Research Biology Course Syllabus

Research Biology Course Syllabus

Research Biology Course Syllabus

Riverside High School

2016 – 2017 School Year

Mrs. Papaleo

Welcome to the new school year! In this course we will study the science of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution and how they react to their environment. Topics will be mastered using inquiry-based research experimentation. The main topics covered include: Nature of Science, Classification, Biochemistry, Cell Structure and Function, Cell Reproduction, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration, DNA and RNA, DNA technology, Genetics, Evolution, and Ecology. We will use observation and experimentation to explain science and how living things work. We will discuss how science affects our everyday life and how science is changing through new discoveries in Biology and other scientific fields. As the student you will present your research findings through lab reports, projects and oral presentations. I look forward challenging you this year and learning how we can make your year here at Riverside a great one!

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1.Riverside RAMS – Respect, Advocate, Motivate and Serve

RESPECT: Be respectful of your peers, your classroom and yourself. Research is an ongoing experience that requires teamwork, cooperation, and appreciation of fellow student opinions and ideas. Respect is also essential when working with live or dead specimens in our lab and when using any lab equipment or devices. Lab safety rules and respect for the learning of others must be followed at all times, even when no one is looking (Integrity).

ADVOCATE: This year in research biology will be very demanding, not only in this class, but in all your classes. It is your responsibility to manage your time and keep up with assignments and course content. However, if you feel that you need extra help or are falling behind in your assignments be your own advocate – seek help from a Riverside science teacher, we are here to help you. Research also requires you to advocate for your opinions to be heard in class and in your lab groups, but like all good scientists, you need to have sound evidence to support your conclusions.

MOTIVATE: Research biology is a challenging course, and as your teachers, we are here to motivate you in the field of science and in being able to problem solve in any situation. Skills that you learn in this class can be applied to your other courses and future endeavors. Collaborative research also requires motivation within the group, so positively motivate those in your group, class, and school.

SERVE: Scientists are held to a high standard in our society and encouraged to prove their work and produce evidence to support their claims. This class will help you become an informed citizen in our world, no matter what career you pursue in life. The science teachers at Riverside HS hope to promote your understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement in our world.

  1. Attendance: Students are expected to attend class and to be on time. An unexcused tardy will be given to any student who is late for class. Disciplinary action for being tardy will follow in accordance with Riverside High School’s tardy policy.
  1. Materials: We will be keeping a Biology Binder in class; students will need a 3-ring binder. There will be specific directions on how your notebook will be kept. You need to bring your notebook every day.

*Supplies needed each day in class:

3 ring binder – at least 2 inch

Notebook dividers (5 dividers: to include class policies, warm-ups, notes/handouts, homework and quizzes/tests)

Loose leaf paper

Graph Ruled Spiral Notebook to be used as your Research Laboratory Notebook

3X5 index cards (turned into teacher)

#2 pencils and pens (colored pencils are highly recommended)

An open mind, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude everyday

  1. Grading: Each assignment (homework, class work, labs, activities, projects, tests, quizzes etc.) will be assigned a point value. Grades will be based on the percentage of total possible points and will count in the following manner: Formative = 10%; Summative = 90% and will be broken down as follows: Tests and Quizzes (45%); Research Assignments (25%) and Labs and/or Activities (20%)
  1. Formative assignments: can include homework and lab notebooks. Homework may be started in class and must be completed and ready before you come into the next class. These assignments will be reviewed in class right after individual homework has been checked for completion. Homework will be graded as follows: 5 points for completion, 2 pts for partially completed, and 0 pts for only completed what was assigned in the previous class or none completed.
  1. Summative assignments: will include tests, quizzes, lab research reports and lab experience assignments/activities (please see reassessment policy regarding these assignments)
  1. Research Component: the research component of this course will be included in both formative and summative assessments, and will include the Research Notebook and Laboratory Assignments/projects. There will be a Science Research Symposium 4th quarter that requires the participation of all Research Biology students and will be a culminating activity of what the students have learned in this class. There is also the option for students to prepare for the LCPS Regional Science Fair in March.
  1. Assignments:You need to keep up with all assignments, as science is a subject where topics build on each other. All assignments are expected to be turned in on time in the assigned folder. All assignment due dates, etc. will be listed daily on the classroom board, on the unit syllabus on the RVHS school page and PHOENIX calendar. Therefore, there is NO excuse for not turning in an assignment on time.
  1. Absences/Makeup work:Work that is missed due to an excused absence must be made up promptly. If you are absent it is your responsibility to find out what assignments were missed. You can find the assignments that you missed on my school RVHS website, PHEONIX calendar, or see me to pick up missed work. Homework, class work and labs should be labeled “absent” and turned in to the bin. Students can make up tests and quizzes most days before school or during Study Hall with a pass. Otherwise, make an appointment with me.
  1. Late work:Homework that is late due to an absence is due the next block after missed class and full credit will be given. Homework assigned when absent is to be turned in within one block of the missed class. After being one block late homework will be deducted by 10%, after that 50% will be deducted. Late Projects or Labs will lose 25% credit after the first block and 50% deducted after being 2 blocks late. Missed labs due to excused absences will need to be made up within 2 days of returning to school.
  1. Tests/Quizzes:Students should expect quizzes throughout the unit that is being covered. Each unit test may contain a few questions from the previous unit tests. This will help students prepare for the SOLs at the end of the year. Students need to hold on to all tests and quizzes all year.

Riverside Science Reassessment Policy: Students will have the opportunity to re-assess on unit tests.

Criteria:

· Any student who earns less than a 93% is eligible.

· The student must complete all assigned work prior to the original test.

· The student must complete a re-assessment review.

The re-assessment will be a different assessment than the first. Final score will be the higher score up to a 93%. Must be completed on the scheduled day and within 2 weeks of original test.

  1. Labs: We do several labs a quarter in this class. A formal lab report will be due for one lab a quarter. All safety rules must be obeyed during a lab exercise. It takes effort and time to prepare for a lab. If you miss a lab you are expected to make up the lab during your study hall or before school and it is your responsibility to schedule that the day you return. During labs, close-toed shoes must be worn and long hair tied back, no exceptions will be made. This is for your safety and the safety of those around you. Anyone found not following the Lab Safety rules will be removed from the lab area and will receive a zero on the assignment.
  1. Classroom:In order to keep our classroom clean for all, eating and drinking are not allowed in the classroom because we are also a lab. Water will be permitted as long as it is in a container with a top. According to the Riverside handbook, CD players, iPods, and other musical devices are NOTallowed in the school. To allow 100% engagement during class we will be following the RVHS BYOD policy pictured below. No photos (of yourself or the classroom and other students) will be permitted to protect individuals and to minimize disruption.
  1. Restroom break: There are no breaks permitted the first 15 and last 15 minutes of class. One student may leave the room at a time with permission from Mrs. Papaleo – please take the restroom pass with you and excuse yourself with minimal disruption to your peers.
  1. Before/After School Assistance: I am available most mornings by 8:15 am and afterschool on most days until 5pm (please check with me directly). Students may also schedule an appointment at any time to receive extra help on assignments. Students who are experiencing academic difficulties are strongly encouraged to meet with myself or another Biology teacher as soon as possible. There is never a problem that cannot be solved, as long as you are willing to work with us to find a solution. The science teachers are here to support your education at Riverside High School and we also offer tutoring through the National Honor Society.
  1. Dissections: Students enrolled in life science courses participate in animal dissection. Students who decline to participate will be offered alternatives to dissection. A student’s objection to participating in an animal dissection should be substantiated by a signed note from his or her parent or legal guardian.
  1. Communication: This year in Research Biology we will be communicating using Remind 101 to notify students of assignments and during snow closings. The RVHS Website: and the Phoenix Calendar are great tools for seeing assignments and coursework. Please sign up for Remind and communicate via e-mail or Phoenix the moment that any questions arise.
  1. Honor Code: Academic honesty is a priority in our classroom. The honor pledge will be written and signed on every academic exercise in our class and states the following: “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination.”

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at Riverside High School or e-mail me at →

Please sign and return the following items by the next class:

  1. Student Commitment (to be signed by student) and Parent/Guardian contact information sheet.
  2. Student Science Safety Rules and Regulations (to be signed by student and Parent/guardian)
  3. Student Science Safety Acknowledgement Form for Working with Microorganisms (to be signed by student and Parent/guardian)

Mrs. Papaleo Research Biology 2016-2017 Riverside High School

Student Commitment:

I have read and reviewed and acknowledge all of the classroom expectations, lab safety rules and regulations and honor code for Research Biology and I understand that I will be held responsible for my own behavior and schoolwork.

Student Name______Date______

Student Signature: ______

Parent/Guardian Commitment and Contact Information:

I have read and reviewed and acknowledge all of the classroom expectations, lab safety rules and regulations and honor code for Research Biology.

Parent Signature______

Home Address:

Parent’s/Guardian’s Name and numbers: (include first and last names)

  1. ______

Relationship: ______

Phone Number: (home) ______(cell) ______

Email Address: ______

  1. ______

Relationship: ______

Phone Number: (home)______(cell) ______

Email Address: ______

What times are best for me to call you?

Is there anything specific you would like for me to be aware of regarding your child’s participation in my class or laboratory activities (allergies (food and environmental), contact lenses, learning style, etc)?

Check One: ______I DO give permission for Dr. Swanchara to email my child’s grade to me.

______I DO NOT give permission for Dr. Swanchara to email my child’s grade to me.

Parent/Guardians’ signature______

Name ______Class/Period ______

Student Science Safety Rules and Regulations

Science is a hands-on laboratory class. You will be doing many laboratory activities, which require the use of potentially hazardous materials and equipment. A positive attitude toward safety is imperative. Students should not fear doing experiments, using reagents, or equipment, but should respect them for potential hazards.

Safety in the science classroom is the highest priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, the following set of rules has been determined for LCPS Science Classrooms. These rules must be followed at all times.

General Guidelines

1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.

2. Follow all written and verbal instructions. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ask your teacher for help before proceeding.

3. Never work alone. No student may work in the laboratory without a teacher present.

4. Do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.

5. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.

6. Perform only those experiments authorized by your teacher. Never do anything in the laboratory that is not in the laboratory procedure or is authorized by your teacher. Carefully follow all instructions.

7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.

8. Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Bring only your laboratory instructions, worksheets, and/or reports to the work area. Other materials (books, purses, backpacks, etc.) should be stored in the classroom area.

9. Keep aisles clear. Push your chair under the desk when not in use.

10. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including the first aid kit, eyewash station, safety shower, fire extinguisher, and fire blanket. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.

11. Always work in a well-ventilated area. Use the fume hood when working with volatile substances or poisonous vapors. Never place your head into the fume hood.

12. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.

13. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Never mix chemicals in sink drains. Sinks are to be used only for water and those solutions designated by the teacher. Solid chemicals, metals, matches, filter paper, and all other insoluble materials are to be disposed of in the proper waste containers, not in the sink. Check the label of all waste containers twice before adding your chemical waste to the container.

14. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the apparatus as directed in the lab instructions or by your teacher.

15. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth and body while using chemicals or preserved specimens. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments. Clean (with soap), rinse, and wipe dry all work surfaces (including the sink) and apparatus at the end of the experiment. Return all equipment clean and in working order to the proper storage area.

16. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. You will be assigned a laboratory station at which to work. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.

17. Students are never permitted in the science storage rooms or preparation areas unless given specific permission by their teacher.

18. Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; containers must be closed, gas valves turned off, fume hoods turned off, and any electrical equipment turned off.

19. Handle all living organisms used in a laboratory activity in a humane manner. Preserved biological materials are to be treated with respect and disposed of properly.

20. When using knives and other sharp instruments, always carry with tips and points pointing down and away. Always cut away from your body. Never try to catch falling sharp instruments. Grasp sharp instruments only by the handles.

Top View