NorthCobbHigh School Zoology
Mrs.Adams () 770-975-6685 ext. 8011715
Course Description: With asystematic study of the animal kingdom and their basic identification characteristics, emphasis in this coursewill be placed on comparative anatomy, as well as on the methods that each phyla uses to accomplish the basic life processes.
Pre-requisites:One unit Biology. Grade Levels: 10-12 Units of Credit: 1.0
Text: Harley, J. Miller, S. Zoology. 7th Ed. McGraw-Hill, 2007 Replacement cost: $96.00
Georgia Performance Zoology Standards:
SZ1. Students will derive the phylogeny of animal taxa (monophyletic clades in a cladogram) using informative characteristics.
a. Construct a classification of representative animal taxa including: Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Rotifera, Mollusca, Arthropoda (Mandibulata, Chelicerata, and Crustacea), Bryozoa, Brachiopoda, Echinodermata, Hemichordata, Urochordata, Cephalochordata, and Vertebrata.
b. Place taxa in a phylogenetic (evolutionary) context and provide data to support hypotheses of relationships
- Construct a graphical representation of animal evolution (cladogram)
- Recognize characters that are shared and derived, uniting taxa
- Interpret graphical representations of animal evolution (cladograms)
c. Recognize types of data used to test hypotheses of relationships.
SZ2. Students will explain the evolutionary history of animals over the geological history of Earth.
a. Outline the geological history of Earth and discuss the major environmental changes that have occurred over time.
b. Explain the concepts evolution, adaptation, natural selection, convergence, and speciation.
c. Describe the fossil record of the animals including discussing the Cambrian Explosion and major extinction events.
SZ3. Students will compare form and function relationships within animal groups (clades) and across key taxa.
a. Explain the similarities and differences among major body plans (e.g., asymmetry, radial and bilateral symmetry).
b. Compare and contrast taxa based on morphological and genetic characters.
c. Relate important structural changes to key functional transitions.
d. Dissect representative taxa and describe their internal anatomy and the function of major organ systems and organs and relate to cell specializations.
SZ4. Students will assess how animals interact with their environment including key adaptations found within animal taxa.
a. Discuss morphological and physiological adaptations relative to ecological roles.
b. Relate animal adaptations, including behaviors, to the ecological roles of animals.
c. Explain various life cycles found among animals (e.g., polyp and medusa in cnidarians; multiple hosts and stages in the platyhelminthe life cycle; arthropod metamorphosis; egg, tadpole, adult stages in the amphibian life cycle).
SZ5. Students will evaluate the relationships between humans and other animals.
a. Describe the effects of human activities such as habitat destruction, over hunting, introduced species, and pollution on animal biodiversity.
b. Explain the importance of species diversity to the biological resources needed by human populations including food, medicine, and natural aesthetics
c. Compare and contrast how humans can preserve animal diversity in captive and natural environments with regard to habitat creation and conservation, research, legislation, animal enrichment, diet, medical, breeding programs and management of genetic diversity at local and global levels.
d. Investigate how moral, legal, societal, political, and economic decisions impact animal diversity with short-term and long-term effects.
Class Materials: (Bring these materials to class everyday!!!)
1. Zoology Notebook
2. Pens, pencils, highlighters, loose leaf notebook paper
3. Color pencils and sharpener
ATTENDANCE: If a student misses class he/she is responsible for getting notes or missed assignments. You cannot make up work for unexcused absences. You do not get an unlimited amount of time to make up assignments if absent. You will receive the same number of days that you were gone. Afterwards, the assignment will be considered late, and the late policy will apply. If you are absent on the day of a quiz, test, project or lab then it is your responsibility to reschedule a day to make up the work OR PLAN ON STAYING AFTER______.All other assignments must be made up within the allotted time or they will be counted as late. IF YOU ARE ABSENT THE DAY BEFORE A TEST, THIS DOES NOT EXCUSE YOU FROM THE TEST.
TARDINESS: Students are considered tardy if they are not inside the classroom when the bell rings. See posted Tardy policy in agenda and classroom.
HOMEWORK: It is the student’s responsibility to spend 20 min. or more each day reading, studying vocab and reviewing notes. It may also bea written assignment or finishing a class activity or lab.
TEST & QUIZZES: Quizzes will be given every week. Pop quizzes may be given without warning at any time on the material covered in class or any reading assignment. Students will be tested after the end of each unit. A cumulative Final is given at the end of the semester.A state mandated SLO Test may be given to gage student success. It will be counted as a grade.
LATE WORK POLICY: I will not accept work after 2 days from the due date. A percentage will be deducted from the assignment everyday that it is late. (This does not include Saturdays and Sundays). IF YOU MISS A LAB, VIDEO, QUIZ, TEST- WE WILL BE HERE AFTER SCHOOL EVERY ______AND THURSDAY.Example:1 day late = maximum credit is 80% 2 days late = maximum credit is 50% 3days= 0%
CHEATING: If caught cheating/plagiarizing it will be assumed that all of the points you have earned on that assignment are in doubt and thus your points will result in a zero.
EXTRA CREDIT: Extra credit is rare. Under certain circumstances extra credit challenges may be given to the class as a whole in the form of challenge questions on tests.
BLOG: I utilize my teacher blog a resource updated on a regular basis. I try to update daily and include all electronic copies of materials or notes we use in class. However, printing notes off the blog does not replace taking class notes. The blog can be accessed at
GRADES: Final grades will be determined by the percentage of the points earned on tests, projects, quizzes, labs, homework, classwork, and unit portfolios. In determining grades consideration will also be given to attitude and effort both in and out of class. Grades are recorded online using PINNACLE. Parents can view the grades through Pinnacle.
A = 90 -100%B= 80-89%C = 74-79% D = 70-73% F = 0-69%
Tests/Projects40%
Labs25%
Portfolio/Quizzes/HW/Daily Assignments25%
Final 10%
PROJECT: Each student will present and research an animal’s specific classification, habitat, life cycle, and mating strategies (means of sexual selection) from a list provided by Mrs. Adams. Students will be given choices regarding method of presentation. Project is ongoing and will be checked at deadlines TBA. Details will be given in a project rubric.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: In an effort to develop a positive and pleasant environment for learning, classroom expectations have been established for the operation and organization of this classroom. Students are expected to know and follow these expectations. Failure to do so could result in the loss of classroom privilege and points, or removal from the classroom.
1)The Golden Rule- Treat others, as you would want them to treat you. Treat others with respect and consideration. Please refrain from using profanity/ethnically offensive language, intimidation or bullying, & sexual harassment. Raise your hand to be acknowledged.
2)Come to class on time and prepared. Students should bring all materials they will need to class. Students will not be allowed to go to there lockers during the class period.
3)Take care of personal needs before class. Only 10 emergency bathroom passes are given per semester.
4)Keep your binder neat and in order. Your notes should be in chronological order. Your PORTFOLIO will be graded at the end of each unit, so save all of your papers.
5)No food, drink, or gum is allowed in class.
6)No electronic and/or wireless devices.No CD players, iPODS, cell phones, or other wireless devices are allowed during school hours. These items will be confiscated and returned at the discretion of the teacher.
7)NO SLEEPING DURING CLASS. If you do, you receive a zero for the assignment.
********EXTRA HELP IS AVAILABLE AFTER SCHOOL EVERY ______AND THURSDAY. IF YOU NEED ANOTHER DAY, PLEASE SCHEDULE AN APPT. AT LEAST 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE TO BE SURE MRS. ADAMS IS AVAILABLE*********
Turn in this page by ______
Agreement:
- I have read and accept the terms and conditions of this syllabus.
- I understand the grading scale.
- I understand and will comply with the rules of the classroom.
- I understand and will comply with my responsibilities as the student, the late work policy, the tardy policy, the absent policy, and any other administrative policies outlined within this syllabus.
- I understand that my binder must be kept in order, and that it will be graded at the end of each unit.
- I understand that I must remain focused while in class.
- I will give nothing but the best.
- I will be respectful to the teacher, my fellow students, and myself.
- I understand I am only given 10 emergency passes.
- I understand that I am capable of becoming anything that I want. I know that I have the ability, and must work hard to achieve my goals.
- I understand that passing Zoology is one step closer to achieving my goals.
I have thoroughly read through the policies stated in the syllabus, and have a clear understanding of the expectations.
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Print Student’s Name Print Parent’s Name
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- Please feel free to list any additional comments or questions you may have on the back.