HONORS BIOLOGY STUDENT DISCLOSURE

East High School

Mr. Rob Durham

The Course:This is a full year course and is one of three science courses required for graduation. This course fulfills the Utah State Board of Education requirement for ninth grade Biology.

District curriculum guide:

State curriculum guide:

The Content:The students will learn about, examine, and investigate life processes that occur on the Earth. These investigations will include cells, genetics, evolution, classification, ecology and biodiversity. This is an advanced class which will be lab based with an emphasis on analytical reading and writing.This class will take the state SAGE test at the end of the year.

Format andThe students will receive credit over the course of the year by engaging in a variety of class

Proceduresassignments and activities. These may include: warm-ups, class notes, labs, activities, question sheets, quizzes, tests, projects and videos. For labs and activities, along with receiving an assignment score, students will often receive a participation score for the quality of their participation.

Supplies:Students will be required to have the following items in class daily: Pen or pencil, 2 different color highlighters, and the East High 3 ring binder. The students will be making flashcards throughout the course of the year. The student can purchase their own, use ones I provide, or download Quizlet and make flashcards on phone/computer. Certain art supplies like colored pencils are recommended but not required. Students are required to pay a $20 lab fee for the course. (Covered by fee waivers)

Textbook:There will be a class set of textbooks (Modern Biology ISBN:0030517575). I will also have textbooks available to check out when necessary. When checked out, the textbook will be the student’s responsibility. You will be using your textbook at least on the class period after a test.

Labs:In class, labs may encompass a variety of activities, including laboratory experiments, hands on activities, diagramming and drawing exercises, etc… Students can expect to complete multiple labs/activities per term throughout the year.

Safety:Safety will be a critical concern this year because Biology is a lab science. Each student will be trained in proper safety procedures for the lab. Students that do not follow safety guidelines and place the safety of another person at risk will not be allowed to participate in class labs. The National Science Teachers Association recommends that laboratory science classes have 24 or fewer students for safety reasons. There are inherent risks that make it critical for students to always be safety minded.

Expectations:Students are expected to come to class on time and prepared. Students are expected to give their best effort during the class time and should be ready to participate on a daily basis. Classroom expectations will be posted in the classroom:

  • Follow directions from the teacher
  • Come to class on time and prepared and sit in your assigned seat
  • Be respectful of the teacher, other students, and property
  • No bullying or insulting other students
  • No inappropriate use of electronic devices (cell phones, etc…) or headphones and ear buds
  • *All school rules and policies apply in class. (for example: dress code)*

Late work:Late work will only be accepted for 50% credit. Work is considered late if it is not in the class when the bell rings.Late work for a specific chapter will only be accepted until the test is taken for that chapter.

Absence:Students will be able to make up work for full credit only if they have an excused absence. Excusal notes will only be accepted for one week after the absence. Studentswho are absent from class will be responsible for finding out what was missed during their absence and should plan on meeting with me before or after school. Students with excused absences will have one week to make up the work without penalty. Students will only receive 50% credit for work missed due to an unexcused absence, this includes tests and quizzes.

Homework:Homework and class work will be assigned weekly. Assignments will be checked regularly and students are expected to complete each assignment on time. These assignments will mainly consist of Cornell strategies, flashcards, and questions in reference to the notes or a lab.

Electronic Devices: Electronic devices like cell phones cannot be used during class, unless use is part of an assignment. If devices are being used inappropriately, I will ask for the device to be put away. The same applies for headphones and ear buds. If the devices becomes a regular problem, other measures will be taken. This may include taking the devices and contacting parents. Student may also lose classroom participation points, if device is being used during a lab or activity. These devices may never be used on a test or quiz.

Honor Code:Students are expected to complete their own work. Copying any portion of an assignment from another student, or allowing another student to copy any portion of your assignment is considered cheating. This applies to classwork, homework, labs, quizzes, tests, and projects. Students will not be given credit for work when cheating is involved.

Grade percentages:A student’s term grade will be calculated based on the following category percentages:

25%--Class work and homework

25% --Quizzes and labs

50% --Tests and projects

Many of the assignments will be graded in class but the scores will never be made public. Grades will be updated on a weekly basis. Parents are encouraged to check PowerSchool on a regular basis to monitor student progress.

Term grades: All assignments must be handed in by the Wednesday prior to term end.

End of term grades are final except for rare circumstances (prolonged illness) and any changes to end of term grades must be made within a week of term end.

Grading Scale:This class will be using a five point grading scale.

5=Highly proficient, 4=Proficient, 3=Near proficient, 2=Not proficient, 1=Failing grade

4.7-5.0 =A 3.7-4.0= B 2.7-3.0= C 1.7-2.0= D

4.4-4.6=A- 3.4-3.6= B- 2.4-2.6= C- 1.4-1.6= D-

4.1-4.3=B+ 3.1-3.3= C+ 2.1-2.3= D+ 0-1.3 = F

Please have the student and parent or guardian sign and date the following page and return it to your teacher. Please file this copy away for your own personal records.

Thank you,

Mr. Durham