Biology I
Mrs. Heather VanderHoek
2017 - 2018
Class Description:
Biology is the scientific study of all forms of life. This course is an introduction. Students should take time to fully grasp material presented in this course because these are the topics built upon in upper level science courses. Students will have the opportunity to explore various topics through application and experimentation. It is my goal as the instructor to provide students with a stable, healthy and encouraging learning environment. As a team, we can make Biology an interesting and fun subject to study!
Course Outline:
- Introducing Biology/Lab Safety
- Cell Cycle/Mitosis & Meiosis
- Biochemistry
- DNA / Protein Synthesis
- Cell Structure and Function
- Biotechnology
- Taxonomy/Bacteria & Viruses
- Photosynthesis/Cell Respiration
- History of Earth/Evolution
- Ecology
- Mendelian Genetics
- Bio Milestone Review
Supply List:
- 1 inch 3-ring notebook (Students may consolidate all subjects into one notebook with a Biology section/tab)
- Tabbed Dividers (3): Daily Review, Class Notes, Lab/Handouts
- Loose Leaf Paper
- #2 Pencils (mechanical or standard)
- Blue or Black Pens
- Colored Pencils and Highlighters
- Glue Stick
Notebook:
Organization is vital to be successful in this course. You will be required to keep a structured notebook. Your notebook should be organized in the following order, each separated with a labeled tab divider:
- Daily Review (in date order)
- Class Notes (in date order)
- Lab/Handouts
Daily Review:
Each day, you will be given a question of the day. It may be a review question from the previous day’s material or a question to introduce you to the current day’s lesson. You will have a few minutes at the beginning of class to copy down and answer the question. It is imperative you keep up with these questions as they are part of your notebook. Also, there will be select test questions taken directly from your questions of the day.
Practice Bio I Georgia Milestone Test:
After each unit test, students will be given a take home Bio I Georgia Milestone Practice Test. Students will have exactly one week to complete the take home test. Students may utilize any resource available to complete test. *** The take home test will count as a test grade. Late tests will not be accepted and will result in a grade of zero. ***
Make-Up Work:
All work that is missed will be located in the BIO I hanging wall bin. It is the student’s responsibility to check the bin for missed notes and/or assignments upon their return to class. A weekly class log is also available to view work completed on days students are absent.
Students have (3) days to complete and return any missed assignments. Labs, quizzes, and tests must be made up before school or during Instructional Focus. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the teacher and decide upon a time for these make-ups.
Attendance:
Attendance is vital for ensuring your child’s success in school. Please take the time to review our attendance policy for ECHS. This can be found in your 2017 -2018 ECHS handbook.
Grading:
Your grade in this class is based on the following percentages. Students will take the Georgia Milestone for Biology at the end of the school year. THE BIO I GEORGIA MILESTONE WILL COUNT 20% OF EACH STUDENTS’S FINAL GRADE. All Biology Unit tests will be scheduled on Tuesday or Thursday.
Nine weeks grades will be calculated as follows:
Tests:50%
Labs:25%
Classwork and Quizzes:15%
Homework:10%
Your final grade will be calculated as follows:
The average of your 4 nine weeks’ grades: 80%
Bio I Milestone:20%
Tutoring:
I will be available from 7:30 am to 8:00 am on Wednesdays for tutoring. Tutoring is by appointment ONLY.
Expectations:
- Be on time!
- Be respectful of your teacher and your peers.
- Be prepared for class. This includes bringing needed materials and having completed reading and homework assignments.
- No eating or drinking in the classroom.
- Do your own work.
- Act responsibly and safely at all times in the laboratory.
- Put away cell phones, iPods, or other devices. If seen during class without teacher’s permission, student will receive an office referral and his/her phone will be turned into the office.
Class Management Procedure:
- 1st Offense: Verbal warning and parents will be contacted
- 2nd Offense: Assigned detention and Parental Contact
- 3rd Offense: Assigned detention and Parental Contact
- 4th Offense: Office Referral and Parental Contact
*** Given the severity of the incident, students may be referred to the office immediately and parents will be contacted.
ALL RULES IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK APPLY TO THIS CLASSROOM. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION.
Dear Parent(s),
I am truly excited to have your child in my Biology I class. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please email me at . You may also leave a message for me by calling the school at 754-6404 and I will return your call as soon as possible. Biology can be challenging at times. In order to ensure your child’s success, please encourage him/her to review materials covered daily. Taking 10 to 15 minutes per night to review notes can greatly help understanding and keep your child from cramming the night before a test. Students will not be given a textbook to take home, but may check out a book overnight if needed. In addition, an online version of the book will be available. I look forward to teaching and getting to know your child. Together, we can make this year a successful one! Thank you in advance.
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