CourseDescription: Biology covers a variety of topics concerning living things and the environments they inhabit. Biology is an SOL tested course and is required for graduation. This class will involve laboratory investigations therefore a lab safety contract must be signed by both student and parent/guardian online before the student may participate in labs. The following is a general outline of the units we will be studying this year:

Unit 1: Scientific Method, Measurements, Graphing, Lab Safety, and Microscopes.

Unit 2: Introduction to chemistry, Properties of water, Important biological molecules.

Unit 3: Cell structure and function, Cell transport

Unit 4: Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Unit 5: Mendelian Genetics

Unit 6: Structure of DNA, Protein Synthesis, and Genetic Engineering

Unit 7: Classification Systems and Theory of Evolution

Unit 8: Ecology

Unit 9: Biological Kingdoms

Grading Policy: Grades will be derived by averaging tests, quizzes, labs/projects, classwork and homework. Tests and projects will be weighted double the value of daily assignments; quizzes weighted one and a half times. No one assignment will be worth more than 15% of the quarterly grade. Grades will be broken down into two categories, formative and summative assessments. Classwork and homework are formative and will account for 40% of the total quarterly grade, homework being no more that 10% of that. Keeping notebooks up to date and organized is part of the classroom grade. Summative assignments will include tests, quizzes and labs/projects. These will account for the remaining 60% of the quarterly grade.

Late Work Policy: No late assignments will be accepted without an excused absence.

Cell Phone Policy:

There should be no use of electronic devices unless they are being utilized in the lesson as directed by the teacher. This policy will be implemented with a hands off approach. Any student caught with hands on phone will be asked to place it in the front of the room. Technology is a wonderful asset when used appropriately, but can also be a huge distraction in the classroom, so students will receive 3 strikes and then will be asked to deliver phone to the front of the room upon entry to class for the remainder of the nine weeks.

Class Requirements: Grade Scale:

  1. Notebook or binder with paper.A – 89.5-100
  2. Pencils and pensB – 79.5-89.4
  3. Colored pencils/markers are optionalC – 69.5-79.4

D – 59.5-69.4

F – 59.4 and below

Class Rules/Expectations:

  1. Respect your classroom, classmates and teacher.
  2. If it is NOT yours, don’t touch it without permission.
  3. Always give your best effort, come prepared, and stay on task.
  4. Remove distractions - no food or electronic devices allowed during class time without permission.

Consequences:

  1. Verbal warning. Seating may be changed at my discretion.
  2. Parent or guardian will be contacted.
  3. Referral to STOP or an administrator along with parent contact.

Progress reports will be given out during the 4th week of each nine weeks.

I am aware that the best method of contacting Ms. Lohr is by email then the school phone, and I realize that if I opt in for the remind text messaging/email, that this is a method for Ms. Lohr to inform me of important upcoming events and WILL NOT be a method for contacting her because messages sent to this number WILL NOT get to her.

Honor Code Policy

LHS has established an honor code to help instill a sense of responsibility and integrity in its student body. The honor code is taken seriously and strictly enforced.

Possible results of honor code infractions are: Parent contacted by the teacher, student assigned a grade of ‘F’ on the assignment, or referral to an administrator.

I have read and understand the requirements of this class.

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