Mrs. J Sobh
BIOLOGY Class: CLASSROOM GUIDELINES (Syllabus) 2017/2018
Welcome to Biology!
Biology is an experimental life science that includes topics such as scientific process, evolution, ecology (macro and micro) energy (photosynthesis and respiration), biochemistry, DNA/ protein synthesis, and genetics/mutations. As we explore these topics and build on content knowledge, students will be exposed to inquiry, effective reading and writing strategies, and the use of technology to practice and master learned material. Topics will be addressed based on the New Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Strategies will include and are not limited to, RA strategies, Thinking Maps, Bell work, Exit Tickets, SSR, and CER to enhance student understanding.
Materials needed to bring to class every day:
· Binder (1 inch) with 5 tabs labeled:
o Bell work, notes, Card marking 1, Card marking 2, Card marking 3 for Semester 1.
o Bell work, notes, Card marking 4, Card marking 5, Card marking 6 for Semester 2.
· Planner
· Pens/Pencils
· A highlighter
· Crayons or coloring pencils
· Loose leaf paper
Focus cards will be signed if materials are not brought to class.
Labs:
Labs are an important part of the course. Proper lab report write-ups are required. Appropriate behavior is also required for students to participate in lab activities. Part of the lab grade will be based on techniques and lab behavior.
Classwork and Homework:
There will be several quizzes and tests during each card marking period. Each test will cover one unit. There will be a selected number of assignments including reading, research, problem solving, critical thinking and cooperative learning assignments. The assignments are designed to be used to study for the tests after they are completed. If the student understands the material from the assignments, then they will know enough information to pass the tests (not necessarily an A). To receive an A on tests, students must be able to apply the material to new situations.
Attendance/Make Up Assignments:
Assignments will be listed on the board and on the class blog daily. Check the blog daily for important class news and updates. No late work will be accepted. If you are absent for an assignment, quiz or test, please arrange with the teacher to make it up. Remember absences COUNT! Please refer to your planner for the attendance policy. For the retake policy, please refer to the School Wide Policy on Retakes. Makeup tests must be completed prior to the next unit test. Also, it is your responsibility to make up all missing bell works by asking me or a buddy for missed bell work tasks.
Completeness:
· Name, date and hour must be on the right margin.
· On the top center line of the paper must be the title of the assignment indicating page number(s) and questions assigned when appropriate.
Grading:
All final grades are based on accumulated points. Please check Mistar for student grades.
Formative assessment will be 20%: bell work, homework, participation, classwork, group work.
Summative assessment will be 80%: lab activities, quizzes, writing (CER), tests, projects, final exam.
The Grading Scale:
A …...93-100% C…….73-76%
A- ……90-92% C-……72-70%
B+…….87-89% D+… 69-67%
B………84-86% D….. 66-63%
B-……..80-83% D-..... 62-60%
C+…….77-79% E….. 59% or below
Substitute Behavior with Substitute:
Students are expected to be on their best behavior when a substitute is in the room. Nobody is allowed to change seats or leave the room. If the substitute leaves any names of students not following the class expectations and/or misbehaving, a detention will be given and focus card in planner will be signed twice.
Class Guidelines and Procedures (9th Grade Academy)
1. Upon entering the class, please read the agenda on the board and follow the instructions accordingly. Students are expected to come to class each day. Students must be in their assigned seats when the bell rings and begin the bell work immediately. Tardy cards will be signed for students who arrive late to class and bell work will count as a zero for that day.
2. Students are expected to follow common rules of classroom courtesy such as: raise hand before speaking, use appropriate language, follow directions the first time, stay seated, if the teacher is talking to another student or adult, please do not interrupt. If a student fails to follow the common rules of classroom, their focus card will be signed.
3. No use of electronics in class. Examples: cell phone, ipods, earbuds. See School Policy on cellphones.
4. All students are expected to work up until the bell rings. Use your class time to the fullest. The teacher will dismiss the class, not the bell. DO NOT LINE UP AT THE DOOR.
Consequences of not following classroom guidelines and procedures:
Extra help:
I am available for extra help and make up work after school Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please let me know ahead of time if you plan on coming in after school for extra help or for makeup work.
Tentative Pacing Guide Biology:
Semester 1 Units / Chapter(s) / Days of InstructionScientific Inquiry / Ch.1 / ~10 days
Evolution / Ch. 14, 15, 16 and 17 / ~40 days
Ecology (Macro) / Ch. 18, 19, 20, 22, 21, 22 / ~35 days
Semester 2 Units / Chapter(s) / Days of Instruction
Energy Transfer (Photosynthesis/Respiration and Biochemistry) / Ch. 6, 7, and 3 / ~25 days
Human Impact (cycles) / Ch. 21 and 22 / ~15 days
Properties of Living Things (DNA/protein synthesis) / Ch. 10 / ~30 days
Genetics/Mutations / Ch. 9, 12, and 13 / ~20 days
Contact Information:
Mrs. Joann Sobh; 313-827-1400 Ext. 23643; Room A-123; E-mail:
CHECK THE CLASS BLOG FOR MAKEUP WORK IF YOU WERE ABSENT!
http://iblog.dearbornschools.org/sobhj
Parent/Guardian,
Thank you for reading the 9th grade biology course syllabus. I look forward to partnering with you in the education of your child. It is important that you be well informed and therefore an active participant in your son or daughter’s biology class. Please go over this information with your child and have them return the form below. Thank you.
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Please sign below and have your son/daughter return this page (below the dotted line) to the teacher. This is their first homework assignment worth 20 formative points. Student must keep the rest of the syllabus inside their binder throughout the semester.
Class Period:______Date:______
Student Name (Print):______
Student Signature:______
Parent Signature: ______
Teacher Signature: ______