Introduction: Welcome to Biology, the study of life. I am very excited to have you in my class. Below you will find a lay out to our Biology class this year. First, you will see the supplies that will be needed for the classroom. There is a section for you to see what we will be studying and when. There is a section that will cover grades. Finally, this syllabus will end with a detailed explanation on how our classroom will be organized specifically for biology.Your syllabus is to remain in the front of your Biology binder at all times.I am getting excited so let’s get started.

Supplies:

1 2-inch Binder

1 Pack 3-Dividers

1 Pack of notebook paper

Pencil

Pen (must be blue or black ink)

***Binders must remain in Mrs. Hasselle’s room at all times. Writing utensils may leave the room with you.

Look ahead: Below you will find a road map that we will follow for the year. If you’ve ever been on a road trip then you know that we can sometimes get off one path and onto another. So be patient if this does happen, we may need to change things up a bit to help us get where we are going. However, we WILL cover all the material below and to cover all of the material, this is likely the pattern we will follow. Each six weeks (from now on abbreviated SW) will contain different topics. See the road map below.

1SW:Units 1 Ecology, Unit 2 The Cell

2SW: Unit 3 Genetics, Unit 4 History of Biological Diversity

3SW: Unit 5 Bacteria, Viruses, Protists and Fungi, Unit 6 Plants

4SW: Unit 7 Invertebrates, Unit 8 Vertebrates

5SW: Unit 9, The Human Body, Biology test taking strategies

6SW: Review, Connection Activities, Classroom project

Grades: Grades are divided into the following 5 categories: notebook (aka binder), group project, tests, participation and quizzes. Below, you will see an explanation of these categories.

Notebook (40%): Your notebook grade includes all 3 binder categories (see below: binder expectations). This grade is the biggest portion of your grade; it will include all of your class work, lab work and group assignments. It is very important to complete all class work, group assignments and lab work in a timely manner.

Group Project (15%): There will be one assigned group project each six weeks. These projects are 15% of your overall grade; whereas regular group activities will be part of your notebook grade. All group members must participate and the projects will vary each SW. I will assign the groups for group projects.

Test 20%:Each six weeks, you will take 2 tests. These tests are worth a decent percentage of your grade. They are important. If you pay attention during class, complete all class activities, labs and groups assignments, you will have no problem passing the tests.

Participation 10%: This is arguably the easiest grade to earn. Come to class, be on time and participate in class. Each day you come to class on time and participate, you receive 2 points, by the end of the week, you have 10 points if you have done this every day. Participation grades are taken weekly and this portion of your grade is just as important as the other portions of the grade.

Quizzes (15%): In this class there are group quizzes, individual quizzes and class quizzes. There will be NO pop quizzes. If you regularly participate in class, you will be successful on the quizzes.

Binder Expectations: You should have 1 binder with 3 dividers. Each divider will represent its own section in your binder. The sections in your binder should be marked as follows:

  1. Class work
  2. Lab Work
  3. Group Activities

Explanation of Binder Categories:

  1. Classwork: This section of the binder will include the following items:
  2. TEKS breakdown: The TEKS are important items related to the Biology End of Course (EOC) exam. You will look at the TEKS before we begin a lesson. In your binder, you will complete a TEKs breakdown. This will be demonstrated in class before you have to turn one in. This will help you understand key points from our lesson. (To be completed on notebook paper.)
  3. Vocabulary: At the beginning of a lesson, I will have the key vocabulary words posted on the board. We will first do a classroom activity to help learn the meaning behind our vocabulary words. After this activity, you will write your definition of the vocabulary word in your binder.
  4. Class Notes: Occasionally, you will be required to take notes in your binder. These should be taken in the class work section of your binder.
  5. Class Assignments: Individual work assigned by Mrs. Hasselle should also go in this section.
  6. Lab work: You will be given worksheets during lab time. It will be your responsibility to follow directions on the worksheets and complete them for your lab. These worksheets should be placed in your binder, lab work section.
  7. Group Activities: Major grade group projects assigned each six weeks and other class assigned group activities should be completed on notebook paper in this section of your binder. However, major grade group projects will be graded separately than in class group activities.

As stated above, the binder will be graded on a 10 point scale. Below is a rubric on how your binder will be graded.

Neatness/ Organization / ____/2
Timely Completion / ____/3
Content- Includes TEKS breakdown, vocabulary, class notes, class assignments, lab work and group activities / ____/5
Total ____/10

Binders are graded weekly on Friday. You will receive your binder grade, when you come in on Monday.

Parents must sign the next page and return to Mrs. Hasselle by:______.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

I, ______, have read the Biology Syllabus and I am aware of the 5 supplies needed for this class. I understand how my son/daughter will be graded throughout the year for biology. I am aware there is no homework and all work will be completed in class. If I have any questions, I am aware that I can contact, Mrs. Hasselle via email at and via phone at: 903-753-9400 ext. 206.

(Parent Signature)

I look forward to a wonderful year in Biology!

Thank you,

Mrs. Emily Hasselle

East Texas Charter

Biology, A& P, Spanish