Biology I
Hilary Norwood
email:
Welcome to Biology:
Biology is a laboratory-based course and is required for graduation. Students will take the SATP2 at the end of the course. Success in this class depends on your ability to apply scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer questions about living things and the world around them. You will get the most out of this class if you take the time to think about how the things we study affect you personally. Approach the class with seriousness and an open mind, and you are likely to succeed.
Instructional Objectives:
· Apply inquiry-based and problem-solving processes and skills to scientific investigations.
· Describe the biochemical basis of life and explain how energy flows within and between living systems.
· Investigate and evaluate the interaction between living organisms and their environment.
· Analyze and explain the structures and function of the levels of biological organization.
· Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular basis of heredity.
· Demonstrate an understanding of principles that explain the diversity of life and biological evolution.
Materials:
To do well in class, you must be prepared when you get here. The following are the required items you’ll need for this class:
Required materials3 ring binder with notebook paper
pencils and blue/black pen
highlighters (multiple colors)
lined paper
3x5 index cards
colored pencils, markers, or crayons
$10 laboratory fee
Grading:
Your performance in this class will be assessed in a variety of ways. The breakdown goes as follows:
Minor Grades 40%
Major Grades 40%
Exam 20%
You are responsible for keeping track of your own grade and can easily do so through PowerSchool.
***Late work will not be accepted.***
While You Were Out:
It is your responsibility to obtain any missed work. Missed work is only given for excused absences. Missed work must be turned in no later than three school days after you return from your absence. If you have questions, you can either email me or make an appointment for before or after school.
Homework:
Homework is assigned each day. It will consist of information that reinforces the concepts learned that day or a project that is intended to help you see the connections between biology and your life outside of school.
Labs:
We will be doing a wide variety of labs in this class. Some are major, multi-day labs and require a write-up. Before we start any lab in this class I will give you my expectations about how it should be written up and explain the hazards you are likely to encounter. Safety is of utmost importance in the laboratory.
Disputes/problems:
At some point during the school year, many students find that they have a question about grading or some other issue that they need worked out. If you at any point believe that I have graded an assignment incorrectly or made some other mistake, I encourage you to bring it to my attention so it may be corrected as quickly as possible. You work hard for your grades, and if I have made a mistake I very much want to ensure that it is corrected!
Extra Credit:
If you do what you need to do the first time, you will not need extra credit!
Honor Code:
It is assumed that you will follow the honor code at all times. Cheating, plagiarism, and other academic dishonesty will be quickly referred to the school administration for investigation and subsequent disciplinary action.
Exemptions:
Exemptions will follow school policy based on grades and attendance. Please see handbook for policy details. No exemptions will be given for the mid-term Students may only be exempt for the final exam.
Electronics:
Electronic devices may be used before and after school, between classes and during lunch. Electronic devices may only be used in class when authorized. See handbook for more information.
For the Parents:
If you need to get in touch with me, by far the fastest way to get a response is by email. My email is . Please do not hesitate to email me if you have a problem. You may also get in touch with me by phone at 228-875-0333.