Biology Course Objectives and Requirements

Term:Fall semester 08

Course:Biology

Teacher:Mrs. Rubin-Green

Email:

Telephone: 310-842-4200 X6082

Culver City High School Believes:

  1. Each member of our school community plays an integral part in making student success a certainty.
  2. That all students are provided the necessary resources and opportunities to become successful Collaborative Workers, Adaptable Problem Solvers, Critical Thinkers, Involved Citizens, Quality Producers and Self-Guided Achievers.
  3. That all students are immersed in vigorous, standards-based curricula that promote higher level thinking skills
  4. That all students are capable of learning and as such, we educate the whole person providing students the necessary support to achieve their fullest potential.
  5. That we value diversity and promote tolerance and espouses understanding and compassion
  6. That the aesthetic value of our campus is an important part of student achievement.

“Learn to Achieve. Achieve to learn…Tomorrow Starts Today”

Course Description:

This is an introductory biology high school course. This course is aligned with the California State standards in biology and prepares students to take the California Assessment Exam (STAR) in Biology. Areas of emphasis include:

Cell Biology

Genetics

Molecular Biology

Ecology

Evolution

Course Material Required:

Students are expected to have these materials with then every day in class:

Textbook which has been covered

Notebook or binder with a pocket or a separate folder to place handouts in

Pen (blue or black)

Pencil

Colored pencils or crayons

Homework Assignments and Make-up Policy:

Late work due to an excused absence may be turned in for full credit within three days of the return to school. Late work not due to an absence may be turned in for half credit up until the test on the unit only. An absence is considered excused only when it has been processed through the attendance office and an appropriate readmit form indicating a cleared excused absence has been brought to class. Any missed tests or other evaluation activities must be made up within three days of the return to school or no point credit for them can be earned. Test and evaluation activities can only be made up after school. Class time can be used for this and only when no time other time can be scheduled. Laboratory experiments often require special equipment and extensive preparation. Therefore missed lab experiments can only be made up after school and in some cases not at all.

Participation:

We at Culver City High School expect all our students to attend school regularly and arrive to all classes on time, ready to participate, learn and achieve. Participation consists of but is not limited to, arriving to class on time with all appropriate materials, ready to be a positive and productive member of the class. Participation will contribute 15% of the student’s total grade.

Grading Policy:

Grades will be calculated by the following policy:

45% Average of test grades: Tests are graded according to a generous but fixed curve. Each test will represent points earned by the student. Test scores are recorded and averaged together. Missed Tests not made up within three days of return to school will receive zero points and a grade of “F”.

30% Homework and Classwork: All assignments must be completed and turned in on time. Keeping up with Homework and Classwork is the easiest way to improve your grade. Each Homework and Classwork assignment is graded on a scale of 0 to 5 points. Group assignments and oral presentation are included in Classwork.

15% Participation: You earn participation credit by being in your seat on time at the start of class with all your materials, by behaving within classroom rules, by participating in class activities and discussions, and by working well with your assigned groups. Quick review activities are included in the participation portion of the grade NOT in the Homework or Classwork portion of the grade.

10% End of Semester Final Exam. A comprehensive multiple choice final is given at the end of each semester. It is calculated into your grade separately from your other exams.

Additional help Procedures:

I am available for extra help at lunch, by appointment only, or after school.