Research BIO- WHITLOW’s FAQ/Information – Room 219 – School Year 2015-2016

(aka Honors Biology)

Welcome to Biology. This document was created to answer many of the questions you might have as we begin the year. Read it carefully and keep it in your notebook to refer to throughout the year. It is also posted on my PFHS web page.

What topics will we be covering?

The curriculum is broken up into units (and mini-units). The first unit is an introduction to Biology. It will introduce you to the vast field of biology. We will also review the microscope, and scientific method. Other units include:

Classification Viruses Biochemistry Cells Mitosis/Meiosis DNA

DNA Technologies Genetics Evolution Ecology Primate Evolution Physiology

How are quarter grades determined?

Each assignment is worth a given amount of points. Grades are in two categories. The formative and summative grades are combined and the resulting percent is converted into a letter grade according to the Loudoun County Grading Scale.

Types of Assessments / Examples / Percent of Grade
Formative / these tasks help students learn new material:
worksheets, labs, note-taking, warm-ups, notebook checks, unit review / 10%
Summative / these measure how much students have learned:
lab summaries, quizzes, tests, lab writing, Biology Project assignments, Naturalist Journal assignments. / 90%

How is the class time organized?

Each class begins with a warm-up reviewing material from last class. New material is introduced in short lecture/discussion format using diagrams and animations during which you will take notes. After the introduction of new material there may be a lab, coloring, labeling, short reading, or worksheet assignment to allow you more time to process and work with the new concepts. There will be notebook checks, lab summaries and quizzes during a unit to keep you apprised of your understanding of the material being covered. Anytime you are falling behind or notice that you are not doing well, you must immediately get some extra help before school or during FLEX.

At the end of a unit, we will review in class and a unit review documentis available. This review is useful in guiding you through a review of all your unit materials (worksheets, vocabulary, labs, notes, warm-ups) in preparation for the test.

What types of assignments can I expect?

At the end of each unit there typically will be a 100-point test. There are 4 mini-units which will have a 30-50 pt. final summative assessment. During each unit expect a quiz, (15-20 points each) and 1-3lab summaries (~10 points each).

Each quarter students will do at least one extensive lab that allows them to work on their research/laboratory skills. There will be a quiz and a writing assignment after these labs.

The Biology Research Project is the essence of the honors program. Students can work in pairs or individually to independently research and experiment with a topic from choices provided. Students may choose other topics if they are presented to the teacher and approved by the end of November. The preparing for, and completing the various components of the Biology Project comprise about 20% of each quarters grade. Students will pick partners and projects in December.

A Naturalist Journal will be started and added to throughout the year. Once each quarter, you will be assigned pages to add to your journal and given plenty of time to complete and turn in your journal for grading. Journals will help us cover material on ecology and plants throughout the year. You will need to take photos and print out color pictures. If you do not have a computer, color printer, please plan ahead to use the school resources.

How much homework is given?

Homework is a completion of worksheets or labs begun in class. Most writing assignments are done at home. The Naturalist Journal is completed outside of class time.

Can you turn in late work?

Naturalist Journals turned in after the due dates lose 10% of the points, for every day (not class period) late. However, they will not be accepted more than 2 days past the due date. Naturalist Journals should be turned in directly to me. Work left in the classroom, or placed my mailbox could be lost. You are responsible for getting your work turned in.

Other assignments will incur a 10% deduction for each day they are turned in after the due date.

What if I am absent?

Attendance is extremely important. However, if you are sick and out of school, you MUST go to my webpage for what was accomplished during class. A list of class activities is posted at the end of each day on the Calendar link of the webpage.

Warm-ups and notes must be copied from a classmate and in your notebook by the next class block. All quizzes, tests and make-up lab work, must be completed during the next FLEX or within one week from the date of your absence

Students with extended absences should see me to determine if they will get an extension.

It is your responsibility to complete all missed work and turn it in by the deadline!

What if I miss taking a test or quiz?You will make up tests and quizzes during the next time you have a FLEX to biology. If you do not see me in FLEX before 1 week from date of test/quiz, you will need to FLEX to me from another class OR make arrangements for before or after school. If tests or quizzes are not completed by the deadline, the grade will be recorded as a zero.

Can I retake a test? Unit tests are available for retakes. See the document posted on my webpage for specifics and requirements.

Can I do extra credit? There will be very few opportunities to earn an extra point or two on tests. Focus on completing every task assigned to your very best ability.

Can I come see you for extra help or if I have questions? You can ask me for a FLEX pass and receive helpfrom me or a tutor during the FLEX block or see me for quick questions and clarificationbefore school. I arrive about 8:15 am.

How can I (and my parent) keep up with my progress?

Students and parents are able to access teacher grade books (Clarity) on-line to determine the grade at any point during the quarter. Keep all graded work in case there are any discrepancies to resolve. Students who want to speak with me about their grade should see me before school.

SUPPLIES REQUIRED:

  • Biology Workbook, Research Biology Workbook, pens, pencils.
  • Journal (any spiral or hard-bound book with at least 50 unlinedpages, about 8 ½” x 11”). AVOID pad type books designed for pages to easily be removed because pages will come loose. Spiral art sketch books work well.
  • AT HOME: Colored pencils, Glue/Rubber cement, wide packing tape, scissors, ruler. If you do not have access to a computerand color printer, please plan ahead to use the school resources.

EXPECTATIONS:

I expect everyone to know how to behave in the classroom. I will not tolerate any abusive language or any disrespect either toward each other or me. Cell phonesare not to be out.

Come to class prepared. You must have your workbook every day. You must use the time between classes to get water, use the restroom and go to your locker. Passes from class will be restricted. You must have assignments ready to turn in upon entrance to the room the day it is due.

There is no food, drink (including water & gum) allowed in the science classroom.

SSS/FLEX: Students may see me for FLEX passes before school or during their class. During SSS/FLEX, students sit in their assigned seat. Bring something to do absolutely silently for 20 minutes. Electronic devices and/or cell phones are allowed out during FLEX, after SSS, however, you cannot share devices.

WEB PAGE:

This document: Whitlow’s FAQ/Information about Biology will be posted on my school web page. Make up work is posted on the calendar. Naturalist Journal assignments, and other reference information will be posted as the year progresses. Due dates will be posted on the white board in the classroom.

E-MAIL: Cathy Whitlow

Any questions or concerns about a student’s progress should be addressed to me. E-mail is a wonderful tool to use but parents must indicate a willingness to have grades and confidential information sent via this method by signing the attached sheet. I check my e-mail only during work hours. Therefore please allow at least 24 hours for reply.