HONORS BIOLOGY

Semester:Fall 2016Kent Island High School Annex

Teacher:Rebecca Ritze-mail:

Department:Sciencephone: 410-643-7172 (x1223)

Credit: One

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Honors Biology is designed for students who are self-initiating, highly motivated and plan to continue their studies in advanced science classes. This course provides an advanced, in-depth study of life science that includes genetics, cellular functions, energy transport and utilization, classification of organisms and processes of adaptation and change as well as other topics leading toward taking AP Biology.

COURSE OUTCOMES

  1. Explain the correlation between the structure and the function of biologically important molecules and their relationship to the cell process.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding that all organisms are composed of cells, which function independently or as a part of multicellular organisms.
  3. Analyze how traits are inherited and passed on from one generation to another.
  4. Explain the mechanism of evolutionary change.
  5. Investigate the interdependence of diverse living organisms and their interactions with the components of the biosphere.
  6. Learn and use biological technology.
  7. Create an action research plan project.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Topic/Unit of Study

/

Approximate Time Frame

/ Assessment Methods
Intro to Biology / 10 days / * Tests/quizzes
* Formal Labs
* Class Activities
* Lab Activities
* Homework
* Projects & Research Reports
* Daily Drills & Learning Log
* Final Comprehensive Exam
Ecology / 12 days
Biochemistry / 8 days
Cells / 19 days
Cellular Division & Protein Synthesis / 10 days
Genetics / 9 days
Evolution & Classification / 10 days
HSA & FINAL REVIEW

Biology High School Assessment:

  1. Each student in Honors Biology will be taking the Maryland State High School Assessment at the end of this course. A passing score on the Biology HSA is 400.
  2. Students will cover all of the content tested on the Maryland Biology HSA throughout this course.
  3. A thorough review sheet for the HSA is available on Schoology at the beginning of the semester. A hard copy will be distributed prior to winter break.

TEXTBOOK & MATERIALS

Modern Biology (Holt, Rinehart and Winston 2006) - $90 (provided)

Supplies Needed Daily:

  • School issued Laptop – fully charged
  • 3-Ring Binder (1 inch or larger)
  • Dividers (drills, classwork/notes,vocabulary, study guides,tests/quizzes)
  • Colored Pencils (not required, but useful)
  • Pencil or Blue or Black pens for lab reports (pens only for lab reports) and assignments
  • Composition Book (required for formal lab write ups)

CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURES

  1. Students are expected to observe the School Rules, Especially to RESPECT the space, property and safety of others.
  2. Lack of Respect for other students or their opportunity to learn will be handled on an individual basis. This includes classroom disruptions.
  3. Lateness: All students are to be to class on time prepared to learn. Any student entering the classroom after the bell without an excuse note will be marked tardy. Absence: All students are expected to be in class on a daily basis. County policy is followed regarding class absences.
  4. Bathroom Use: Students are asked to and expected to use the bathroom before or after class.

Classroom Rules

** All school policies and rules are observed in the classroom**

Including the golden rules:

  1. Respect the space, property, and ideas of others.
  2. Use appropriate and positive language.
  3. Be in class on time with all necessary materials.
  4. Maintain a positive attitude about learning.
  5. Demonstrate cooperative and appropriate behavior.
  6. Dress neatly and appropriately.

Assignments

Students will:

  1. Complete their work neatly.
  2. Turn in their work on time.

Projects and Lab Work that are turned in late will lose 10% of their grade per day. (60% will be the highest grade attainable after 3 days)

Any students found turning in work that is not their own will receive a grade of zero for that assignment. Plagiarism on projects and reports will receive a grade of zero and a disciplinary referral.

After school Help

I amavailable for after school help most days… Mon – Thurs until 2:50pm unless I have scheduled meetings. Any student needing additional help can make arrangements with me.

Homework Policy

All homework must be turned in or checked at the beginning of the period and may not be accepted late. While homework is not assigned every night, it is an extension of the class work or content being covered and is a vital part of a student’s success in the class. It should not be neglected.

Grading Policy

FORMative…………...40%

Daily Opening/Closing Activity (Formative).….….5%

Classwork/Lab Activities (Formative)………….….25%

Homework (Formative)……………….……………….10%

SUMMATIVE………..…45%

Labs/Projects (Summative)..….………..…………..20%

Tests/Quizzes (Summative)…………………..……..25%

Cumulative Final…...15%

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Note to Parent/Guardian

I am very glad to have your son/daughter in Honors Biology for the semester. I cannot stress enough the importance of good communication between student, teacher and parent. Please feel free to contact me for any reason during the semester. Please sign the bottom of this with your son/daughter to indicate to me that you have had a chance to read over this syllabus and understand the procedures and policies in Honors Biology

.

Thank You!

Sincerely,

Rebecca Ritz

Student ______Date ______

Parent/Guardian______Date ______

If you have e-mail, write your e-mail address below in order for me to have your correct email for communication purposes. This is a great way for me to communicate various bits of class related information with you.

Parent/Guardian E-mail address