TERRA Environmental Research Institute
Biology Honors Course Syllabus
2016-2017
Mrs. Landa
I wanted to welcome all of my students and parent(s) to the 2016-2017 school year and give everyone the class requirements. All students are expected to follow the procedures that are outlined in this paper. Following these procedures will ensure success in this class. Disregarding the procedures will set the stage for failure and failure is not an option.
Materials Needed
The lessons or notes for the week will be kept in a composition notebook (marble journal) with the student’s name, period and title of course printed clearly on the cover. This journal is reserved only for Biology. ALL journal entries will require a title and a date. If notes are typed in an electronic device, a hard copy must be printed and kept in a journal to be spot checked at any time. Pens and pencils will be required on a DAILY basis for taking notes, working on written assignments or any quizzes or tests that may be given. Students will be encouraged to use their laptops or other electronic devices whenever the teacher grants permission during class. Improper use of electronic devices, e.g. texting, taking pictures, recording audio or video, viewing material that is not part of the lesson assigned, copying and pasting other student’s work, etc. will be dealt with in a serious manner. This class will require the student to have access to a computer or electronic device with internet access in order to complete on-line activities at home. Loose-leaf paper will also be required for class and home but may not be used on a daily basis. The student should have colored pencils, scissors, and glue for assignments that will be completed at home.
Attendance
Students should follow the school policy. Remember that absences adversely affect grades and should be kept to a minimum. Whenever a student is absent he/she needs to check my web page, e-mail me, or see me immediately upon returning to school. Don’t wait until the next class, if possible. If the student knows of an absence ahead of time he/she should see me for information concerning upcoming assignments. Only if an absence is satisfactory can the work be made up for a grade. Unsatisfactory absences (2 or more) will result in a lowered conduct grade(s).
Classroom (Discipline Plan)/General School Rules
Students need to adhere to the classroom rules and general school rules.
The following classroom rules will be observed:
1. Be on time to class. Unsatisfactory tardies (2 or more) will result in a lowered conduct grade(s). Turn off any electronic device(s) and place in book bag. Quietly check board for daily assignments and homework reminders. Have your materials on your desk and ready to begin work when the bell rings.
2. Raise your hand if you have any questions. Wait to be recognized.
3. Keep the room clean for all students. Groups leaving trash or lab materials will be penalized (points will be deducted from the assignment).
4. Treat the teacher and other students with respect.
5. Keep all furniture free from writing, graffiti, GUM, or other substances. Please notify the instructor immediately if you find any of these.
6. Wait in your seat until I dismiss you.
7. DO NOT ASK for passes unless you have an extreme emergency. Only 3 passes per grading period will be issued (for any circumstances). An extra credit PG grade will be awarded if none of the passes are used during the grading period. I want you in class! In the event you need to use a pass you must find your name in the passes log located on my desk, note the date, let me know where you plan to go, and take the class pass with you. Passes are given at the teacher’s discretion.
8. DO NOT USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION. This includes, but is not limited to, texting, taking pictures, recording (audio or video), viewing material that is not part of the lesson assigned, and copying and pasting other student’s work. Breaking this rule will result in the student turning in the device to the teacher and a call home after school. The device will be returned as soon as the teacher has spoken to the parent.
If the student breaks a rule, the following consequences will occur:
1. The student will receive verbal warning or reprimand.
2. Continued disruptions will result in a call home to parent.
3. If more problems arise with the student, a parent conference will be requested with other members of the school (counselor, assistant principal, or principal) and a referral will be filed in accordance with school/district policy.
Behavior/Lab Safety/Lab Fees
Students will work in an environment, which may require sharing of experiences amongst the students. This will require a great level of trust from the instructor. Dangerous circumstances with lab equipment will be part of the curriculum; therefore students need to take on very adult-like behavior at all times while in class. Students must pass a laboratory safety quiz, sign a safety contract (also signed by parents), and pay a lab fee (amount and date TBA).
Assignments/Make-ups
All assignments must have a proper heading in the right hand corner, including your name, date and period. Be sure to title each assignment. Students are expected to complete all assignments by the due date. All assignments which are to be completed at home will be collected AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD ONLY, NO EXCEPTIONS. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS THE STUDENT HAS AN EXCUSED ABSENCE (S). Quality of work is a MUST! Lack of quality will greatly decrease grades. Assignments not turned in by the DUE DATE will receive a ZERO, which is a GRADE KILLER.
All students should be aware of assignments and due dates by checking my website: www.teacherpage.com/alanda and paying attention to reminders in class, both written on the white board/Promethean board and given orally. If the student is absent on the due date he/she will turn in the assignment upon his/her return to school. An excused admit is required for the grade to be posted in the gradebook; otherwise, a Z or zero will remain in the gradebook.
Homework
READING is a MUST as well as CORRECTLY completing ALL HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS. As soon as a chapter is assigned the student needs to read it PRIOR to the lesson. Also any on-line homework assignments may need to be printed immediately so that the student can start working on them (in his/her own handwriting) and have time to ask questions before they are due. The teacher needs to be aware of any printer issues ASAP. Don’t wait until the night before the assignment is due to report problems.
Grading Information
Test and quiz dates will be announced prior to their administration, unless a pop- quiz is in order. Tests will usually be worth three grades. Quizzes will usually be worth one grade. Homework grades will usually count one single grade and labs or notebook grades may vary. The required M-DCPS grading criteria will be used. All assignments that are collected by the due date will receive a grade. Therefore, it is IMPERATIVE that ALL assignments are complete and maximum effort is shown. Low grades will result if assignments are incomplete, incorrect, or missing. Needless to say, CHEATING and lack of originality will also be severely dealt with (any student(s) involved will receive an F and the incident will be noted in the gradebook). Be careful when using the Internet. You must place material taken directly from the Internet in quotes and credit the author and source even if it is only a few words or one sentence. In science, we also credit the original source of an idea.
This school year all students will take the Biology End of Course (EOC) Exam in April. The Biology EOC Exam is worth 30% of the student’s final grade. I will give a pre-test assessing benchmarks and reading skills on the first week of school. Students will take a district test around January to assess progress. It is imperative that the student continue to read, review, and reflect on previous concepts so that the EOC exam does not become overwhelming.
Extra Credit Options
These options will be made available to the student throughout the year and will be announced. They may include, but not be limited to, reviews of films, exhibits, a roll of paper towels, copy paper and on-line quizzes/tutorials.
I am available before school (I’ll try to be in by 7:00AM), after school (until 3:00PM) or by e-mail () to discuss any difficulties you may be having in the course or make-up work. If your homeroom teacher gives you a pass to see me during homeroom I can see you then as well. You, however, need to make the time. Remember that I am available to answer questions, concerns, and clarifications during class. In the event that you forget to ask a question in class or if I feel rushed for time and can’t answer your particular question during class, feel free to see me before you leave school or the next morning prior to the start of the school day. I don’t want to leave any stones unturned and your success is important to me.
I look forward to being your science teacher this school year and providing you with a great Biology experience.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Landa
Note: Glue pages 1-3 in your Composition Notebook (marble journal).
Print this page at home and return it (for a grade) with all appropriate information and signatures by the next class day.
Print Student Name ______
Period ______
Please acknowledge that both you and your parent(s) have read and understand Mrs. Landa’s Biology Course Outline written above (pages 1-3). Sign below, parent/guardian please print name below signature, and write in the date.
Student Signature Date
Parent or Guardian Signature Date
Parent or Guardian Name Printed
Note: Return by next class day for a grade. ONE LETTER GRADE DEDUCTED FOR EVERY CLASS UNTIL YOU HAVE A Z OR ZERO POINTS (Only applies to this assignment).
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