Biology
Wolfe County High School
Mrs. Cynthia Gullett
Course Overview
In today’s society there is a strong need for scientific knowledge and principles. This class is focused on the study of life science. People often wonder why we need to study science. Scientists are curious people and the study of science is always changing. Without scientist making observations and performing experiments we would not be able to have such things as medicine for diseases, clean water systems, and technologies such as microwaves, cell phones, and computers. Having a basic knowledge of science allows us to make more informed decisions on things such as our health (diet, smoking), making choices about medical treatments, and even voting for a particular policy maker (global warming and energy). I encourage you to do your very best and learn as much as you can this year to help you build a scientific foundation of knowledge for your future.
Course Content
· Scientific Inquiry
· Mathematics and Measurements in Science
· Science in Practice
· Foundations
· Biochemistry
· Organization of the Biosphere
· Ecology
· Cells
· Cellular Respiration
· Photosynthesis
· Genetics
· Natural Selection/Evolution
· Relationships among Organisms
· Animals
Course Materials
Ø Textbook: McDougal Littell Biology
Ø Class/Laboratory notebook (a three-ring binder)
Ø Pen/pencil
Classroom Policy
The basis for my classroom is RESPECT. I expect you as a student to respect me as your teacher and to also show respect to your peers. A mutual respect will make the year go much easier and more productive. My expectations of you in my classroom are as follows:
· Be responsible. Complete and turn in your assignments when they are due. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get your own make-up work. Failure to get your own make-up work will result in a zero.
· Be on time and be prepared for class when the tardy bell rings. This includes bringing textbooks, paper, pencils, going to the bathroom, etc…
· There should be no food or drinks in the class during lab work.
· Students should refrain from horseplay in the science classroom. There is too much equipment and materials that can be very dangerous. The equipment should not be handled without permission from the teacher.
· All school wide rules should be followed in every classroom, such as no tobacco products, no backpacks, no visible music players or cell phones.
Classroom Routines
1. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class, at the same time absentee slips should be handed in.
2. Class will begin promptly after the tardy bell.
3. You must have teacher permission to leave the room.
4. Everyone is encouraged to participate in class discussions as long as comments are appropriate and are respectful toward everyone in the class.
5. Any assignments that are turned in late will cause a deduction of points unless there is an excused absence and work is turned in a timely manner.
6. Late test/quizzes will need to be made up within a week of the time they are administered. Late work will only be accepted within one week of the time it was assigned.
Grading
You will be graded by your performance on the following:
ü Scientific investigation projects
ü Lab investigations
ü Exams & quizzes
ü Skill practice & worksheets
ü Group work/Participation in group discussions/activities
ü Scientific Literature
ü End of Course Assessment
Grading Scale
100-90 A
89-80 B
79-70 C
69-60 D
59-0 F
Lab Fee
There is a $15.00 lab fee for this class. This money will be used to purchase needed consumable materials for the class and for items that may be broken throughout the year.
Additional Information
Scientific Literature:
In order to make scientific progress, it is important for scientists to share information with each other and with the public both orally and in writing. You will be responsible for reading, summarizing, critiquing, discussing, and presenting information from scientific articles.
Laboratory Report Format: Lab reports should include the following sections
· Title: What is the activity called?
· Purpose: What do you hope to accomplish, or what is your reason for doing the lab? (background information)
· Hypothesis: What are you testing with this lab?
· Materials/Equipment: List the materials and/or equipment that you used for this procedure.
· Procedures: Describe how the lab is done. Be thorough enough to be able to repeat the experiment using your lab report as a guide.
· Data and Observations: Record all the information that you collected during the exercise. This should include any observations, drawings, graphs, etc. Be as complete as possible.
· Analysis: Interpret the collected data; describe trends and relationships.
· Questions: Answer all assigned questions. Questions may be in the lab handout or on the board.
· Conclusions: Summarize what happened in the lab and evaluate results. Use complete paragraphs. Also, include what you learned or gained by doing the lab.
Interactive Notebook:
Ø 3 Ring binder
Ø Cover page & Author page
Ø Unit page
Ø Divided by units
Ø Reference section
Ø Learning targets
Ø All materials given by teacher and/or notes taken should be kept in notebook.
Ø A notebook quiz will be given twice every 9 weeks. You will be allowed to use your notebook during the quiz and each quiz will be worth 25 points.
Ø Note: It is important for you to keep everything and be organized. While you have freedom to organize your own way, you will be assessed over everything given to you including notes and learning targets.
Important Resources
www.classzone.com
www.wolfe.k12.ky.us (go to our schools tab: WCHS, teacher website tab)
*go to WCHS tab
*click on teacher website tab
*find teacher’s name and click
*you will have access to selected resources, class announcements, etc…
Signatures: Discuss this course syllabus with your parent(s) or guardian(s). Please have your parent/guardian sign the bottom of this syllabus and return it in 2 days. I am looking forward to working with you this year.
I, ______(student name), have read and understand the Biology course syllabus and expectations.
I, ______(parent/guardian name), have read and understand the Biology course syllabus and expectations.
Student Signature: ______Date:______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______
**A parent letter will also be attached to the syllabus that contains information concerning the class and the new End of Course Assessment.
Lab Fee
There is a $15.00 lab fee for this class. This money will be used to purchase needed consumable materials for the class and for items that be broken throughout the year. I would like to ask all students to bring one of the following items: roll of paper towels, pack of pencils, tissue, and/or germ-x.
Important Resources:
www.classzone.com
www.wolfe.k12.ky.us (go to our schools tab: WCHS, teacher website tab)