Marine Biology & Aquatic Science

YorktownHigh School

2013- 2014 School year

Mr. Burke

(914) 243-8050 x22140

Introduction: The new Marine Biology course stresses inquiry and depends upon the basic relationships of the physical sciences as well as living things. This course will fulfill the required third science course needed for graduation. This course will be unique in the after school commitment which is expected from the students. We hope this will be a fun and exciting course with many hands on experiences to supplement your learning in this fascinating field of science.

Required Course Materials: The following materials will be needed for this course.

One large 3 ring binder – for notes

Two large folders – One for class handouts and one for lab/tank handouts

Pen & Pencils- brought to class each day

Flash Drive – download powerpoints and lab data (optional)

Grading Policy:

1st Quarter

CW & HW Assignments = 35% of Quarterly Grade

Tests, Quizzes = 35 % of Quarterly Grade

Labs & Projects = 20% of Quarterly Grade

Prep & Participation = 10% of Quarterly Grade

Total 100%

2nd Quarter

CW & HW Assignments = 35% of Quarterly Grade

Tests, Quizzes = 20 % of Quarterly Grade

Labs & Projects = 20% of Quarterly Grade

Prep & Participation = 10% of Quarterly Grade

Midterm = 15% of Quarterly Grade

Total 100%

3rd Quarter

CW & HW Assignments = 30% of Quarterly Grade

Tests, Quizzes = 30 % of Quarterly Grade

Aquaria Care & Maintenance, Labs = 30% of Quarterly Grade

Prep & Participation = 10% of Quarterly Grade

Total 100%

Grading Policy:

4th Quarters:

CW & HW Assignments = 30% of Quarterly Grade

Tests, Quizzes = 30 % of Quarterly Grade

Aquaria Care & Maintenance, Labs = 30% of Quarterly Grade

Prep & Participation = 10% of Quarterly Grade

Total 100%

  • Homework and Class work assignments will be accepted on the day that they are due (Q 1-3). If you are legally absent it will be due the following day.NO EXCEPTIONS. Fourth quarter assignments are due in class.
  • There will be an average of three homework assignments each week.
  • Printing of notes will be part of those HW assignments
  • If you are absent the day of class you are responsible for that days material including HW (check the website or call a classmate).
  • Any time notes are given in class a pop quiz may be given the following day. STUDY YOUR NOTES.
  • Homework and Classwork assignments are worth 10pts each unless otherwise noted.
  • Tests and Quizzes will vary in point value.
  • Points will be deducted for being unprepared for class, habitual tardiness (Which will be made up in detention), and behavior. This will make up your prep grade. Everyone starts the quarter with a 100% .
  • Points will be awarded for participation in class.

Labs:

Labs are expected on the day they are due if they are not turned in on the assigned day 10 % for each day late will be deducted. Due to the increased possibility of dangerous situations arising from the Lab setting irresponsible behavior will not be tolerated.

Aquaria:

As part of this course and your grade you will be responsible for the care and maintenance of aquaria. This will include living marine organisms. You will be responsible for the care and feeding of these organisms during the school year including weekends and vacations.This is a critical part of the course and by taking this course and signing this Course Rules Statement you understand your commitment and understand your responsibility in this area.

Classroom rules and Student Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of each student to help create an atmosphere in which all students can learn and succeed. Good behavior is expected from all students and all students will be held accountable for their behavior.

No eating or drinking will be allowed in the lab or classroom. This is an OSHA regulation.

No media players (CD, MP3, mini disc etc.) are allowed. Do NOT bring them to class.

Cell phones are not allowed in class. If they are seen or heard they will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.

You must be in class on time for every three unexcused lates you will be assigned to an extra help session (aka Teacher Detention) to make up the time. Late means you are not in class and ready to work when the bell rings. If you walk into class after the bell has rung YOU ARE LATE.

If you cut class you will be assigned to an extra help session(aka Teacher Detention). If you cut it will be written up and a call home will follow. Points will be deducted against your class participation grade. DO NOT CUT Class.

You are expressly forbidden to touch any other student’s aquaria or fish unless arrangements have been made and have been cleared with a teacher.

Exceptions to the Rules.

Water may be brought to class. However, if this creates a nuisance it will no longer be allowed.

Gum and hard candy including lollipops will be allowed as long as it is not seen or heard. Again if this creates a nuisance it will no longer be allowed.

Passes

As a high school student you are responsible to take care of your daily needs on your own time. This includes going to your locker, bathroom, water fountain and making phone calls. You are allowed ONE pass per week. If you chose to use another pass you will be required to attend an extra help session after school the following week. You must sign into and out of the class when you receive a pass.

Consequences

All of your actions in the class are YOUR choice if you choose to break the rules there will be consequences. These consequences are designed for you the student to better succeed in this class. Teacher detention will be run as an extra help session 9th period.

-This means that you can make up work and receive points making the extra time spend useful.

-If you chose not to attend the Assigned Detention you will be written up and a call will be made to the home. The matter will be in the hands of administration from that point on.

Extra Help

This can be a very challenging course it is up to you to seek out extra help. I am available after school Monday – Friday from 1:30-2:15. Also I will be in room 258 each morning 6:30-7:00. I can also be available other periods and on Hall Duty see me to arrange time and place.

Website

You can keep track of your grades through Parent Portal.

The class site for downloads and other information the class webpage is

Username and Password is:

burke406

Learning Style Survey site

PLEASE LOG ON TO

Click on Rules and expectations

Please Print out and read

My learning style is ______

I have read and understand the posted rules and expectations

STUDENT NAME ______

HOME MAILING ADDRESS ______

HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER ______

GRADE _____ CLASS PERIOD_____ COUNSELOR______

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONTACT Name:______

DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER ______

BEST TIME TO CALL ______

______

Student Signature Parent Signature Date