HONORS BIOLOGY -Course Outlines and Procedures

Statement of Core Values and Beliefs: Milford High School is a community of diverse students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and local citizens who foster a safe, respectful culture in a supportive environment that promotes equal opportunity for high-quality education. We believe well-educated citizens are prepared to contribute responsibly in their civic, social and career endeavors. Our school community works collaboratively to provide a rigorous and varied curriculum and to engage all students in authentic experiences, which motivate them to achieve their potential. Thus prepared, students go forth as well informed, critical thinkers who keep pace with the advancement of the 21st century and contribute positively in a dynamic and competitive world.

Mrs. Medeiros Semester I: School Year 2015-2016

Teacher voicemail extension-3156

Room 156 Extra Help: Tuesdays: 7-7:30 AM; Thursdays: 2:15-3:00

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE

Honors Biology will cover the concepts presented in Standard Biology in more depth. Students taking this course must be able to learn and complete work at an accelerated pace. Reading should be at grade level or above. Significant homework and laboratory experiences will be integral parts of the course. A semester long independent research and experimental project will be required, with a substantial amount of outside class work necessary. Collaborative work outside the classroom is also expected. The course will take cellular and molecular approach to biology. This course is strongly recommended for students interested in a science or biology related career.

MAJOR CONCEPTS AND ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS FOR EACH UNIT:

This course is divided into four units:

Unit 1: Change Over Time: How do the mechanisms driving change in organisms over time relate to environmental balance? How can we show diversity and unity of life?

Unit 2: Genetics: How are traits and disorders inherited, and what are the consequences of manipulating genes?

Unit 3: Cells:How do single and multi-cellular organisms maintain homeostasis? How can the smallest unit of life provide for ALL that it needs to survive for itself and organisms?

Unit 4: Ecology: How do ecosystems reach homeostasis in an ever-changing world? How do we see interactions at the broadest level of living things?

*Be advised that each unit will take about three/four weeks to cover, and is dependent on many factors including material, difficulty, depth, and type of assessment involved (including laboratory activities). Some units may take longer to cover than others*

KEY STANDARDS/COMPETENCIES

  • Explore geological, environmental, and biological factors to draw conclusions about species adaptations and survival.
  • Use the theory of natural selection to illustrate changes in species over time.
  • Model DNA replication down to protein production.
  • Examine the characteristics and biochemical components that define all life forms.
  • Model hierarchal levels of organization within an organism and among groups
  • Explain how an organelle form and function relates to homeostasis.
  • Investigate how abiotic and biotic factors in the environment are interconnected
  • What are the distinguishing characteristics of the major terrestrial biomes?

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

Knowledgeable Person:

a)Acquires, integrates and applies essential knowledge from each content area.

b)Communicates knowledge clearly with consideration to audience, purpose, and discipline.

c)Reads and listens with comprehension to complex material across disciplines.

d)Employs technology and uses digital media strategically and effectively as research and communication tools.

Complex Thinker:

a)Gathers and shares information and evidence using a variety of techniques and resources.

b)Selects and uses appropriate tools and strategies to evaluate, analyze and critique information and to make decisions and solve problems.

c)Applies analytical and abstract reasoning skills to solve problems appropriately.

d)Utilizes core knowledge in increasingly complex 21st century real-world applications.

COMMON CORE ASSESSMENTS

  • Semester Long Project
  • Theory of Evolution Essay
  • Genetics Research Paper
  • Cell Parts Project and Presentation
  • Ecosystem Project/Presentation

MATERIALS NEEDED

  • WRITING UTENSIL!
  • 3-ring binder with section dividers (at least 1 ½ inch width)
  • Loose leaf paper
  • Computer file storage device (for saving lab work, reports, projects) Example: USB Flash drive

GRADING POLICIES

This course is graded on a total points system. Quarter grades are determined by dividing the student’s total points by the maximum total points for the quarter and multiplying by 100. Course grades are determined by the following types of assessments:

  • Homework/ in-class work
  • Chapter quizzes and tests
  • Unit projects/presentations
  • Labs/lab reports
  • Semester Long Project work
  • Final Exam- cumulative exam that accounts for 10% of the semester grade

LATE WORK POLICIES/PROCEDURES:

  • Any homework assignments will lose one point per date late. Late homework will not be accepted for credit after five class days
  • Reports and papers (cumulative written assignments/long term work) will lose 10% for each day it is late
  • Making up work missing due to an absence or absences is the responsibility of the student. The missing work must be turned in by the end of the week of the student’s return to school (or one week after absence). Any exceptions to turning in missing work or meeting deadlines is at the discretion of the teacher

CLASSROOM RULES AND REGULATIONS:

  • All school rules will be enforced in this classroom
  • Have respect for yourself, others, the teacher, and materials at all times
  • Do not disrupt others from learning, or the teacher from teaching. Everyone has the right to hear, and be heard
  • Be to class on time!
  • Cell phones, I-pods, or other electronic equipment that is seen, heard, or used will be taken by the instructor until the end of the day (no exceptions)
  • It is the responsibility of the student to obtain notes/materials from teacher when he/she is absent. Any quizzes/tests missed must be made up at the earliest opportunity (after/before school, free periods, next class session etc.) This may be 24 hours after your return to class, depending on absence—THIS WILL BE AGREED UPON BY TEACHER AND STUDENT
  • Food and drink are NOT allowed to be consumed in the classroom unless a part of an activity
  • Be involved in labs, class activities, videos and class discussions
  • Follow lab safety rules. If you fail to do so, you will be asked to leave the room or sit down, and you will be unable to participate or to make up the lab, which will result in a zero

Students not following these rules/regulations may receive the following as consequences:

Verbal warning (first offense), teacher detention (any time after first warning) or parental/administration involvement (multiple offenses without a change in behavior). At times we may be having guest speakers, or performing labs. Any immature behavior will not be tolerated especially on these days.

SYLLABUS REVISIONS

This syllabus is subject to change. Students will be informed of changes as soon as possible.

EXTRA HELP:

  • Extra help hours: Tuesdays 7-7:30 AM and Thurs.: 2:15-3:00 PM (or by appointment)

PLEASE CUT ALONG THIS LINE

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PLEASE FILL OUT THE BOTTOM OF THIS SHEET AND RETURN TO MRS. MEDEIROS BY MONDAY AUGUST 31ST!!!

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