Mrs. Paul Email

Mrs. Paul Email:

Office: Room 138

Accelerated Biology Honors 2013 - 2014

Course Description:

Biology, the study of life and living organisms, is an ever-changing science. This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop scientific process skills, laboratory techniques, and an understanding of the fundamental principles of living organisms. Students will explore biological science as a process, cell structure and function, molecular biochemistry, genetics and heredity, evolution, and the diversity of living organisms and their ecological roles. Laboratory reports, internet/library research and critical thinking are required of all students.

A state mandated end of course exam (NJBCT) will be administered in May, which covers objectives for both semesters.

Objectives/Goals:

· Teach students practical scientific skills, which they can use to investigate, study and explain the world around them.

· To give students a deeper understanding of how biology impacts their daily lives.

· To encourage the spirit of scientific investigation.

· For each student to successfully complete the NJ Biology Competency Test and to accomplish the NJ Standards for High School Biology.

Class Structure:

This year, our class utilize a “flipped classroom” for certain lectures. What is a flipped classroom?

The flipped classroom reverses how class time and home time are utilized. Traditionally when you go to class, your teacher lectures, you take notes, and maybe do some work to reinforce what you learned. Then you are given homework where you do more work that reinforces the material. A flipped classroom is a class where you do lecture material at home (more on this later), and spend

class time really reinforcing and learning the information.

Why flip a classroom? Most students remember very little from lecture, despite spending a lot of class time taking notes. And to top it off what you don’t understand in class, you have to try to learn at home by doing homework on your own, often with no help. Instead let’s spend home time introducing the information, and then class time really understanding it.

How do I do a lecture at home? For each home lecture, I will post a video and/or a PowerPoint presentation on our class’s webpage (accessible through the NHS homepage). Depending on the assignment, you will be required to either watch the video or look at the PowerPoint presentation. While you watch, you will take notes just like you would normally. Depending on how you learn best, you may have a preference (video, PowerPoint, or reading the textbook). You may want to do all of the above for some sections you are finding difficult to understand. You may find that you need to watch the video more than once. That’s okay! Feel free to pause, rewind, fast-forward, take a break and come back to it. If you do not have reliable Internet access at home, please let me know. You can also watch the lectures on the computers in the school library or after school in the science computer lab (must sign up).

What will we do in class? By doing the lectures at home, it frees up much more class time. This will allow us to do many more hands-on activities and labs that we might not have gotten to otherwise. When you come to class, I will check your homework (your notes from the lecture) and you may be quizzed on the material. We’ll spend the class time getting to really understand the information, especially what you’re confused about. As necessary, I will do mini lectures with a group of students (or the whole class) if extra explanation is needed.

Expectations

· Keep a well organized binder/notebook

· ACTIVELY WATCH lecture videos when assigned, and complete all parts

o Actively watching means you are focused on the lecture. No distractions! If you are getting distracted, take a break from the lecture and come back when you can give it your full attention.

· Arrive to class on time, ready to begin when the bell rings. After two lates, you will receive detention and loss of points.

· Come to class prepared to learn, with all required class materials. This includes wearing your ID.

· Participate! Don’t be a spectator lab partner. Everyone has something to offer here.

· Be honest. Honesty includes not only telling the truth (reporting accidents, etc), but being truthful with your work and assessments. Plagiarism and cheating will result in a zero on the assignment.

· Be respectful. Be supportive of your fellow classmates. Take care of our classroom. Don’t talk while someone else is talking. Do not use inappropriate language. Do not pack up until class is over.

· Adhere to all classroom and NHS policies.

Makeup Policy

You are responsible for everything that is posted on the class website including videos, PowerPoints, additional notes, due dates, etc. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to find out what you missed in class.

· Tests – 1 week (If you are only absent the day before a test, you are still responsible for taking the test when you return back to school.)

· Quizzes – 1 week or before the test (which ever comes first)

· Labs – 1 week

· Homework – Must be handed in the day you come back to receive full credit

Grading Policy

You will be graded on a point system. Each assignment will be worth a certain number of points. At the end of the marking period, your grade will be determined by your points earned divided by

the total number of possible points. (Example: (372 earned points / 425 total points) x 100 = 88 %)

Tests: Tests will always be announced. Before each test, a review sheet will be given.

Quizzes: Each marking period, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Quizzes may be

announced or unannounced.

Class Work: We will be doing a variety of activities in class. Some examples: Labs, Research

projects, Current events, Free Response Questions, Webquests

Work must be handed in on time. For every day late, points will be deducted.

Formal Lab Report: Each marking period, students will submit a formal lab report.

Homework: Homework will be checked. It is very important that you view the lecture

material before you come to class. For each home lecture, you will be required to take

notes. Your notes will be checked and graded. Occasionally, some homework assignments will be submitted to turnitin.com.

Homework must be completed BEFORE entering class to receive full credit.

Class Participation: Class participation includes not only participating and being prepared for

class, but also your attendance, getting to class on time, behavior in class, alertness in

class, and your willingness to learn. Points will be deducted for continual tardiness.

Extra Help:

I am always willing to provide extra help. If you feel you need extra help, please let me know. We will schedule a meeting time after school. However, you must come prepared with questions!

Supplies needed:

· Internet Access

· 3-ring binder with filler paper (Recommended) or Notebook

· Folder

· Pens and pencils – Points will be deducted daily if you come to class without a writing utensil.

· Additional recommended supplies: Dividers, Ruler, Colored pencils, Highlighters, Index Cards

What you need to bring to class every day:

· Binder/Notebook

· Any assignments that are due

· Folder

· Pen or pencil – EVERYDAY!

** You will not need to bring your textbook every day. If textbooks are needed, you will be informed. **