BIOLOGY SYLLABUS - MS. GUIOTTO, ROOM 32
Course description: Biology is the study of life. Students will analyze and explain the nature of science, as well as practice the application of scientific tools and critical thought skills in solving problems. Students will focus on the biological structures and their functions at multiple levels of organization in living things, as well as explore the patterns, processes and systems within biology. As scientific learners, students will collect and analyze data, interpret results, draw conclusions and communicate their findings. Throughout the course, students will work both independently and collaboratively, with an active learner approach. The goal for the course is for students to gain a more meaningful understanding of the living world around them as well as a deeper appreciation of their place in it.
Biology Scope & Sequence:
Semester 1:
Unit 1: Introduction to Science and Biology (1 week) Biochemistry (2weeks) CH 1, 2
Introduction to the study of Science and the Scientific Method. Then, we will study BioChemistry and the bonding between abundant molecules that lead to the organic molecules consisting of living systems. Properties of water, and an emphasis on enzymes in their role in biochemical reactions.
Unit 2: The History of Life: The First Simple Cells (2 weeks) CH 3, 20, 21
This unit intends to introduce the assembly of macromolecules through natural processes that lead to the first forms of early life known as prokaryotes. An emphasis on prokaryote domains, viruses and their role in the history of life over geologic time.
Unit 3: History of Life on Earth: Complex Cells (3 weeks)3, 20, 22
The progression of prokaryotes and the endosymbiotic theory to more complex cells (eukaryotes). Introducing early single celled organisms (and multicellular) such as Kingdom Protista, cell membrane structure & function, cell organelles, maintaining homeostasis through concepts such as osmosis anddiffusion.
Unit 4: Plant-Structure and Function (3 weeks) CH 5, 24,25,26,27
Explore the process of photosynthesis and the role it has in energy absorption and transfer in ecosystems. In addition discuss the structures in plants as they have evolved to survive on land including their ability to detect and respond to stimuli in their environment.
Unit 5: Animal Systems (4 weeks) 4, 38 - 43
Discuss the animal cells, tissues and organ systems as they relate to maintaining homeostasis. Compare body systems among organisms in the animal kingdom as they evolve more complex tissues. Systems to compare include the Nervous System, Digestive System, Circulatory System, ImmuneSystem, and Endocrine System as they all relate to cell to cell communication.
Total = 15 weeks leaving 1 week of flexibility
Semester 2:
Unit 6: Cell Division, Growth & Development (2 weeks) CH 6, 7, 44
Discuss how cells grow, divide, through both asexual and sexual reproduction in all domains of life.
Unit 7: Heredity (2 weeks) CH 8, 9
Explore patterns in traits as they are passed from one generation to the next. Discuss Mendel’s experiments to help support patterns of heredity as well as the exceptions to complete dominance viewed in nature such as incomplete dominance, codominance, epigenetics, polygenics, and others.
Unit 8: Molecular Genetics (4 weeks) CH 9, 10, 11
Explain the structure and function of DNA in all living cells. Illustrate how DNA helps make proteins necessary for living organisms through the process of transcription & translation. Current science practices in Biotechnology are also useful in helping explain the role DNA and the impact it has bothsocially and ethically.
Unit 9: Evolution & Diversity of Organisms (3 weeks) CH 12, 13, 14, 15
Discuss the origin of life, evidence of evolution, patterns of evolution, natural selection, speciation, classification and diversity of organsisms.
Unit 10: Ecology (4 weeks) CH 16-19
Look at the interdependent relationships in ecosystems, how matter and energy transfers in ecosystems, look at social interactions and group behaviors to likely increase chances of survival and their genetic relatives. Also, looking deeper at human impact on biodiversity and provide opportunitiesto explore possible solutions humans have created through over population, habitat destruction, invasive species and other environmental issues.
Total = 15 weeks leaving 1+ week of flexibility.
CLASSROOM GUIDELINES & EXPECTATIONS
Course requirements: Textbook “Biology Principles and Explorations”; Binder w/five dividers; paper; and writing utensils.
Assignments and Grades:Students are exposed to various methods of learning: lectures, discussions, group work, videos, PowerPoint presentations, lab experiments, group projects, and many hands-on opportunities.
Most of the work assigned can be completed in class. If it is not completed then it will be homework. When an assignment is due, it is due. In-class assignments/homework and daily ‘do now’saccount for about 25% of the student’s grade. Tests will account for the other 75%. The majority of test questions stem from assigned readings, handouts, textbook, and class notes. Students are allowed to use their notes and handouts (NOT the textbook) when taking a test. This means that note taking is critical, as it is critical to have a well-organized binder. If you take good notes, you will never fail in my class!
Plagiarism, Cheating, and Academic Integrity
Plagiarism is the practice of copying words, sentences, images, or ideas for use in written or oral assessments without giving proper credit to the source. Cheating is defined as the giving or receiving of illegal help on anything that has been determined by the teacher to be an individual effort. Both are serious offenses and will significantly affect your course grade.
Redo’s:A “Redo” is a second chance for you to show your knowledge and understanding of a particular concept. Each student is allowed two “Redo’s” per semester. However, you must meet the following criteria in order to retake a Test/ Summative/ Assessment.
Criteria for “Redo”
- NO missing assignments
- Proof of remastery
- Redo MUST be taken within one week of the test.
- Can only be retaken once
- Cannot be taken during classroom time; arrange ‘re-do’ time w/Ms. G.
- The better grade of the two tests will be accepted and recorded.
Make-up work: If absent (excused), student is responsible for all missed work and assessments. Work and assessments are placed in the classroom where student can pick up. Students absent one day will have three school days to make up work. Students absent more than two consecutive days will have five school days to make up work. This does not include major projects, tests, and research papers that have been posted in advance -- they are still due on due date or on the date student returns to school. The teacher has the discretion to grant longer periods to make up work if there are extenuating circumstances. Unexcused absence: Student may not have the opportunity to make-up any work that is due or completed on the day of the unexcused absence. This is non-negotiable.
Late work: All work (incl. make-up work) must be completed and turned in when due. For every day late thereafter, 20% will be deducted from the grade. If a student is absent, he/she must turn in work they day they return to receive full credit (if excused absence).
Grading scale and Finals:
100%-93% A92%-90% A- / 89%-87% B+
86%-83% B
82%-80% B- / 79%-77% C+
76%-73% C
72%-70% C- / 69%-67% D+
66%-63% D
62%-60% D-
59%-below F
Finals will account for 10% of your semester grade while first quarter and second quarter’s average make up the other 90% for Biology. A final CANNOT be retaken.
Attendance Policy
Regular and prompt class attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. Mountain Home High School expects students to exercise good judgment regarding attendance and absences. Students will accept full responsibility for ensuring their work does not suffer because of absences. All students are to attend every scheduled class on time. Exceptions may be made for illness and valid emergencies. Tardies: Tardy is when a student is not seated and ready to work when the bell rings. Being tardy will affect the ability to receive credit for “do now’s”.
Classroom Expectations
1. Be on time for class
2. Be respectful to yourself, teachers, and peers at ALL times
3. Be responsible for your learning by being prepared for class and bringing all necessary materials to class (notebooks, pencils/ pens, and brain)
4. Be able to follow ALL rules in the Student Handbook with fidelity
Bathroom Pass Policy:
Two bathroom passes are allowed per week. Passes cannot be accumulated/saved up. You do not use them you lose them. You are not allowed out the first 10 minutes or last 10 minutes of class.
Electronics Policy:
All electronics must be put away and out of use at all times in Biology class, unless authorized for class use. Electronics includes iPods, cell phones, iPads, headphones, portable gaming devices, portable DVD players, and any related products. Unauthorized use of electronics will result in confiscation of such device and may require a parent to retrieve it. I mean it.
Finally. I believe in giving students full control over their activities and success. All activities and assessments are designed for success. For example, a full grade for ‘do now’ daily activities, and the use of notes during assignments pretty much warrant passing the class if the student in on time and takes notes during class. So, no excuse!
Please contact me ANY TIME!I look forward to this new school year and to knowing you.