AP Biology

Course Description and Classroom Guidelines

Teacher: Ms. Alice Chang

Room: C 35
Phone: 714-663-6515
Email:
Check grades at: / TEXTBOOK RESOURCE ONLINE:
College Board AP Biology Website:

Class website: Google Classroom Class Code: ppkw86
  • Parents you will need your child’s school email and password to access the class website

STUDENT HELP SESSION:

Welcome to AP Biology! This is a rigorous college level course and will be demanding both in and out of the classroom. The AP Biology curriculum has gone through a major revision and now there is a greater emphasis on biology as a process with a focus on analytical and laboratory skills. Rote memorization is much less emphasized. Students are expected to develop the cognitive and critical thinking skills to be able to apply biological knowledge in novel situations.

Required Materials:

  1. Textbook, study guide, test prep: Biology AP 8th edition by Campbell and Reece
  2. Composition book
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  1. Pen, pencil, eraser,color pencils, glue stick
  2. Four function calculator with square root

Classroom Expectations:

  • Be respectful
  • Be attentive and listen actively
  • Be prepared and ready to learn
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  • Be polite and courteous at all times
  • Be safe
  • NO NAME NO CREDIT

Attendance:

Being in class and on time is a very important part of your academic success. I expect all students to be dressed properly and in their assigned seats when the bell rings.

  • Truancies

You CANNOT make up classwork, lab, quizzes, or exams while you were truant. It is up to you to make sure that the

attendance office clears your absences.

Grades:

The student’s grade in the class will be weighted as follows: 70% exams, 25% labs, and 5% assignments.Check your grade at:

The letter grade will depend on the following scale:

A = 90-100% / B = 80-89% / C = 70- 79% / D = 60-69% / F = 0-59%

Assignments/Labs:

Assignments and labs will be given on a regular basis and must be turned in on the due date. Late work will only be accepted on more than two days late and can only receive a maximum of 50% credit (see make up work section for more detail).

Quizzes:

Quizzes are given out several times throughout the unit. Quizzes cover the information presented in class and in the textbook. No make up quiz is given. If you missed a quiz, your next quiz will count double (example: quiz A missed, Quiz B = 80%. Therefore, Quiz A = 80%, Quiz B = 80%)

Exams:

Exams consist of multiple choice, fill in, and short answer questions. CHEATING IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!! If caught cheating, the student will receive a ZERO on the exam. Parents and school administration will also be notified. IF cheating continues, the student will receive and “F” for the grading period (see student handbook).

Make up work (for EXCUSED absences only):

It is the student’s responsibility to find out what work he/she missed during his/her absence.

  • All work can be made up except quizzes.
  • Exams & labs can be made up at the teacher’s discretion. But be aware that make up exams & labs can be in a different format than the original labs and exams.

Extra Credit:

Extra credit will be offered at the discretion of the instructor.

Lab Safety:

It is important for students to follow lab safety procedures and lab directions. Failure to do so may result in injuries to yourself or others. The lab and citizenship grade will be lowered if lab safety is violated in any way.

Electronic Devices:

Electronic devices such as music players and cell phones are not allowed in class. If you have them with you do not take it out in class. If I see it I will take it away. Student handbook policy will be enforced.

Citizenship/Behavior Grade:

A positive attitude and willingness to cooperate is the expected behavior in the classroom. By entering the classroom with a positive attitude, your educational experience will be pleasant not only for yourself but also for everyone else.

All students start off with an “S” or satisfactory in citizenship. Factors such as promptness, preparation, participation, and attitude are all considered in the final evaluation. School policy is enforced – know your student handbook! The following consequences will be in effect for minor inappropriate student behavior: Serious disruptions, including use of profanity, fighting, theft, dangerous or rudely defiant behavior, or deliberate and malicious destruction of property will result in immediate office referral.

First Violation:Verbal Warning

Second Violation:Teacher consequence #1 and student conference

Third Violation:Teacher consequence #2 and parental notification

Fourth Violation:Phone call home or Parent/Student/Teacher Conference

Fifth Violation:Referral to Office

Teacher consequences may include: seat change, behavior sentences, isolation, phone call to parent, after school or lunch detention, lowered citizenship grades or other consequences.

Open Door Policy:

If, at anytime, a student or parent/guardian wishes to discuss any aspect of this course such as class policies, grades, make-up work … feel free to contact me! Parents/guardians, I urge you to take an active part in your child’s education. Call me or send me an email if you have any questions, I will always make time to talk with you. Suggestions and comments are welcome at any time!!!!

Thank you,

Ms. Chang

NAME: ______PERIOD: ______

AP Biology Course Description and Classroom Guidelines Verification

Please return this portion of this letter only! Please keep the first page for your records.

I acknowledge that I have read & reviewed the class syllabus with my parent/guardian.

______

(Student, Sign and Print Name)

Date: ______

I acknowledge that I have read & reviewed the class syllabus with my student.

______

(Parent/ Guardian Sign and Print Name)

Date: ______

Class website: Google Classroom Class Code: ppkw86

  • Parents you will need your child’s school email and password to access the class website

In order to maintain contact with the parents/guardians of the students, please list your phone number & email address below. Please indicate which method of contact is preferred.

Parent /Guardian Phone :______

Parent /Guardian Email Address: ______

LABORATORY SAFETY CONTRACT

The National Science Teachers Association urges that students be required to review and sign a “contract” that defines acceptable behavior in a school science setting.

Basic rules are defined. The student reviews these basic rules plus the more detailed set on the reverse side of this contract. The student then signs the “contract” agreeing to abide by these rules and any additional safety directions provided by the science instructor or school administration.

THE PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT IS TO MAKE THE STUDENT AWARE OF

HIS/HER RESPONSIBILITY FOR LABORATORY SAFETY.

Students should also realize the implications of improper behavior. For example, courts have ruled that students can be just as guilty of negligence as teachers in laboratory accidents.

I WILL:

  • Follow all instructions given by the teacher.
  • Protect eyes, face, hands and body when involved in science experiments.
  • Carry out good housekeeping practices.
  • Know where to get help fast.
  • Know the location of first aid, eye wash and fire extinguisher.
  • Conduct myself in a responsible manner at all times.

I,, have read and agree to follow the safety regulations set forth above and on the reverse side of this “ contract.” I will closely follow the oral or written instructions provided by the teacher and/or the school administration.

______Date:______

Student signature

______Date:______

Parent signature