Pottsgrove High School
Academic Biology Syllabus 2015-2016
Teacher Contact Information
Mr. Christ - room 16
Please feel free to contact me anytime through email or by phone if you have any questions or concerns.
Email address –
Phone number – 610-326-5105 ext. 7016
Room # 16
Course Description
This year we will explore all aspects the science of the living world from observing community interdependences, looking inside your genetic blueprint, determining your genes and investigating how the natural world changes through natural selection. Students are challenged to think analytically, to search for answers, to use good judgment and to apply newly acquired knowledge to related situations.
Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes
Priority Standards PDE Biology - 4.1.10.A, 4.1.10.C (Ecology Standards); 3.1.B.A1, 3.1.B.A2, 3.1.B.A4, 3.1.B.A5, 3.1.B.A6, 3.1.B.A7, 3.1.B.A9, 3.1.B.B1, 3.1.B.B2, 3.1.B.B3, 3.1.B.B4, 3.1.B.B5, 3.1.B.C1, 3.1.B.C3 (Biological Standards)
Required Textbooks and Materials
Course Textbook – Miller & Levine Biology
Textbook Website –
Suggested Course Materials
Covered Textbook, Pencil and/or Pen and A three-ring binder and/or pocket folder is highly recommended for this course.You will be required to keep all notes, class work and laboratory assignments for each unit, which will become your biology notebook.
Academic Calendar
Quarter 1 – The Science of Biology, The Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure
Quarter 2 – Cellular function, Cell Growth and Division, Genetics
Quarter 3 – DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis, Human Heredity and Genetic Engineering
Quarter 4 – Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, Evolution of Populations, Ecology, Keystone Exam in May
Assignments & Grading
Approximately three tests will be given each quarter along with several quizzes. You will be informed about upcoming exams at least five days before. Quizzes will be both announced and unannounced. Our quizzes will be from reading assignments, lectures or lab activities. To prepare for our quizzes and tests it is important to complete all homework and class assignments, as well as to take proper notes, pay attention to our lessons and ask questions when you have them!
If you are absent, YOU are responsible for all work missed.
Weighted System
Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills90% - Assessment (tests, quizzes, projects, lab reports)
Building Knowledge and Skills
10%- Homework, Class work, and Class
Participation/Engagement, lab worksheets / Grade Scale
100-90A4
89-80B3
79-70C2
69-60D1
below 60F0
Classroom and School Policies
-You are to be responsible and respectful at all times.
-If a test is missed it must be made up during a study hall, before school or after school PROMPTLY upon their return. Quizzes will be made up the day of return to ensure content continuity.
-You are responsible to get the agenda and lecture notes from the webpage, a reliable friend or tutoring session on your own time.
-You are responsible to obtaining any handouts when absent from the extra bin.
-You are responsible for scheduling a time to make up a lab. Laboratory activities are difficult to make-up. If you miss a lab, alternate activities may be determined on an individual basis. Labs must be made up prior to the next lab period.
-Students are required to keep a notebook of their lecture notes, reading notes, class activities, homework and biology opener questions. It is required students have their biology notebook with them every day in class.
-Please be ready to learn as the bell rings. Also please remain seated until the dismissal bell – don’t line up at the door prior to dismissal.
-Focus on learning the material and completing activities as assigned.
-Seek to genuinely grasp the concepts presented - not to simply memorize word for word what you may not understand. The living world is too vast and varied to attempt to memorize it all. Although some memorization is necessary, much of biology is conceptual.
-Please take the initiative to ask questions when necessary, this not only helps you to better understand the material, it also livens the discussion.
-Communicating the subject matter with friends and family certainly helps you to retain and better understand what you have learned. If you can explain the material without reading it or referring to notes, you have mastered it.
- Also prepare for tests and quizzes by testing or quizzing yourself. Do not simply read over the notes. Athletes and musicians do not prepare for performances simply by passively watching others perform, rather there is a simulation or practice performance, which helps secure mastery.
Keystone Exam
-During the year we will be preparing for the keystone exam in biology. You will be taking the exam at the end of May.
-You will be responsible for keeping a keystone folder in the classroom that will be used to prepare for the exam at the end of the year.
-We will be using practice questions, study guides, online review tests, etc. to prepare for the exam.
-Be sure to try your best to learn and understand each unit since the exam is cumulative.
Late Work
*Demonstrating Knowledge and Skills (Assessment)
-Students are expected to complete all learning activities designated as assessment.
-Students who are absent for a test, quiz, performance, or project will make-up the
assessment in an interval equal to the absence.
-Students who do not complete assessments by the due date must complete them
by the deadline, which is five contact days after due date.
*Building Knowledge and Skills (Classwork, Homework, and Participation/Engagement)
-Students will be given reasonable opportunities to complete building knowledge and skills as defined by the teacher.
Technology
Students will be able to keep up to date with assignments using the course website. Students will be required to logon to their textbook website. Students will have the option to complete several homework assignments online as well as use the online textbook for help with their studies. Students will be required to use the Internet to complete research and collect current event articles.
Student Conduct & Discipline
1. Be prepared – bring your notebooks, and something to write with everyday.
2. Be attentive – success in this class depends on YOU. Listen, learn, and participate to be successful!
3. Be courteous – do not interrupt class; do not disturb your teacher of classmates. ALSO if a cell phone is out in the classroom, it will be taken for the class period, and a referral will be written. You need to be courteous while in school and understand it is not a proper place to be using your phone.
4. Be respectful – respect others in the class and their property. Do not touch things that do not belong to you.
Academic Integrity
To ensure academic integrity, students will not be allowed to use music devises during tests, quizzes or labs. A quality education is best achieved when approached with honesty and integrity. Grades, points, and class rank are not more important than character.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS IN BIOLOGY:
1. What is science? What is biology?
2. What chemicals make up our earth? How is matter structured?
3. How do chemicals carry out life processes?
4. If all living things are made of cells, then what are cells made of and how do they function?
5. How did life on earth arise?
6. How do cells maintain an internal balance in an ever-changing environment?
7. How do cells divide?
8. How do organisms obtain energy from their environment? How do living things release energy from the organic compounds they take in or manufacture?
9. What principles govern the inheritance of traits in living things?
10. What are some exceptions to these principles of inheritance?
11. How do cells express the information contained in the DNA of their chromosomes?
12. How do we apply our knowledge of genetics to solve problems?
13. How does the theory of natural selection explain evolutionary change?
14. How can we measure changes in the gene pools of populations?
15. What evolutionary processes produced modern humans?
16. How can we best classify living things?
17. How do environments influence their inhabitants? How do organisms adapt to their environments?
18. What factors cause ecosystems to change in space and in time?
19. How can we best protect our surroundings?
20. How can we use scientific principles to understand and appreciate our lives?
Course SyllabusPage 1