ROSEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fall 2015 Sally Combs, Rm 3804, 919-554-6303

ROSEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Fall 2015 Sally Combs, Rm 3804, 919-554-6303

ROSEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL– Fall 2015 Sally Combs, Rm 3804, 919-554-6303

Welcome to Honors Biology!

This class is designed for upper level students who have shown superior achievement and a high interest in science. The content and principles of the biology curriculum are explored beyond the minimum standard course of study. Students in this class will be challenged to think analytically and apply concepts learned to real world scenarios. Students in this class must have completed Math I and are enrolled or have completed Math II. Students are required to take the North Carolina End-Of-Course exam and exhibit mastery. A detailed syllabus, material needs, assignments, helpful websites and more may be found on my webpage.

BIOLOGY IS A REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION!

Tips for SUCCESS!

  • Maintain perfect attendance. * Keep an organized notebook. Take good notes.
  • Turn in assignments on time. * Ask questions when you don’t understand.
  • Stay on task, don’t be a distraction. * Don’t “cram” for tests. Study a little each night.
  • DO NOT ABUSE THE BYOD POLICY! Cell phones are to be used for instructional purposes only!
  • NO TEXTING, NO SURFING THE WEB, NO LISTENING TO MUSIC DURING INSTRUCTIONAL TIME!

FAQ’s

Classroom Rules... Materials Needed for Class…

  • Be where you are supposed to be! * Textbook – Dynamics of Biology (You may use the online text).
  • Dowhat you are supposed to do! * 3-Ring Binder, Notebook Paper, Spiral/Composition notebook.
  • Say what you are supposed to say! * Pencils, Blue or Black Pens, Colored Pencils
  • Respect self, others & property! * Inexpensive Calculator
  • NO FOOD or DRINK!

How will this class be graded?YOU MUST PASS THE EOC AND THE CLASS!!!

  • Each 9 week grade will count 37.5%. The EOC counts as 25% of the final grade.
  • Nine week grades are determined on a weighted scale as follows:
  • Tests – 30% ...... ** Mid-term exam will count as two test grades.
  • Quizzes – 10% ...... ** Projects will count as test grades.
  • Independent Project - 15% . . . . ** Semester long.
  • Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) – 45% ...... **Class work, Labs, Homework
  • Progress Reports issued every 3 weeks. . . ** HOMEBASE account updated regularly.

What if I’m absent?

  • It is yourresponsibility to check the pbworks site for missing assignments.

I missed… / You need to …
Notes / Copy a classmate’s notes.
Warm-Up / Don’t worry, you’re exempt.
Quiz / Your unit test grade will replace it.
Test / Sign-up in the tutoring log by Wednesday. Plan to attend Thursday tutorial!
IBL Assignment / Complete & turn in as outlined in RHS handbook.

What if I’m late to class?

  • Students must be in the classroom by the final tardy bell.
  • All students not in the classroom will receive a tardy pass and may be assigned ASD (after school detention).

What if I do poorly on a test?

  • Students who fail a test will be given the opportunity to retake an alternate test.
  • Students must complete a remediation assignment. Retests will be given during tutoring.
  • The maximum grade on a retest is 75.

Is tutoring available?

  • Tutoring is available on Thursday afternoons 3:00 – 4:00pm. You must register for tutoring prior to attending!
  • In school tutoring is available during "RAM READINESS".

Will we have labs?

  • Yes. Lab work is essential to your comprehension of the concepts and principles of biology.
  • Labs will be performed primarily in group settings.
  • Lab safety practices must be followed. Failure to do so will result in removal from the lab and a lab grade of 0.

Lab Safety – General Practices

  1. Read the entire lab instructions before beginning any procedure.
  2. Follow the procedures exactly as directed.
  3. Wear the required safety equipment as directed. Ie. Goggles, aprons, etc.
  4. Never taste or drink anything in the lab. Food and drink are not permitted in the lab.
  5. Keep your work area clean! Books, bags, etc must be stored away from the lab setting.
  6. Report all accidents immediately to the teacher. DO NOT attempt to clean or hide an accident.
  7. Dispose of all wastes in proper containers.
  8. Dress appropriately. No loose or baggy clothing. Tie back long hair. Shoes covering toes are required.
  9. HORSEPLAY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! * YOU WILL RECEIVE A ZERO LAB GRADE! *
  10. Clean your work area when finished. Return all materials to proper locations. Wash your hands!
  11. When working outside, wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Long sleeves & pants are suggested. Be aware of poison ivy and oak as well as snakes and arachnids such as spiders & ticks.

I have read and understand and will follow these safe lab practices.

____________Student’s signature Date

Top View