BIOLOGY EXPECTATIONS

Mrs. Sutton

School Phone: 364-7778 ext.7365

E-mail:

Welcome to Biology: Throughout the year, we will be studying Biology, the study of life. This will be an inquiry, lab based course. By the end of the year, you will learn new and interesting information about the living world around you. You will also continue to develop your practical laboratory skills.

Text: Biggs, A., Hagins, W.C., Kapicka, C., Lundgren, L., Rillero, P., Tallman,

K.G., Zike, D & The National Geographic Society. (2004). Biology:

The Dynamics of Life. Glencoe Science.

Supplies:You will be expected to bring with you to each class:

-Agenda Book (provided by the school)

-A pen or pencil (pencils only for labs)

-A 3-ring binder (1 inch) with the following sections: 1) Notes and homework, 2) Handouts 3) tests and quizzes, 4) lab reports and projects, and 5) Journal*

-* A journal which is to be kept in the binder (either a single subject

notebook or writing pad is a good choice)

*A space will be provided in the classroom for storage of all binders- however it is still the responsibility of the student to keep track of their own belongings.

Course Outline and Objectives:

The Science of Life

Objectives: Students will learn and understand the processes scientists use to study the natural world. Students will discover the characteristics of life.

  • Characteristics of Life (Chapter 1)
  • Scientific Method (Chapter 1)

Ecology

Objectives: Students will describe and analyze the components of the Water, Carbon, and Nitrogen cycles. Students will describe the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Students will identify and describe the effects of destruction of habitats, pollution, urbanization, and natural disasters have on populations.

  • Earth cycles (Chapter 2)
  • Equilibrium in an Ecosystem (Chapter 3)
  • Food Pyramids and Biomass (Chapter 2)
  • Energy Transfer (Chapter 2)
  • Human impact on Ecosystems (Chapters 4 and 5)

Quarter 1 Major Course Assessment

Cells

Objectives: Students will describe the properties of elements and their role in living systems. They will describe the role of water processes of osmosis, diffusion, Turgor Pressure, and universal solvents within cells. Students will describe the structure of the cell membrane and understand its role in transport. They will identify the role of each organelle in maintaining homeostasis in the cell. They will describe complex interactions among different types of molecules that cause distinct cycles of activities such as growth and division. Students will compare energy transfer within cells. Students will compare and contrast body system organization within and among major animal and plant phylums.

  • Homeostasis (Chapter 6)
  • Membrane Structure (Chapter 7)
  • Enzymes (Chapters 6 and 9)
  • Membrane Transport (Chapter 8)
  • Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes (Chapter 7)
  • Organelles (Chapter 7)
  • Cell specialization (Chapter 7)
  • Tissues
  • Organs and Organ systems
  • Cell Division (Chapter 8)

Quarter 2 Major Course Assessment (Mid-year)

DNA and Genetics

Objectives: Students will demonstrate understanding the structure and function of DNA and its role in heredity. Students will learn about the process of gene combination and the outcomes that come with changes to those combinations. Students will gain insight into human genetics including physical expression of traits, effects of mutations and identify many common disorders.

  • Genes (Chapter 11)
  • Alleles (Chapters 10)
  • Phenotypes (Chapter 10)
  • Punnett squares (Chapter 12)
  • Mutations (Chapter 11)
  • Genetic engineering (Chapter 13)
  • Structure of DNA (Chapter 11)
  • Ribosomes and Protein synthesis (Chapter 11)

Quarter 3 Major Course Assessment

Evolution and Classification

Objectives: Students will compare and contrast various theories of evolution, defining such processes as adaptations, natural selection, and speciation. Students will familiarize themselves with classification techniques and will apply this information to describe evolutionary trends in major body systems.

  • Theory of Evolution (Chapter 15)
  • Natural selection (Chapter 15)
  • Effects of environmental pressures (Chapter 15)
  • Adaptations (Chapter 15)
  • Evidence of evolution (Chapter 15)
  • Microevolution vs. macroevolution
  • Relationships between organisms for classification (Chapter 17)
  • Use of classification schemes as basis for evolution trends (Chapter 17)

Quarter 4 Major Course Assessment (Final)

Grading System:

Category / % of each Quarter Grade / Description
Homework / 7% / Homework will only be given occasionally. The date the assignment is due will be on the assignment.
Journals, Classwork (projects), and Labs / 40% / Any work that is done in class and is collected for a grade, as well as daily journal entries and lab reports.
Tests and Quizzes / 20% / Any quiz (formative) or chapter test given on the curriculum. These will be announced (no pop quizzes).
MCA / 33% / Major Course Assessment: given toward the end of each quarter, it is a large cumulative assessment which students need to pass with at least a 70% to earn credit for the course.

Absences: If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to see me the next day you are in school to get any assignments/notes you may have missed or to schedule make-up time after school. This means that even though we meet every other day, you may have to see me on a day when class does not meet. I WILL not be hunting you down- if you do not speak to me about work missed, do not be surprised to see 0’s for your grades in PowerSchool. In this class, you DO NOT have the opportunity to make up work whenever you please. When you are out, it is expected any assignments missed are made up within the allotted time period. (Refer to student handbook for the school policy).

Graduation Portfolio: As part of the requirements for graduation and your portfolio, you must complete 4 formal lab reports, two of which will come from this class. You will have 2 opportunities, one per semester, to meet proficiency on these tasks. It is important to take these labs seriously and keep in mind that they have serious impacts towards your future beyond the end of this course.

Help Night: Help night is held Mondays after school or other days by request.

This course has been aligned with the new CharihoHigh School Science Curriculum. This document is available online through the school’s website:

Please sign and return with your student for the next class meeting:

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Name of Student:______

Name of Parent/ Guardian:______

Parent/Guardian Signature:______

Parent/Guardian Email: ______

Parent/Guardian phone #: ______

This verifies that at least one parent/guardian has read the Biology Expectations document and has viewed the grading policy.