Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Biology I Pre-AP
Mrs. Rice
281-641-7206
Welcome to Biology Class! Biology is a dynamic, exciting subject that is very relevant and sometimes controversial. In addition to studying the basic principles of Biology, we will also consider some of the difficult questions being asked by scientists and society. The first semester will include studies of the scientific process, basic biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and classification of organisms. We will begin the second semester with a study of genetics, followed by a unit on principles of evolution, microbiology, and we will conclude the year with an in-depth survey of the human body.
Bring honor unto yourself by giving it to others.
Instead of a list of classroom rules, I have this goal statement posted in my classroom. It reflects my personal philosophy and describes the atmosphere that I strive to achieve in my classroom, for I believe that a positive learning environment makes extraordinary accomplishments possible! J
Class Materials
1. Biology textbook – Take it home, leave it there, and use it as a study tool! An on-line version of the textbook is also
available. The instructions for accessing it are on my web page.
2. Biology binder – A 3-ring binder is required for Biology. A 1” binder used strictly for Biology is recommended;
however, a larger binder may also be used for multiple classes. The material in Biology is cumulative, so your chapter
outlines will be an invaluable tool throughout the year. The chapter outlines will also be useful for STAR test preparation
at the end of the year. You must save all outlines all year and bring them to class everyday! In addition, you will
need two packages of notebook dividers, preferably with pockets.
3. Additional supplies:
a. 2 rolls of paper towels
b. ________________________________________
General Information
1. We have so many wonderful things to do this year that you won’t want to miss a minute – so, please get to class on time!
You must be inside the classroom door when the tardy bell rings. Remember, tardies accumulate for the entire semester
and may result in a loss of semester exam exemption status.
2. Come to class prepared. Please bring your notebook and a writing utensil. I suggest a pen, pencil, and at least 2
different-colored highlighters. You will not be allowed to go to your locker once the bell has rung, so please don’t ask!
3. You are responsible for leaving your desk and lab area in good condition.
4. All school rules apply in our classroom.
Class Work & Make-ups
1. Class work should be turned in to the tray upon entering the classroom.
2. A Bio Buck may be used for a one extension on a homework assignment or it may be used to add 3 bonus points to a
test grade. All homework assignments are written specifically as study tools for the test.
3. Copies are strictly monitored and I can only make one per student, so please take care not to lose any hand-outs. I will
post worksheets, lab analysis questions, and outlines on my webpage.
4. If you are absent, please check your file for any hand-outs and refer to the weekly calendar for missed work. You are
responsible for obtaining notes from a classmate.
5. If you are absent for a test, a make-up test must be taken within one week of the absence. Make-up tests cannot be
taken during class time and must be made up on Mondays after school or Wednesdays before school.
Late Work Policy
1. A homework assignment turned in one day late (without a Bio Buck) is graded, then 25 points are deducted from the
final grade. After 2 days, 50 points are deducted.
2. If an assignment is more than 2 days late, the student will receive a 0.
Tutoring
Tutoring should be utilized any time you are having difficulty understanding the material or you have been absent. Please come having reviewed your outline, ready to ask specific questions. I will do my best to explain & re-explain until you understand. These are not review sessions unless specifically stated. You cannot study effectively or learn the material if you do not understand it, so the best time to come in for tutoring is the moment you are confused – not the morning of the test!
Tutoring Times
Tues, Fri 6:30 AM – 7:15 AM
Mon, Tues, Thurs 2:55 PM - ???
Grades
1. Test scores count 70% of your 6 weeks grade; quizzes/homework/lab grades count 30%.
2. Quizzes for a six-week grading period will be averaged together and weighted as a test grade.
3. A student earning a failing grade on an assessment (less than 70%) may be re-assessed for a maximum grade of 70. In
order to re-take the test, the student must successfully complete all assignments in the unit and attend a designated
tutoring session.
4. In addition to written lab grades, you will receive a Lab Conduct grade each 6-weeks. This grade will be averaged into
your lab average.
Academic Honesty
It is expected that students conduct themselves with honesty and integrity on all assignments. Unauthorized assistance on any assignment is not tolerated and will result in academic and discipline consequences.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR FALL SEMESTER
Friday, 9/9 Unit 1 Test – Introduction to Biology
Tuesday, 9/20 Unit 2 Test – Introduction to the Cell
Friday, 9/30 End of First 6 Weeks
Tuesday, 10/4 Unit 3 Test – Taxonomy and Classification
Friday, 11/1 Unit 4 Test – Ecology
Friday, 11/4 End of Second Six Weeks
Friday, 11/18 Unit 5 Test – The Working Cell
Friday, 12/9 Unit 6 Test – DNA & The Cell Cycle
Friday, 12/16 End of Third Six Weeks
Wed, 12/14 – Fri, 12/16 Semester Exams
It is my pleasure to have you in my class! It is important to me that you have a positive Biology experience. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please let me know. My conference times are 1:45 – 2:45, M-T-W-F. If you have any questions about test dates, class information, or materials, please feel free to visit my webpage, e-mail me, or call me. We are going to have a terrific year together! J