5
Gesa M. Capers
COURSE OUTLINE AND POLICIES FOR HONORS MARINE BIOLOGY -SPRING SEMESTER 2013
Mrs. Capers /Room 428 251-221-3153 website: http://oceaninmotion.wikispaces.com/
What Will you learn in HONORS MARINE BIOLOGY ?
In this course, you will improve their critical thinking skills and learn how to use the scientific process and apply scientific concepts and laws to investigate marine biology, phenomena and problems in the marine environment.
Prerequisite
Students must have successfully completed biology, and physical science or chemistry, and the science portion of the AHSGE
Survival Tips
§ Keep up with class notes and assignments is crucial; don’t fall behind
§ Don’t be afraid to ask questions – that’s why I’m here. On the other hand, don’t expect me to give you an answer – I’ll ask leading questions that will help you figure out the answer for yourself.
§ Remember only one person may speak at a time. When you ask a question or provide an answer you are to speak up, loud enough that I and all others in the room may hear you.
§ Watching TV shows containing environmental and biological/chemical content will be helpful your understanding of the topic.
Labs and Lab Fees and Field Trips
Yes, we will be doing lab activities; about one /week – the lab is an integral part of the course.
Lab Safety is of major concern; therefore, I will remove any student from a laboratory setting who does not follow the lab safety procedures or lab rules in general. Once a student is removed from a lab, he or she will earn a one for that lab. If a student misses labs he/she must make it up on his/her own time on the instructor’s terms.
Yes, there is a $ 20.00 lab fee. This money goes toward purchasing materials that are used up during the course, usually specimen, equipment and maintenance, and chemicals. A field trip is planned (cost $ 30.00). Checks may be made payable to M. G. Montgomery High School and must show a drivers license number and two telephone numbers.
Assignments and Grading
90 – 100 = A; 80 – 89 = B; 70 - 79 = C; 60 – 69 = D; below 60 = E on the grading scale.
Tests come at the end of a concept, usually once a week, not necessarily on a Friday. You are required to do at least one project, and a formal paper or presentation (my choice). Tests and Labs weigh 60% all other grades weigh 40%. Occasionally, there will be extra-credit assignments. The grades will not be scaled; if I make a mistake I’ll add those points to the grade. There are EQTs. They are comprehensive – that is, they cover everything we have done up to that point. You will encounter all topics discussed in class and lab. According to the curriculum the EQTs will make up 20% of your quarter grade.
You can view your grades on inow. inow is a tool; it’s not 100% accurate since it takes 24 hours to upgrade and new grades are added frequently. Your final exam grade and therefore your quarter and semester grades can not be seen on inow.
· Familiarize yourself with explanations and calculation procedures (page 2).
Make-Up Work
If you miss a test, quiz, lab, or class work, you will be assigned a grade of zero. It is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed when you return. If you are absent with a valid excuse, you are allowed two days to turn in work you missed. Work includes lecture notes, homework, and any worksheets or handouts. You may get notes and assignments by sending me an e-mail or from a classmate (know his/her phone number). It is expected that you do all assignments. Late work will be accepted. I will be available after school to help you, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays. You will be making up your missed and/or re-take test after school on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If you re-take a test, your highest grade will be a 70%, however, if the grade is lower than previously, it will be applied! If you opt to come on Saturday make arrangements with your teacher and be in uniform.
There is NO excuse for falling behind!
For help with your homework and test questions check in resources on Mrs. Capers’ website www.oceaninmotion.wikispaces.com.
Items You Need Daily For Class
Spring Ring Binder with paper, Text book, pencil, two pens (different colors, colored pencils, and a metric ruler
Mary G. Montgomery High School Category Points Grading Scale
Tests 60%
Test grades will include: Tests; Labs; Projects; Research Papers
Other grades 40%
Other grades will include: Homework; Class work; Quizzes; Teacher Observations; possible Bonuses
Example grade calculation for Category Points
Tests (60%) Earned Possible
Test 1 97 100
Test 2 82 100
Test 3 57 100
Project 1 40 50
Project 2 20 50
296 400
To get your test average, add up all of your earned points and divide by the possible points.
296 points ÷ 400 points = 74.0 average
Other (40%) Earned Possible
Homework 1 60 75
Class work 1 88 100
Quiz 1 70 100
Homework 2 45 50
Homework 3 8 20
271 345
To get your “other” average, add up all of your earned points and divide by the possible points.
271 points ÷ 345 grades = 78.6 average
To get your class average, take your test average and multiply by 0.6. Then take your other average and multiple by 0.4. Lastly add those two numbers together. This is your class average.
74.0 x 0.6 = 44.4
78.6 x 0.4 = 31.44
Average = 75.84 (Quarter Net Average)
This is your average going into the CRT (also called QNA). To get your grade after the CRT you take your QNA and multiply it by 4. Then you add your CRT grade. Finally, you divide that number by 5. This is your final quarter average.
For example, you have a 75.84 going into the CRT and you make a 65 on the CRT.
(75.84 x 4) + 65 = 368.36
Now divide by 5…
368.36 ÷ 5 = 73.67
This is your final quarter average.
Final Quarter Grade = 74
Parent Conferences
Parent conferences may be scheduled through the school office at 251-221-3153. If scheduled, I’ll be available during my planning period or at the midterm PTO meeting; impromptu conferences are strongly discouraged. I may also be contacted through my e-mail address at . Because of privacy concerns, I will not discuss a student’s performance (grades) via e-mail; this address will be strictly for scheduling conferences and answering any questions that you may have. Please put your child’s name in the subject line and allow 2 days or so for a response.
For general information about this class please visit my website at http://oceaninmotion.wikispaces.com
Class Rules
These rules are made to create an environment that will aid student learning. They are not intended to be restrictive of one’s character or personality, but rather allow each student will develop his/her greatest potential.
1. Be on time. You are to be in your seats when the bell rings. Tardiness will be punished according to MCPSS rules.
2. You will come to class in proper uniform. This includes the appropriate shoes, backpack, shirt tails tucked in, and cell phones turned off.
3. When you enter the room, turn in your homework from the previous day. For full credit, ALL work must be done on time; it must be neat, it must be correct, and must be turned in when entering the classroom. Begin your early work without talking.
4. If you have parent notes, doctor notes, or admit slips place them in my hand. I will get them back to you sometime during the class.
5. Items to bring when entering the classroom are your notebook, text book, pencil, paper, and two pens.
6. You may NOT share materials. All tests will be taken in pencil. During a test you are expected to mind your own business and look only at your own work. If I see you deviating from that requirement I will assume that you are cheating and you will receive a grade of zero.
7. With the exception of turning in your work, do not leave your seat without permission.
8. You may not bring food, drinks and gum to class.
9. You may not use the restroom during class sessions; the only exception is a doctor’s note signed by the principal.
10. You may NOT leave my classroom to go anywhere else (another teacher, guidance, the office…) unless you are requested either in writing or called over the intercom and then, it is your responsibility to complete missed work.
11. Please refrain from any disrespectful gestures, remarks and improper language.
12. When in lab, if I start talking you are to immediately become silent. I am probably trying to tell you something important about the lab that involves either your safety or your grade.
13. You may remain seated until you are dismissed. You may NOT congregate around the door or the desks. I may have some important closing information that I need you to hear.
14. Once you are done with your class work, you are to remain quiet at your desk. You may check your work or read in your textbook. Do not start talking to those around you. Be respectful of the fact that others may not be done with their work.
Consequences
There will be consequences for violating the school policies and procedures. Remember, it is your responsibility to know these policies and procedures (see handbook). When you violate them I presume it is a choice that you made knowing that there are consequences that will follow.
Note: Failure to return a punishment assignment with a parent signature is classified as “deliberate or willful disobedience” a class B offense. Please refer to the student handbook for other possible consequences.
MOBILE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - DIVISION OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
HIGH SCHOOL PACING GUIDE AT A GLANCE - 2012-2013
Third Quarter = 49 Days --- Marine Biology (Honors)
TEXTBOOK: Introduction to Marine Biology by Karleskint, Turner, and Small.
You will be held responsible for any damage incurred during the semester the book is assigned to you. Because of the fluidity of the school schedule – holidays, club schedules, assemblies, testing, etc. – it is impossible to give specific dates on which we will address specific topics.
Rough outline of the topics we will cover in the course:
COS # / WEEK / Standards/Objectives /1.0
11.0
12.0; 3.0 / Week 1
Jan 2 - 4
(3 days) / History
Select appropriate equipment for scientific field investigation in marine environments. (teach throughout course)
Describe positive and negative effects of human influence on marine environments.
Identify various careers related to marine science.(teach throughout)
5.0 / Week 2
Jan 7-11 / Discuss physical and chemical properties of saltwater.
Examples: physical – turbidity, temperature, density
Chemical – salinity, pH, dissolved gases
5.0
2.0
5.1 / Week 3
Jan 14-18 / Discuss physical and chemical properties of saltwater.
Examples: physical – tubidity, temperature, density
Chemical – salinity, pH, dissolved gases
Differentiate among freshwater, brackish water and saltwater.
Biogeochemical Cycles
4.0 / Week 4
Jan 21-25
(4 Days) / Recognize interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean.
Describing how waves, ocean currents, and the tides are generated.
9.0
10.0
9.5
9.6
9.7; 9.8 / Week 5
Jan 28 - Feb 1 / Arrange various forms of marine life from most simple to most complex
· Classify marine organisms using binomial nomenclature
Describe the anatomy and physiology of representative aquatic organisms.
· Identify different aquatic species using dichotomous keys. (teach with obj. 9.1-9.6)
Describe adaptations in the marine environment. (teach with obj. 9.1-9.4)
Marine Viruses. Marine Bacteria. Marine
9.1 / Week 6
Feb 4-8 / Identify characteristics of ocean-drifting organisms.
Examples: phytoplankton and zooplankton
9.4 / Week 7
Feb 11 -15
2 days / Identify characteristics of marine plants
Examples: algae, seaweed
8.0 / Week 8
Feb 18-22 / Describe characteristic of marine plant and algae divisions.
Describing commercial, economical, and medicinal values of marine plants.
8.0 / Week 9
Feb 25 – Mar 1 / Describe characteristic of marine plant and algae divisions.
Describing commercial, economical, and medicinal values of marine plants.
9.2 / Week 10
Mar 4 - 8 / Identify characteristics of marine invertebrates.
Examples: Porifera, Coelenterata, marine worms
Week 11
Mar 11 -15 / Review for EQT
End of Quarter Test will be given here
Students will be able to read and interpret line, bar, and pie graphs.
All topics listed will be discussed. However, the order is subject to change.
Adjustments for AHSGE and other activities will be incorporated as they are scheduled!
MOBILE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS - DIVISION OF CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION
HIGH SCHOOL PACING GUIDE AT A GLANCE - 2012-2013
Fourth Quarter = 45 Days --- Marine Biology (Honors)
COS # / WEEK / Standards/Objectives /Week 12
March 18 – 22 / AHSGE - NO 9th grade students are to take ANY portion of the grad exam.
All 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students will test!
9.2 / Week 13
March 25 – 29 / Identify characteristics of marine invertebrates.
Examples: Molluscs, Arthropods, Echinoderms, Lophophorates, Invertebrate Chordates
9.3 / Week 14
April 1-5 / Identify characteristics of marine vertebrates.
Examples: fishes
9.3 / Week 15
April 8-12 / Identify characteristics of marine vertebrates.
Examples: fishes
9.3 / Week 16
April 15 - 19 / Marine Reptiles
Marine Birds
April 22-26 / Spring Break
6.0 / Week 17
April 29 – May 3 / Marine Birds
Marine Mammals
7.0
6.0 / Week 18
May 6-10 / Identify patterns and interrelationships among producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers in a marine ecosystem.
Describe components of major marine ecosystems, including estuaries, coral reefs, benthic communities, and open-ocean communities.
7.0
6.0 / Week 19
May 13-17 / Identify patterns and interrelationships among producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers in a marine ecosystem.
Describe components of major marine ecosystems, including estuaries, coral reefs, benthic communities, and open-ocean communities.
Week 20
May 20-24 / Review for EQT
End of Quarter Test will be given here
Students will be able to read and interpret line, bar, and pie graphs.