Living Environment Course SyllabusEmail:

Instructor: Brian GallagherRoom: A334 ex. 3340

Course Description:

Living Environment is a life science course based on the content from the Living Environment Core Curriculum of NYS. Student will take the Regents exam in this subject based upon the key topics presented throughout the year. These key areas include: similarities and differences among living organisms, homeostasis in organisms, genetic continuity, reproduction and development, evolution, ecology, human impact on ecosystems, scientific inquiry and skills, and laboratory skills. In summary the class is a blending of traditional Biology with Ecology and mans impact on the environment.

Grading Policies:

  • All grades will be entered into the District’s online grading system, Power Teacher. Parents can view their students’ grades at
  • This course is a graduation requirement.
  • Grades for this course will be broken down into weighted categories:

Classwork/Homework/Labs20%

Tests/Quizzes80%

  • There will be a learning log that records daily topics and the question of the day as well as summary of the lesson. This is to be completed daily and is checked and/or collected on Fridays.
  • Classwork will be based on activities in class and on participation in classroom discussions.
  • Quizzes will be given every Friday on the material we were covering.
  • Tests will be announced will mostly cover a broader topic. They will be regents styled.
  • Homework will be assigned everyday as written assignments and is collected and graded.
  • Late and incomplete assignments can be handed in late and 2 point will be subtracted for each day it is late.
  • Wednesday video series work will be completed and graded
  • THE REGENTS EXAM WILL BE AVERAGED INTO MARKING PERIOD 4

Parent Conference dates:

  • SOTA CURRICULUM NIGHT

Wednesday, September 16, 20156:30 - 8:30 PM

  • SOTA PARENT CONFERENCES

Thursday, October 15, 20156:30 - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, January 13, 20166:30 - 8:30 PM

Thursday, March 3, 20166:30 - 8:30PM

Lab Policies:

  • Students must satisfactorily complete 1,200 minutes of lab exercises to be eligible to take the Regents exam
  • The 1,200 minute Lab Requirement must be met by the last week of May 2016.
  • Labs are due before the next lab period
  • There will be no make-up opportunity for students who were illegally absent or are asked to leave the room by the lab teacher for unacceptable behavior or a safety violation.
  • Failure to hand in labs will result in a grade of 0 on the Regents exam and failure of the course.

Lab Grading Policies:

Quality:

  • All labs should be neat, organized, and legible.
  • Follow all appropriate conditions for scientific notation, significant figures and problem solving.
  • Do not "fudge" data to arrive at what you think is a correct answer.

Grading:

  • Completed labs will be graded on a scale of 1 to 10.
  • Points will be added and deducted for each basic lab requirement

Examples:

Conclusion

Missing Graph

Diagram has no labels

Exceptionally well-written conclusion

Lab is turned in on the next school day

*No grade higher than 10 out of 10 can be awarded.

Required Materials:

  • Binder with loose leaf paper for notes and to organize handouts.
  • Pens and pencils, as well as colored pencils
  • Textbook, and review books provided by the library
  • SCIENTIFIC calculator

Classroom Expectations:

  • Be on time, Be prepared, Be engaged.
  • Early is on time! On time is late!
  • Cell phones and all Electronics are prohibited in ALL classrooms.
  • To include but not limited to: ear buds, headphones, IPODS.
  • The Dress code will be strictly enforced.
  • To include but not limited to: Hats, hoodies and bandanas as well as what is prescribed by the school handbook and posters.
  • Disrespect/Disruption to the educational process is prohibited.
  • To include but not limited to: bullying, profanity, food consumption and personal grooming.
  • NON-NEGOTIABLES – Immediate removal from classroom
  • To include but not limited to: Fighting; both physical and verbal, vandalism, theft, chronic disruption, and suspicion of being under the influence of illegal substances.
  • ANY DISRUPTION IN LAB – THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE
  • CONSEQUENCES: To include but not limited to:
  • Verbal/non-verbal warning/contact log, Move the student’s seat, Parent contact, Lunch detention, After school detention, Conference with administrator

Topics Covered in Living Environment:

TOPICSNUMBER OF WEEKS

First Semester

Inquiry2 & integrated

Characteristics of Living System2

Human Structure and Functions3

Cellular Organization3

Genetics and Heredity4

Genetic Engineering2

Second Semester

Variation Adaptation and Evolution3

Reproduction and Development3

Energy Pathways3

Diseases and Homeostasis3

Interdependence4

TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED BY FRIDAY 9/5

I have reviewed the Course Criteria sheet with my student and understand that the 1200 laboratory minutes must be completed to make my son/daughter eligible to take the New York State Regents Exam in June.

Printed Name ______

Student Signature: ______

P/G #1 P/G #2

Parent/Guardian Signature: ______

Relationship ______

P/G Printed Name:______

Parent/Guardian Daytime Phone: ______

Evening Phone: ______

Email: ______

Cell phone:______

What is the best way to reach you? ______When? ______

Comments/Concerns: