Living Environment Instructors: Mrs. D Guzzino& Mrs. L Saramak
Course Description:
As a living thing, we share a common bond with millions of other known organisms. What makes us and other life forms alike or different? What life activities do we carry out? You are about to begin a course in Regent Living Environment (Biology) that will answer these questions. This course stresses the basic life functions that occur in all living organisms with emphasis on the following topics: cells, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, biotechnology, ecology and human function.
Course Requirements:
Daily lecture notes will be given. All students must come prepared for lecture with the following:
- 3 – ring notebook – lined paper
- pen/pencil/highlighter pen (any color)
- Frontier Agenda
- A textbook will be assigned (Biology, Nowicki 2012). Assigned textbooks should be kept at home. Homework will be assigned from the book. Do not bring books to school. Classroom sets will be available.
Laboratory:
According to the NYS Department of Education, in order for a student to receive NYS Regents Credit, they must complete a minimum of 1200 minutes of laboratory instruction and demonstrate competency by passing the NYS Regents Exam at the end of the year. Along with this, students are expected to complete 4 mandatory state labs (160 minutes each).
- Each lab must be checked by the instructor for accuracy. A lab quiz or test may be given.
- If the labs are not approved or not enough time is accumulated by the end of the year, the student will not be able to take the final exam and will not get credit for the course.
- A separate lab binder will be kept in the room at all times; under NO circumstances can binders leave the room.
- All labs are kept on file for six months after the school year for NYS inspection.
Homework:
Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class. If complete and accurate the student will earn 1 point, if not a 0 will be given. The average will total every 5 weeks. In case of an absence, the assignment is due without penalty the day the student returns.
Evaluation:
Tests: Given 3-6 times per marking period and accounts for 50% of student average. Quizzes, which are given often, will account for 35%. Projects, homework, participation will determine 15% of student average. There will be a single, numerical grade recorded to reflect student progress. A midterm will be given in January.
Student Assistance:
If a student is having difficulty with the lessons/lab, they should seek help immediately. Don’t procrastinate! If your labs are incomplete, you will need to stay after school to make them up.
Cell Phone Use: Under no circumstances are cell phones allowed during any testing.
Plagiarism: If a student is involved in academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.), a zero will be given for that assignment. No make up assignment will be provided, and if there is an opportunity to drop a grade during the marking period, the above-mentioned zero will not be dropped. The next lowest grade will be dropped.Please refer to the Frontier Central School District’s Code of Conduct for more detailed information.
Website:ALL assignments are posted on teacher page (Guzzino)…
Email:
Biology Class Expectations:
Below are the class expectations that we all will need to follow. Your job is to learn them as soon as possible. Within a few days, I will ask you to repeat them from memory (first quiz grade!). Not only memorize them, but follow them as well:
Memorize the bold statement only.
1. Come prepared to learn everyday…this includes bringing all your supplies.
- Do not borrow from other students or instructor.
2.Listen well the first time.
- Sit up straight, no feet on desk
- Be accountable…. don’t blame others for your faults.
3.Cooperate with classmates and teachers.
- Take assigned seat daily.
- If you arrive late, a simple apology and a pass will do…if no pass, your name goes on late list.
- If you have been absent, it is your responsibility to make the work up.
4.Respect classmates, teachers and room.
- Be aware of others’ feelings and property, there is NO BULLYING of any kind.
- Do not write or carve on desks, books, and equipment. If found vandalizing, you will be dealt with according to school policy.
- If you need to go somewhere, politely asks and fill out your agenda.
- If you have a question or comment, please raise your hand until called upon (no shout-outs please).
- The words PLEASE and THANK YOU should be used often.
- There are no cell phones, cameras, iPods’…have them out, and I take it away!
- There is NO CHEATING of any kind…be honest with yourself.
5.Know what is expected of you…never hesitate to ask questions.
Our job as your teacher is to provide you with the best possible skills and knowledge of biology. We also want to provide you with the best possible learning environment. By following these basic guidelines, working hard and staying on task, we can accomplish this…. let’s have a good year!
Please check parent portal and teacher web page frequently
Please read all the important information over with your parents/guardian and both sign/date and return bottom portion by this Monday.
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Print Student Name ______
I have read the coarse description, requirements and behavioral expectations and understand what is expected of me.I am also giving my permission for use of district technology and understand the rules that govern this policy provided in the student handbook.
______
Student Signature date Parent/Guardian Signature date
Last Modified on 8/19/2011 8:44:44 AM