Biology I Course Expectations

East Hamilton School – Committed to Excellence

Teacher: Andrew Forrester

Email:

Phone: 893-3535 ext. 260

Course Description:

Biology is a course which explores the living world around us. This course covers topics such as the basic Processes of Life, Ecological Principles, Energy Transfer, Genetics and Biotechnology, Biodiversity and Biological Change. This course includes projects and lab work involving the use of microscopes and electrophoresis. All state standards will be covered and can be found at

Textbook:

Biggs.,Hagins., Holliday., Kapicka., Lundgren., Mackenzie., Rogers., Sewer., Zike. (2009) Glencoe Biology.McGraw Hill.

Online book: B9E74D094C

All students will be required to use the online book. A class set of textbooks will remain in the classroom and should not be removed for any reason. If you have a conflict or issue with the online book, please let me know immediately to make further arrangements (not liking the online book is not a valid issue!) Portions of the textbook that are applicable to each unit of study should be considered required reading. You will be responsible for information from the text that is not covered during lectures. You are also responsible for any supplemental reading assigned during class.

Course materials:

Students will be required to bring the following to class each day:

  • Blue or black ink pen/pencil
  • 3 ring binder(at least 1”) with loose leaf paper (white only)
  • composition book (no wires)

ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PAY a $25 SCIENCE LAB FEE to cover the costs associated with labs and models used in class. Other materials needed are found on the web page under supply list.

Grades:

Your quarter gradewill be calculated based on the following:

  • Tests and Performance Assessments : 35%
  • Teacher Tasks, labs, daily work, participation, etc: 40%
  • Projects: 25%

*Quizzes will be announced and unannounced.

Your semester grade will be calculated based on the following:

SEMESTER 1:

  • 40% QUARTER 1
  • 40% QUARTER 2
  • 20% MID TERM

SEMESTER 2:

  • 37.5% QUARTER 3
  • 37.5% QUARTER 4
  • 25% EOC

Your final yearly grade will be calculated based on the following:

  • 50% SEMESTER 1
  • 50% SEMESTER 2

Journal / warmup: On most days, class will begin with a writing assignment (journal entry). These assignments must be written in your composition book and will periodically be collected and graded. If you are absent, be sure to find out what journals you missed and make them up. Absence is not an excuse for missing journal assignments.

Assessments:Traditional “paper and pencil” tests along with quizzes and projects/performance based assessments will be given. Please make every effort to be present on test days. You are expected to make up assessments the day after they are administered unless other arrangements are made. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the teacher for make-up testing. Incomplete assessments are reflected as a ZERO in powerschool until made up.

Teacher Tasks: will be given regularly and is expected to be completed with 100% effort. Extra practice is required to grasp key concepts throughout biology. Homework that is completed, but not accurate will be allowed to make corrections.

Class Participation: Class participation is essential for success in this class. It allows the teacher to assess your knowledge and promotes group interaction. Students are required to keep a notebook that will be collected for a grade periodically. Notebook dividers are required to separate each section. Failure to participate will not be tolerated.

Rules & Policies:

  • Attendance: Students must be in the classroom and ready to work when the bell rings. EHS tardy policy will be enforced
  • Students are expected to remain in their seat until they are dismissed at the end of class.
  • Due dates: Work will be due according to the teacher. Late work will be accepted with a reduction of a letter grade per day and will not be accepted more than 3 days late.
  • Excused Absences: It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed work. You have 5 days to make up work.
  • Academic honesty: Consequences for cheating of any sort will be severe and strictly enforced.
  • This includes plagiarism and copying answers on assignments. Punishment could include a grade of “0” for an assignment or test, an office referral or a failing grade in the course.
  • Passes: Passes will be given from the classroom for appropriate reasons. It is important that students follow the school and classroom passing policies before leaving the classroom for any reason. No passes will be given out during the first or last 10 minutes of class. Please take care of any business while changing classes.
  • Food: Food and drink will not be allowed in the lab area at any time. *Water may be consumed in the classroom.
  • Cell phones: In accordance with school policy, cell phones and other portable electronic devices are to be silenced and only used when permitted by the instructor.
  • Dress: The school dress code will be enforced in this classroom. For the safety of students, it may become necessary to implement special dress codes during laboratory activities.

Expectations:

  • Students will be expected to be respectful and take responsibility for their own education.
  • Students will be expected to follow course rules and procedures.
  • Students will be expected to be on time for class and remain in the classroom until dismissed.
  • Students will be expected to be an active participant in the class.
  • Students will be expected to complete the work assigned for this class.
  • Students will be expected to use class time efficiently and purposefully.
  • Students will be expected to study and spend time outside of class on coursework.
  • Students will be expected to be successful in this class.

Academic Support will be available Tuesday through Thursday by request after school from 2:15-4:00. Please make arrangements with the teacher for additional help if unable to stay after school. Tests and labs will also be after school on certain days.

I have read and understand the class expectations listed above, and by signing below I agree to follow all class expectations and policies. I understand that failure to do so will result in behavioral and academic consequences. I also recognize that these policies are subject to change, and that I will be informed of any changes throughout the year.

Student signature: ______Date: ______

Parent/guardian signature: ______Date: ______

Parent/guardian email address: ______