Biology 2016-2017
Mr. Erickson—Rm. 316—
Google Classroom code: w6iwlwh
This is a year-long class that deals with living organisms, their structures and systems, and their place in the environment. This class will prepare you for the Biology End of Course Exam. In addition it can prepare you for chemistry, AP Biology, or other science electives. This syllabus may change as new information and resources come up.
Biology is a challenging subject. Students are expected to pay attention, work hard, and keep up. Personal responsibility is a value that you must develop, and is expected in this course.
Main source of materials: Biology – The Dynamics Of Life (Glencoe, 2004). Sections of the text are available online as well.
What you’ll be doing…
*Notes on lectures/discussions of chemistry topics
*Labs with write-ups
*Projects
*Tests
What to bring…
*Laptop/tablet
*Composition book
What is expected of you…
*Courtesy and integrity
*Hard work
*Active participation in advancing in the curriculum
(While collaboration is encouraged, you must do your own work. There is a difference!)
Semester I
I. Ocean Ecology/Sea Turtles
II. Estuarine Ecology/
III. River Ecology/Salmon
IV. Land/Mountains/Beavers
V. Evolution
VI. Final
Semester II
VII. Cells
VIII. Genetics
IX. Organization of Living Things
X. Viruses, Bacteria, Protists
XI. Fungi
XII. Plants
XIII. Animals
XIV. Final (1 week)
Grades:
The amount of points for assignments, labs, and tests are assigned according to the amount of work and difficulty of the assignment. Grades are calculated by adding up the points earned divided by the points possible (times 100 for a percent).
Daily work—Homework/classwork assigned after lecture/examples of each topic. Points for daily work range from 5 – 30 points.
Labs/Projects—Labs are physical, hands-on exploring of the concepts in the lecture. Reading for understanding and following directions are important. Conclusions are most important, as that is where understanding is demonstrated. (NOTE: lab safety is of utmost importance. If safety rules are neglected it could result in removal from lab and loss of grade for that assignment.) Points for lab work range from 5 – 50 points.
Unit Tests and Quizzes—Tests are comprehensive and include multiple choice questions, problem solving, and short answer questions. Never a surprise if you are paying attention. Quizzes involve problem solving. Will cover one topic. You may or may not be warned about them. Some tests are open note, you will be told ahead of time if this is the case. Points for quizzes range from 5 – 20 points, points for tests are typically 40 – 60 points.
Final, counts as a test grade, but 2-3x the points—Questions are comprehensive, free response and multiple choice questions in the AP format.
Late work—late work is unacceptable (you are doing college work). Points will be taken off for work submitted after the due date (10% per school day). The student is responsible for acquiring work from absences. Students absent on test days may be given an alternative form of the test. Unexcused absence on test day results in a 0.
Attendance:
Excessive absence (10 or more excused or unexcused) will cause the student to be ineligible to earn credit in the class. This does not count Student Activities. Excessive absences may be made up before or after school.
Obtaining work from absences is the responsibility of the student. Work and due dates should be arranged within two school days after returning from an absence.
Classroom Conduct:
You are expected to conduct yourself as a respectable student at all times. Horseplay is not tolerated. Safety rules (especially in the lab) are expected to be followed for the safety of yourself and others in the class.
Cell phones should be off and away in the classroom. Headphones should be put away (in pockets, purse, or backpack—not visible any time). Other electronics should be used appropriately, engaged in academic activities only.