Welcome to……….. B I O L O G Y !
2017-2018
Instructor: Mrs. Smith Room 76 Planning Period 3
Call Time: 9:40 – 10:15
962-7861, ext. 1076
Email –
CLASS DESCRIPTION: Biology is the “Study of Life.” During this school year, you will be studying a great variety of living things. Life is everywhere, from microscopic bacteria to gigantic whales, from colonies of slime molds to insect-eating plants. We will investigate the inner workings of the cell, the mysteries of DNA and the complexity of living animals and plants. We will place living things in categories and trace their origins. We will look at all things “alive!” Laboratory methods and skills, along with various problem-solving techniques will be developed. All students will be required to complete projects.
This is a 2-year course. The academic biology curriculum remains the same, but you will take it in 2 parts. The first year will cover the Module 1 topics on the Keystone Biology exam and the second year will cover the Module 2 topics on the Keystone exam. This will allow us to cover the material more thoroughly. All students are required to score proficient on this test in order to graduate in Pennsylvania.
WHAT WILL YOU NEED? Every day you will NEED YOUR BOOK and your BINDER! A binder (or any 3-ring notebook) is very important. You are responsible for getting your own binder during the first week. Please see me if you need assistance acquiring a binder or if you have questions or problems regarding the binder. I will provide you with the inserts and notebook paper. Your binder will be organized into the following sections:
1. Reference – assignment sheets, grade record, syllabus, factor/label page, scientific method sheet and other important reference material.
2. Notes and Assignments per chapter
3. Laboratory Reports and Handouts
Your binder will be graded near the end of each 9 weeks.
HOW WILL YOU BE GRADED? You will have the opportunity to collect points throughout the 9 weeks grading period. Approximate point values for this class are as follows:
Tests = 50 -100 points each
Quizzes = 10 points each
Binder = 50 points/9 weeks
Homework = 5 points each
Laboratory = 30-50 points eac
The number of tests, quizzes, homework assignments and laboratory exercises will be different for each 9 weeks grading period. Extra credit will be made available if needed. Projects or other activities will be assigned points as appropriate for their level of difficulty. Homework will be worth full credit on the day assigned, half credit if one day late and no credit if 2 days late. Make-up work is your responsibility. See me immediately upon your return. Generally, you have a period of time equal to your absence from school to make up all missed work. Failure to makeup work, including tests, will result in a grade of zero. Tutoring is available before and after school.
DO I HAVE TO DISSECT? Dissection is required for all invertebrate specimens. We will dissect at least 5 organisms in this class during the second year of the course. Although you are not required by law to dissect vertebrate specimens, I encourage you to do so. All students will be held accountable for the anatomy and physiology of the organisms dissected in class. Alternative online dissections, models and diagrams will be provided, but hands-on experience is always more conducive to learning.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE STUDYING THIS YEAR? This is a listing of topics by year. The order may vary. We will cover a wide variety of areas. Biology has an enormous range of fields and topics.
Module 1/ Year 1:
Biological Principles
Microscopy
Chemistry of Life
Cell Biology: Plant and Animal Cells
Bacteria and Viruses
Photosynthesis, Respiration
Homeostasis and Transport
Module 2/ year 2:
Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA)
Chromosomes and Cell Division
Genetics
Evolution
Classification
Ecology
Microorganisms: Protozoa, Algae and Fungi
Invertebrate Animals
Vertebrate Animals
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
1. No backpacks, drinks, food, gum, candy, etc. allowed in any science room.
2. Cell phones are only allowed to be out if the teacher requests their us for an educational purpose.
3. Courtesy will be shown to all! Everyone will respect one another’s opinions and verbal abuse/slander will not be tolerated! You will remain quiet while others are speaking.
4. Laboratory exercises are NOT a place for any goofing around or horseplay. Dissection tools and glassware can be dangerous if mishandled. Always follow directions exactly as given to you by Mrs. Smith. You are responsible to pay for the cost of broken glassware, slides or equipment.
5. ALL rules and policies stated in your student handbook will be strictly enforced in this class. Review your handbook for guidelines on dress code, tardiness, truancy and all other areas.
6. All requests to use your pass for restroom, locker, etc. must be made in the FIRST OR LAST 5 MINUTES OF CLASS. You must have your pass in order to ask to leave the room.
7. The best way to succeed in any class is to be prepared. Always have your book, binder notebook, pen or pencil and completed homework. Your book must be covered at all times.
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child. Email is the easiest and fastest way to reach me. Both are listed at the top of the first page. Thank you!
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