Biological Science

Mrs. Campbell & Mrs. Thompson

Course Description –Biological science meets five days a week. The course will include laboratory activities, written and group assignments and projects or long term assignments. A midterm and final examination will also help in assessment of your accomplishments.

Area of Emphasis-

Unit 1: Cells, Cells, its all about Cells- Organization and Development

Unit 2: Energy Makes the World Go Round – Matter and Energy Transformation

Unit 3: So that’s what I why I look like that! – Reproduction and Heredity

Unit 4: Would Darwin have had a Face Book page? Diversity and Biological Evolution

Unit 5: How long has the Earth got left? – Natural Systems and Interactions

Materials/Supplies

A three-ring binderor science section in a trapper keeper in order to keep handouts organized is required. Bring paper, pensand pencils everyday!Bring textbook when assigned.

iPads need to be charged before class; please make sure you check each night.

Grading Policy

Graded assignments include:

  • homework,
  • tests and quizzes,
  • labs and activities
  • participation

Marking period grades are calculated by adding the total number of points the student earned/ by the total number of possible points.For example: if you have earned 400 points out of 500 your grade would be 400/500 which is 80% (B-).

Homework Policy

Some homework is graded (10 points per week) and some is just checked. Homework is insurance for your grade. Homework is not accepted late as we usually go over the assignment in class. If you are absent when homework is assigned you should still complete the assignment but you will exempt from the grade.

Please Note: ALL assignments must be kept, even those that are not graded, as they will help you prepare for the midterm and final exams. Please date each assignment to help keep your papers organized.

Make Up Work

After a legitimate absence, it is the responsibility of the student to see the teacher regarding work that was missed and make arrangements with the teacher to complete the work.

  • If you are absent one day you have one day to make up the missed work.
  • If you are present the day before the test, then absent the day of the test, the test must be taken on the first day you return to school.
  • If you miss a test because of a school trip or sports event, the test must be taken after school on the day of the activity or the next day if the activity runs beyond school hours.

Notify me in advance of upcoming trips.

CLASSROOM RULES

Behavior

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.

2. Be in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings.

3. Respect your classmates & teachers by speaking one at a time.

4. Keep your work and lab area neat and clean.

5. Respect yourself and your peers.

Consequences:

1. Warning

2. 15 min. detention within 24 hours AND disruptive student will be seated away from the rest of the class for the remainder of the period

3. 30 min. detention within 24 hours

4. Call parents and explain situation.

5. Go to the office.

Attendance & Lateness

High School policy states that after 10 absences in any class, students will be notified of absenteeism concern. If a student reaches 18 absences, they will lose academic credit for that class. Three tardies equal one absence.

Tardiness Consequences:

•1st - Teacher Warning

•2nd - Teacher Detention

•3rd - Teacher Detention/Phone Call Home

•4th - Admin. Write-up

These warnings are cumulative and a student does not start out with a warning each day/time!

Unprepared Students

Organization is the key to success! Think ahead and always bring your supplies for the day to class! Students will not be allowed to go to their locker for forgotten supplies or assignments. If a student forgets a writing implement or paper on occasion, he or she can use materials available in the classroom.

Leaving the Room

During class, a student may need to leave the room to go see the nurse or go to the bathroom. Please wait until a time when teachers are not directly instructing and directions have been given. In order to leave the room, a student needs to fill in information in the classroom log and fill out a hall pass. This should only be done when absolutely necessary.

Food & Gum Chewing

These are safety issues! Please do not bring any food or drink into the classroom. If you are chewing gum, please be discrete.

Cell Phones

Cell phones can be a useful tool in Biology, please use them only when asked.