Biology
The Study of Living Things
Lee Grounds
903-874-8211 x2210
Room C210
Lee Grounds
Lacey Ogburn
Linda Wells
Nick Griffin
Biology Course Description
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Students conduct laboratory and fieldinvestigations, use scientific methods duringinvestigations, and make informed decisions usingcritical thinking and scientific problem solving. Studentsin Biology study a variety of topics that include:
structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth anddevelopment of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs;nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution;taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in livingorganisms; living systems; homeostasis; andecosystems and the environment.
BiologyGrade Calculation
Biology
50% Tests & Projects
30% Lab Work
15% Class Work (Daily)
5% Homework
Pre AP Biology
60% Tests & Projects
30% Lab Work
10% Class Work/Homework
Studying for tests and completing make up work keeps your grade up.
Full cooperation and participation is expected in all class activities.
Tutorial times will be posted in the classroom & on my website.
STARR End-of-Course (EOC) test minimum score required for graduation.
YOUR GRADE = YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
Semester Exams
Exams will count 20% of the semester grade
1st Semester exam – over all material covered the 1st semester
2nd Semester exam (Final) – over all material covered the2nd semester
Exemptions for the 2nd semester exam are based on attendance, grades, and behavior!!
BiologyScope and Sequence
TEXAS ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS (TEKS)
1st Nine Weeks
Unit 1: Science Safety & Evidence-Based Thinking
Unit 2: Ecology
Unit 3: Biochemistry
Unit 4: Cells
2nd Nine Weeks
Unit 5: Cellular Processes: Photosynthesis &
Respiration
Unit 6: Cellular Processes: Cell Cycle
Unit 7: Cellular Processes: Protein Synthesis
3rd Nine Weeks
Unit 8: Genetics & Heredity
Unit 9: Evolution
Unit 10: Classification
4th Nine Weeks
Unit 11: Viruses, Bacteria, & Protists
Unit 12: Plant Structures & Adaptations
Unit 13: Body Systems
Unit 14: Making Connections
BiologyRules and Student Responsibilities
Students will abide by the following rules in the Biology classroom:
Be safe & responsible.
Be organized, efficient, & on task.
Be polite & respectful.
Be cooperative.
Student responsibilities include:
Have supplies everyday - notebook, pen/pencil, paper, homework when assigned.
Listen and learn.
Follow instructions.
Start and finish your work on time.
Ask for help if you need it.
Grades.
Pay for any materials broken.
What you missed while absent from class for any reason. All make-up work is due within 5 class days.
Automatic Office Referral
- Cheating
- Skipping class
- Uncorrectable or consistent dress code violations
- Fighting or confrontational behavior
- Profanity/racial slurs in class
- Refusing to surrender electronic devices
- Vandalism or defacing school property
- Non-compliance/defiance
- Refusal to attend teacher d-hall
- Public displays of affection
- Serious offense listed in Student Code of Conduct
ZERO TOLERANCE IS SUPPORTED FOR MISBEHAVIOR WITH ANY SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, CUSTODIAN, CAFETERIA WORKER, OR SECRETARY. IN OTHER WORDS, THESE STAFF MEMBERS DO NOT NEED TO FOLLOW THE CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES BEFORE REFERRING A STUDENT TO THE OFFICE.
Science Safety Guidelines
To maintain an atmosphere of safe learning when conducting experiments, investigations, field excursions, and other types of activities, students are expected to be responsible for their safety and the safety of others. The following guidelines clarify what is expected of students and what their responsibilities are in and out of the science classroom. Remember, you are an important part of the safety team during all science activities!
Students are expected to. . .
- Read the science activity thoroughly & understand its purpose before beginning the activity or leaving on a field investigation.
- Learn special safety precautions that are taught prior to each activity
- Inform your teacher of any allergies to latex, insect stings, vegetation, etc.
- Understand & follow all safety procedures.
- Read, understand, & sign the Science Student Safety Responsibility Agreement
- Never perform an experiment without the teacher’s permission
- Avoid disruptive & distractive behavior – no horseplay
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment when required
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment until your work area is cleaned
- Know the location of all safety equipment & how to use them correctly
- Check glassware for cracks or breaks before using
- Never eat or drink anything during a hands-on activity (water is the exception when outside) including ingesting any plant or plant parts while outside
- Avoid picking up or handling any wild animal without specific instructions from your teacher
- Dress properly for science activities & field/lab work.
- Tie back long hair
- Remove articles of jewelry or clothing that could come into contact with chemicals or fire, could tear the safety gloves, or in any way present a danger (including student IDs)
- Wear closed-toed shoes & pants while completing labs or going outside for field work
- Be alert in the laboratory & outside during field excursions.
- Never work alone or without a teacher present
- Watch for potential problems & report unsafe situations immediately
- Know & follow the emergency procedures in the event of an accident
- Be aware of what your teammates are doing at all times
- Be familiar with outdoor hazards such as poison ivy, biting/stinging arthropods, sharp thorns, snakes, sunburn, & dehydration
- Dispose of sharps, chemicals, & biological waste properly.
- Do not put solids or chemicals down sink unless advised to do so
- Use the labeled box to carefully dispose of any sharp objects
- Report all accidents to teacher immediately.
- If any chemical comes into contact with your skin, wash it off under cool water for 15 minutes under the safety shower, sink, or eye wash station
- Keep your work area clean.
- Always work at assigned station
- Clear your table of personal belongings & keep area free of clutter
- Clean your lab station and put away all equipment and materials at the end of each activity
- Do not enter the storage/prep room without being accompanied by a science teacher.
- Always wash your hands with soap & water before leaving the room regardless of what the lab activity or outside field work was.
- Treat classroom animals or any live specimen with care & respect.
- Always use hand sanitizer or soap & water after handling live animals
- Most importantly, always follow your teacher’s instructions!
COMPLETE FRONT & BACK AND RETURN TO SCIENCE TEACHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET–Biology
Student First & LastName: ______Period: ______
Grade: ______Age: ______Birthdate: ______
Home Address: ______
Home Phone #: ______Student Cell Phone #: ______
Student Email: ______
Guardian/Father’s Name: ______
Guardian/Mother’s Name: ______
Parent Contact Information (Please give me an email &/or phone numbers to contact you):
Do you text? Yes No ______
______
List all student allergies or potential concerns that may arise during any outdoor activity: ______
Is there anything else I should know? Please explain. ______
______
COMPLETE FRONT & BACK AND RETURN TO SCIENCE TEACHER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT – PHOTO RELEASE
Students
My teacher explained the BiologyStudent Responsibilities and Science Safety Guidelines, and I understand my responsibilities to maintain a respectful and safe learning and working environment in the science classroom, laboratory, and while on field excursions. I also understand that all school district rules apply while I am conducting or participating in science activities indoor or outdoor, on or off campus. I expect that I may be removed from class and that further disciplinary action may be taken if I violate this agreement. I accept these responsibilities.
Student ______Date______
Parents and Guardians
This is to inform you of Mr. Grounds’ guidelines regarding what responsibilities and practices I expect of all my students during science activities inside & outside the classroom. You can read the BiologyStudent Responsibilities and Science Safety Guidelines on my teacher webpage. It is important that a safe learning environment be maintained at all times to protect students and teachers from accidents. If you have questions concerning these guidelines, please contact me or the school. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand this information.
There are live animals in some of the science classrooms, including but not limited to: non-venomous snakes, lizards, fish, turtles, and various arthropods. Students are expected to treat all animals with respect and care. These organisms are used to enhance science lessons.
This class may take field excursions around the CHS campus that can include the football stadium, cross country course, & the IOOF Park & pond. These locations are all within walking distance of the high school. Your signature indicates that you are aware of the outdoor fieldwork, and you give permission for your child to participate.
I hereby give permission for images of my child, captured during Biology through video, photo, & digital camera to be used solely for the purpose of Corsicana ISD promotional material & publications, Mr. Lee Grounds’ CHS Teacher Page. I waive any rights of compensation or ownership thereto.
Parent/Guardian______Date______
I maintain a CHS Teacher Page available through the CISD website. This site may include powerpoints, lecture notes, assignments, labs, websites, & other material presented in class. It may also include videos & pictures from class.
For Extra Credit, Please Bring Any of the Following!
Free 100 Daily Grade/9 Weeks
- 2 Glue sticks
- Box of Kleenex
- Hand sanitizer
- Hand soap
- Masking tape
- White board markers (Expo markers)
- Ziplock bags – any size
Construction, Colored, Scrapbook, Cardstock Paper
Paper towels
Yarn/string
Rubber bands
Envelopes – any size
Single-hole punches
Gardening gloves
Rulers
Scissors
Binoculars
Science-related magazines or books
(nature, biology, genetics, environmental, etc.)
Clean skulls/bones/fossils/feathers
Taxidermied mounts/skins
Biology is the only subject in which multiplication is the same thing as division . . .