Collection of Evidence Biology Syllabus 2014
Bess Owens, Biology Teacher Extraordinaire:
“I believe students can be successful if they work hard. Everyone gets lots and lots of do- overs in life. If I blow my diet in the morning, I can have a do-over right away. Often students who have stormy times in their lives need do-overs. This is much like the awesome flowers that bloom a little late in the spring after a harsh winter. The flowers were always spectacular; they just had been through some bad weather. It is time for success in biology. We can do it together. I am here to help every step of the way.
Biology is the study (-olgy) of life (Bio-). L'Chayim (li-KHAY-eem) is an ancient Yiddish/Hebrew term meaning literally, to life. It is used the way you would use "Cheers!" in English. L’Chayim to the study of life: Biology! J
Course Goals Biology will provide each student with:
· The skills and knowledge to pass the COE Biology Assessment for graduation.
· An understanding of the integral relationship of biology in our world.
· Hands-on experience using scientific to conduct experiments.
· Skill in collecting and analyzing data in order to solve problems.
· An opportunity to develop reading, writing and communication skills.
Semester I Learning Targets: The COE Assessments are completed all year long.
*Characteristics of life *Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
*Resources needed for life *Biochemistry: macromolecules and enzymes
*Structure of Cells *Osmosis, diffusion and the cell membrane
Semester II Learning Targets
*DNA *Genetics
*Cell reproduction *Evolution: changes over time
*Classification *Biospheres
LEARNING RESOURCES
Textbook: Biology –The Dynamics of Life by Glencoe Online: http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/biology/bio2002/index.html#
Select Online Student Edition – Full version,
User name: BDOL, Password (case sensitive): huChEtAsp5
English Language Learner Support: Google Translate: Just type in words and it will put it in the language you want. You can copy/paste words from any document: power points and assignments put on my Teacher Page on the AHS webpage.
Snap & Read automatically reads the text aloud. Go to My Computer on any district computer, Go to the G Drive, Double Click on the SnapRead Shortcut. You can copy/paste words from any document to be read out loud to you. BE SURE TO TURN ON YOUR COMPUTER SPEAKERS.
KhanAcademy.com: Provides great, illustrated talks, most 8-12 min. long, on many biology topics.
3
Biology Collection of Evidence Verses
The Biology End of Course Exam
EOC / COE / NeitherBased on WA State Biology Standards / J / J
Based on Next Generation Standards / J
Completed at one day at end of the year / J
Completed during the entire, year-long COE biology course / J
Students can take unlimited EOC assessments / J
The class of 2015 must pass EOC to graduate / J
Completed on paper / J
Completed on the computer / J
Has multiple choice, fill in the blank questions / J
Test has true false questions / J
Completed under teacher supervision at school- not home / J / J
Strongly based on biology scenarios / J / J
Students must present class work samples they’ve saved / J
COE scores come back to schools August 29. / J
The tests are only written in English / J / J
Human translators can read a quiz to student, but cannot define words/help with answers / J
Can scores can be banked and spread test over 3 years / J
Students may submit only ONE biology COE / J
Students earn 1.0 LAB science credit for taking COE Biology. / J
The COE Biology class is very similar to the regular biology classes, except for testing.
The computer tracks what the student passes. / J
The EOC and COE will go away before 2018 / J
The EOC & COE cover the same standards. / J / J
Students cannot receive help during the tests / J / J
Teachers can see the questions, and re-teach the concepts / J
Collection of Evidence
1. A Collection of Evidence is built from tasks completed on the computer. Labeled diagrams
for the computer questions drawn on official forms and mailed in by the teacher.
2. Tasks are a scenario- based work sample of 3-4 short answer questions from the standards.
3. Teachers/students select a minimum of 6 tasks (out of 16) to make a COLLECTION.
You can do more than 6-8 tasks, but it isn’t necessary. Some do more to ensure students
meet WA Biology Standards. You are not penalized for ones that don’t meet standard.
4. There will be TWO On Demand Tasks
Ø They cannot be opened or revised after the teacher submits them.
Ø Individual questions must be completed in one session. They can do one question a day.
5. There will be FOUR-SIX Extended Time Tasks
6. Students complete individual questions over many days.
7. They are allowed to multiple edits and revisions prior to the teacher submitting it into
their collection.
Ø Teachers grade their responses, re- teaches the concepts, and the student retakes the task
as many times as needed.
Ø When they have mastered the standard, then teacher submits it.
Essential Elements of a Successful Class/Life
Respect – It is essential that teachers respect students, students respect teachers and students respect each other, even if they are very different than you.
Consideration – The Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Don’t leave a mess for some else to deal with. Leave your work areas the way you would like to have it left for your.
Caring - Caring for others is a vital part of a healthy work and learning relationships. Help each other out. Be kind one to another. Care about yourself. You deserve it.
Trust – Positive relationships are based on trust. If you lie you damage that relationship. YOU LOSE. It may take a long time to rebuild the trust they have in you.
Responsibility – Take ownership of your work. Clean up your messes. Take charge of getting your work done and turning it in. Don’t blame others (cat ate it).
Integrity – Don’t say others work is yours. Don’t cheat, experience the pride of doing your own work and being able to be trusted. Your name on a paper means you did it.
Connection – Plug into you education. Focus on your work. Apply yourself. This is a big school so it is vital that you get connected to a few friends that will build you up and help you make good choices.
Challenge – Don’t accept just getting by. Challenge yourself investigate more than just getting by.
Class Expectations
· Follow directions the first time they are given.
· Be IN your seat when the bell rings.
· Take care of personal business outside of class time.
· Contribute to a positive learning for yourself & others.
· Make the teacher’s job easy.
Standards-Based Grading
· Daily assignments are graded on a pass/fail bases. 1 point in Skyward =Pass, Fail = 0 points.
· Students must complete the entire assignment to receive a passing grade.
· They can have as much time as needed to complete the work without points being taken off.
· January 16, 2015 IS THE DEADLINE FOR CLASS WORK and paper assessments.
· The highest grade is posted in the grade book is the one that remains.
· Quizzes and tests can be retaken as many times as desired.
· No Work = No Credit! Put on your positive work attitude.
GRADE EXPECTION: A’s and B’s: You have not completely mastered a biology standard if you have a C, D or F.
Extra Credit & Homework
· There are NO LARGE EXTRA CREDIT activities.
· The best way to bring a grade up is by doing work/quizzes you missed.
· There will be small to enable students to 100% in the course.
· Homework: There will be no homework on week-long breaks.
I’m not working then, and neither should you. J
Quality Bonuses
Quality Bonuses Are Great Because:
· A student receives class recognition and respect for going above and beyond.
· The teacher may mention quality bonuses to parents/teachers/administrators.
· They can be given to parents to earn respect, recognition, or privileges/rewards.
· They can be used to make up one day’s worth of daily assignments equaling 1 point.
Daily Essential Questions
The Essential Questions/Word of the Day is a “fire starter” activity at the first 5 minutes of class to focus attention on a biology standard we are going to be addressing that day, or to review concepts and vocabulary. The questions are on the weekly quizzes.
Teacher Contact Information
Bess Owens, AHS, Room 226, 711 East Main Street
Auburn, WA 98002, (253) 931-4880
.
The very best way to get a hold of me is by e-mail.
Semester I Learning Contract
I,______in period ______, understand the course expectations. I AGREE TO ABIDE THE CPIRSE EXPECTIONS. I will not leave a mess in this room, and push in/or put up my chair every day. I will not disrupt the learning of others or myself. I take full responsibility for my behavior and learning in this class.
______
Student’s Signature Date Period
I have reviewed expectations for biology, and will support my student’s success.
______
Parent’s Signature Date
(______)______(______)______
Changes to Parent’s Phone Changes to Parent’s Work Phone
______
Changes/Addition to Parent’s E-mail address
Special Note for the Teacher’s Eyes only ______
SHOPPING LIST: Recycle/Reduce/Reuse what you can. Share with others.
A. 3-Ringed Binder or 1 ½” of a bigger one: Binder check on Friday 9/12.
B. Binder Dividers, pencils/pens, and lined paper
D. $1.00 for a Science Lab Book (You can buy your own.)
Extra school supplies and food to share with needy students. Keep the apple basket full.
Auburn High School
Science Department Safety Contract
I, ______Period______, agree to:
(Print student’s first and last name.)
1. Follow all instructions explicitly. Get help fast.
2. Perform only authorized experiments.
3. No horse around during a lab.
4. Keep working area clean.
5. Report at once all accidents, broken glassware and unusual occurrences.
6. I will be financially responsible for broken lab equipment and glassware.
I understand the need for safe attitudes and behavior in the science laboratory. Safe practices are for the protection of others and me.
I agree to act within the limits of the stated safety expectations.
Student’s Signature: ______Period______