to return to your seat / Stay seated. Raise hand for restroom, pencil sharpener, etc. / Stay seated. Raise hand for restroom, pencil sharpener, etc.
Participation / Attention focused on teacher and notes / All members actively participating in discussion or activity / All members actively working on lab activity / Attention focused on assignment / Attention focused on test

Supplies

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·  Black or blue pen

·  Pencils

·  Composition notebook

·  3 ring binder (2 inch)

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Additional supplies: In order to keep the classroom running smoothly, I request a few supplies from each student.

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·  1st Period: 1 package markers (wide/thick)

·  5th Period: 1 package colored pencils

·  8th Period: 1 package of large glue sticks (at least 2 sticks)

Schoolwork

Schoolwork is assigned nearly every day. I expect you to have completed the work in order to participate in the next day’s class. If you are absent, you are responsible for collecting missed work; this includes absences due to UIL activities. One day absence allows you to have one day to make-up the assignment. For long absences, teacher may use discretion on make-up due dates. If it is not collected or not completed and turned in, it will not be graded. If you fail to retrieve work prior to a UIL related absence, you will receive points off.

Late work policy

The late work policy on minor and major assignment is as follows:

Minor Assignments (40%) / Major Assignments (60%)
Late Penalty / 25% off grade / 10 points off per day
Deadline / Progress reports (3 weeks) / Report card (9 weeks)

a.  Minor assignments (Example: Class work, homework, small labs, quizzes)

i.  Late work will be accepted with a penalty of 25% off. If the assignment has not been turned in by the 3-week progress report, it will be a zero.

b.  Major Assignments (Example: Projects, major labs)

i.  10 points of per day. If the assignment has not been turned in by the 9-week report card, it will be a zero.

Grades and Testing

Grades will be calculated following the percentages below:

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·  60 % Major

·  40% Minor

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Every 9 weeks will include at least 4 major grades (tests, labs, or projects) and 9 minor grades (homework, schoolwork and quizzes).

All students will be required to take all exams, including both semester finals.

The STAAR Biology EOC will be administered the week of May 2, 2016 and is required for all students.

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Tutorials

I expect students to read through their notes, labs, and other materials on a daily basis. You are welcome to see me after school on Mondays and Thursdays from 2:25 – 3:15 p.m. for assistance with questions. You must have questions prepared before coming for help. Please note tutorial times and dates are subject to change throughout the year.

Biology Syllabus Acknowledgement Form

I have received and read the syllabus for Biology and understand the requirements and expectations of the course. I agree to abide by the policies stated in the syllabus.

Parent’s Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent’s E-mail: ______Phone #: ______

Student’s Name (print): ______

Student’s Signature: ______Date: ______

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