Biology I

Miss Hartzell Room 115A (Bio Office)

Welcome to Miss Hartzell’sBiology class! I am very excited to share the academic year with you exploring and discovering the amazing world of Biology. We will use online resources, labs, projects, discussions, and more to create a classroom community of respect and learning. I believe all students are capable of great things and reaching their highest potential, so expect me to push you to exceed your own expectations of yourself and see what you can really do! Let’s work together to make this a fun, safe, and fascinating year in Biology. Please always feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Course Description

This Biology I course is designed to expose students to the vast world of biological concepts from the big (ecosystems, populations) to the small (bioenergetics, genetics) and everything in between. This class does culminate with the state Keystone Exam, so we will work rigorously throughout the year to best prepare you for success. The textbook for the course is Biology by Miller & Levine. Due to a shortage of textbooks, you will not received a hardcopy, however you will always receive a print-out version of each text section used to allow reading and annotations. All students are strongly recommended to have a 3-ring binder (larger than 2 inches thick) to keep materials handed out and worked on in class in addition to lined paper for taking notes. This binder is expected to be organized and present with the student every class.

This course uses Google Classroom to post Bellringer Questions, assignments, lecture notes, weekly class agendas, attachments of all class resources (worksheets, videos, notes, etc.), and due date reminders. When absent, please first refer to Google Classroom to look at the day’s agenda and find all work missed in class for the day.

Course Outline

  • Nature of Science
  • Review of basic scientific principles, Scientific Method, What is Biology
  • Characteristics of Life
  • Life-defining characteristics, Organization of Life
  • Chemical Basis for Life
  • Atomic Structure and Bonding, Properties of Water, Organic Macromolecules, Chemical Reactions
  • Cell Homeostasis and Transport
  • Cell Theory & Microscopes, Cell Structure & Function, Cell Membrane, Active & Passive Transport
  • Bioenergetics
  • Enzymes, ATP, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration
  • Cell Growth and Reproduction
  • Cell Cycle, Mitosis, Cancer, Unicellular & Multicellular Life, DNA, Protein Synthesis, Genetic Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Chromosomes & Meiosis, Mendel & Heredity, Traits, Genes, Alleles, Genetic Variation, Complex Inheritance, Genetic Disorders
  • Theory of Evolution
  • Darwin & Natural Selection, Evidence of Evolution, Mechanism of Evolution, Evolution of Populations, Speciation
  • Ecology
  • Principles of Ecology, Interactions in Ecosystems, Human Impacts
  • Keystone Review

Classroom Expectations

  • BE RESPECTFUL
  • Your full attention should be given to whomever is speaking whether it be the teacher, a classmate, a guest speaker, etc.; if you would like to speak you must raise your hand.
  • Treat others as you want to be treated!
  • Treat ALL peers, adults, self, and school/personal property with respect and care.
  • BE RESPONSIBLE
  • Bring all required materials to every class:
  • 3-ring binder organized and ready for class use
  • Homework assignments
  • Pencil/Pen
  • Lined paper for note taking
  • If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to get the missing work and notes. All class resources and agendas will be posted daily in Google Classroom. I have a “While You Were Out…” folder with hard copies of missed work for when you return also.
  • Be on time and ready to start class when the bell rings.
  • Exhibit honesty and integrity when completing each assignment in and out of class.
  • BE KIND
  • Smile!
  • Bring a positive attitude!
  • Help others and be courteous with peers and adults!
  • BE SAFE
  • Follow all lab safety directions and procedures when using lab equipment and/or chemicals.
  • Keep your extremities to yourself.

Grading

  • Grades will be based on projects, tests, quizzes, homework, class work, labs,bellringer questions, and participation. Each marking periods grade is based on 50% tests, quizzes, and projects and 50% all other graded assignments and participation.
  • Grades are not given, you EARN them!
  • Assignments are accepted late but with a deduction. The first day an assignment is late, the deduction is 10%, and after that the deduction is 50%. Once an assignment is gone over in class, that submitted work is automatically worth 50% maximum. NO late assignments will be accepted after that unit test has been given!
  • Extra credit is only offered as an opportunity to the entire class. No individual extra credit will be offered/permitted; no exceptions!
  • Extra Achievement may be earned on assignments where students have gone above and beyond the requested assignment and shown great academic initiative.