BIOLOGY Syllabus
10th Grade
Ms. Ebbers
Contact Information:
E-mail:
Phone: 320-234-3660 or 507-676-6738
Office Hours: M-F 7:30-7:55 a.m. and 3:05-3:30 p.m.
Course Description:
Welcome to 10th grade BIOLOGY! During this class students will understand more about the study of Life Sciences. Biology is the study of living things (plants and animals). It helps to explain how living things relate to one another and to their surroundings. Students will become familiar with many new concepts and vocabulary words relating to the Life Sciences. Below you will find what I expect from your child during this school year while exploring the wonders of LIFE on Earth and beyond.
Course Materials:
Students are asked to have the following material by Monday, September 8th:
· Composite Lab Notebook, Black or Blue Ink Pen, Pencil, Ruler, Protractor with Compass, and Calculator
*Students may also be asked to bring additional materials to class depending on the project and lesson.
Grading Scale:
100%-94% A 76%-73% C
90%-93% A- 73%-70% C-
89%-87% B+ 69%-67% D+
86%-83% B 66%-63% D
82%-80% B- 62%-60% D-
79%-77% C+ Below 60% F
Your grade will be based on the scores of tests, quizzes, homework, labs, projects, and participation (which will include attendance, bringing class materials to class, and being active in group discussions and activities).
Grading Weights:
40% Assessments (Tests/Quizzes)
30% Homework or In Class Work
20% Projects/Presentations
10% Participation/Completion
Tests and Quizzes:
Students will have a class period devoted to reviewing for an up-coming assessment. Students are expected to pay attention and be prepared to ask questions. During a test day students are expected to turn in a composite notebook showing their participation in class. If a student scores below 70% on a test, the student will have the option of re-testing before the quarter is over. It will be the student’s responsibility to ask for a re-test and to set up a time to take the test outside of class. Please also note that a score of zero will be given to students with an unexcused absent on a test day.
Homework Policy:
My assignment policy is that you are expected to complete and turn-in homework on the date that assignment is due in order to receive full credit. There will be time each day to finish all homework expected to be turned in for this class.
· Late homework: After the assigned date, homework (or project that is due) will be reduced to 70%. After mid-quarter the assignment will receive an ‘I’ (incomplete) until the end of the quarter. (‘I’s will turn to ‘F’s at the end of the quarter).
Ø Exceptions of my assignment policy include students that have been absent (excused) from class and are unaware of assignments that are due or students that have been injured/ill and are incapable of completing their assigned work. If a student’s absence is excused they will be granted one day for each day absent from class to make up work. If students are aware of assignment before the excused absent, the assignment is due the day of returning to school.
· Please note that it is the student’s responsibility to know when assignments are due. I will be posting the assignments due-date in class and on the parent portal.
Projects and Presentations:
In this class students will be expected to complete projects and presentations during each semester. I will allocate class time for students to work on their project or presentation, but some outside schoolwork may be required for the student to complete the assignment. During the ‘project class time’ students are expected to stay on task. If a student chooses to work on the project entirely at home they still will be expected to complete project-related assignments to show participation.
Participation and Completion:
It is important for students to be present and actively involved during class time in order to be successful in this course. Students’ participation in class discussions and activities during the class period will be noted throughout each semester.
· Example: During the class period I may ask a few questions for students to answer on a piece of paper before class starts. If the student participates in completing the assignment I will give that student credit toward the participation grade.
Frequency of Assessments:
Homework will be assigned several times per week. Students may receive a quiz to check understanding of science concepts 1-2 times during a unit. Tests will be administered after each chapter or unit to assess understanding of Science standards that have been taught (chapter tests may be doubled depending on quantity of chapter information). Projects, presentations, and labs will be assigned 1-2 times a month depending on length of activity.
Cell Phones in Class:
If you have your cell phone in class it needs to be turned on SILENT and placed FACE DOWN in FRONT of your table or desk. Do not have cell phones in pockets- keep your cell phone in your locker or zipped up in your backpack.
Classroom Behavior Expectations:
I want to emphasize that inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated in class. This includes being tardy, disruptions, or anything that interferes with the learning of other students during class. Students should be aware that consequences of breaking classroom rules will be enforced. My two main ‘rules’ are for students: To follow all classroom procedures and To follow safety guidelines. I have 3 main expectations for students to uphold to make my classroom a comfortable learning environment for everyone: BE RESPECTFUL, BE RESPONSIBLE, & BE NICE! I also want students to agree to follow the procedures I have for my classroom based on my 3 expectations. Please also note the consequences of misbehavior in class.
Expected Classroom Procedures:
1. I will follow all classroom procedures and school policies.
2. I will follow all safety guidelines.
3. I will be seated and be ready for class when the class starts.
4. I will stay seated unless told (or asked) to get up- please raise hand and ask to move.
5. I will practice attentive listening and follow directions the first time.
6. I will complete all assignments and do our own work on time.
7. I will participate in classroom activities.
8. I will treat the people and things around us with mutual respect.
9. I will speak kindly to others and think of other people’s feelings.
10. I will not speak inappropriately or use foul language.
Consequences:
Students that are not able to follow classroom procedures and expectations will have consequences that could include: exclusion of participation with classmates, being removed from classroom, extra time after class or school, discussion with Director, Assistant Director, or School Counselor, parent contact or meeting to discuss behavior in class.
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NAME: ______CLASS: ______
*Please sign and return to Ms. Ebbers by September 8th, 2014
I have read and understand the BIOLOGY Syllabus for this year. I will do my best to follow these expectations and procedures to achieve success in 10th Grade Biology.
______
Student Signature Date
I have read the BIOLOGY Syllabus and understand what my child needs to accomplish to earn a passing grade in 10th Grade Biology. I am aware that my child’s progress can be monitored online, or by contacting Ms. Ebbers during the school year through e-mail or by phone.
______
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Science Safety Contract
Ms. ebbers
Science is a hands-on laboratory class. Students will be doing many laboratory activities that may require the use of chemicals, laboratory equipment, and other items, which, if used incorrectly, can be hazardous. Safety in the science classroom is the number 1 priority for students, teachers, and parents. To ensure a safe science classroom, a list of rules has been developed and provided to you in this student safety contract. These rules must be followed at all times. The student and a parent must sign their copy. Please read the entire contract before you sign. /GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure, ASK YOUR TEACHER BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ACTIVITY.
3. Never work alone in the laboratory. No student may work in the science classroom without the presence of the teacher.
4. When first entering a science room, do not touch any equipment, chemicals, or other materials in the laboratory area until you are instructed to do so.
5. Perform only those experiments authorized by your teacher. Carefully follow all instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are not allowed.
6. Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as containers for food or beverages.
7. Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory. Never fool around in 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.
9. Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the teacher immediately of any unsafe conditions you observe.
10. Sinks are to be used only for water. Check with your teacher for disposal of chemicals/solutions.
11. Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully before use. Set up and use the equipment as directed by your teacher.
12. Keep hands away from face, eyes, mouth, and body while using chemicals or lab equipment. Wash your hands with soap and water after performing all experiments.
13. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, startle other students or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
14. Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including: first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher. Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
15. Any time chemicals, heat, or glassware are used, students will wear safety goggles. NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE!
ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES
16. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the teacher immediately, no matter how trivial it seems. Do not panic.
17. If you or your lab partner is hurt, immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher's name to get the teacher's attention. Do not panic.
18. If a chemical should splash in your eye(s) or on your skin, immediately flush with running water for at least 20 minutes. Immediately (and loudly) yell out the teacher's name to get the teacher's attention.
19. If you do not understand how to use a piece of equipment, ASK THE TEACHER FOR HELP!
QUESTIONS(answers are confidential)
· Do you wear contact lenses? Yes______No______
· Are you color blind? Yes ______No______
· Do you have allergies? Yes ______No ______
If so, please list specific allergies: ______
SCIENCE SAFETY CONTRACT AGREEMENT:
I, ______(student's name) have read and agree to follow all of the safety rules set forth in this contract. I realize that I must obey these rules to insure my own safety, and that of my fellow students and teachers. I will cooperate to the fullest extent with my instructor and fellow students to maintain a safe science lab environment. I will also closely follow the oral and written instructions provided by the instructor. I am aware that any violation of this safety contract that results in unsafe conduct in the laboratory or misbehavior on my part, may result in my being removed from the lab classroom, detention, receiving a failing grade, and/or further disciplinary action.
______
Student Signature Date
______
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
*Please sign and return to Ms. Ebbers by September 8th, 2014