WEISS HIGH SCHOOLBIOLOGY 2017-2018

Teacher Name:Alfred KapaRoom Number: B274

Conference Periods: 3rd, 8th(PLC planning)Phone:512-594-1623Email:

Study Hall and Tutoring Time: Mornings: (by appointment)Afternoon: M,T,W,Th (4:20-5:00)

In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students in Biology study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses; growth and development of organisms; cells, tissues, and organs; nucleic acids and genetics; biological evolution; taxonomy; metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms; living systems; homeostasis; ecosystems; and plants and the environment.

Topics cover the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills) and will prepare students to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. Students MUST pass the STAAR Biology End of Course exam in order to graduate.

Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Students should know how science has built a vast body of changing and increasing knowledge described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models, and also should know that science may not answer all questions.

Required Materials:

3 Ring Binder / 1 blue or black pen / 5 dividers
Notebook paper / Pencils / 2 Red pen for grading

Lab Expectations:

Each unit will have lab activities. During lab time students MUST follow all lab rules to ensure the safety of all students.

There can be absolutely NO horseplay during class time.

PfISD Laboratory Safety Rules will be strictly enforced at all times. (Students will have to pass a Safety test before they may begin lab activities.)

Safety is our first priority.

Safety rules & guidelines are covered at the beginning of this course and a safety contract must be signed and kept on file for each student.

Grading: Please note that grades are assigned to the categories listed below at the discretion of the teacher.

70% - Major Grades

30% -Minor Grades

Concept Based Grading:

All Weiss science classes will be using concept bases grading for the tracking of mastery of science content. The Focus gradebook will track the learning objectives not individual assignments and assessments. Each assignment/assessment will consist of many objectives. Students will be allowed multiple opportunities to improve the mastery score for each objective in a nine week grading period. Every opportunity is a reassessment of the objectives which allows for potential grade improvement.

Assessments of various types covereach topic.

Final Exemptions will follow district policy for that term.

Students must earn at least a 70 OVERALL YEAR AVERAGE in the course to be awarded credit.

Student Progress

Students will bring home an official IPR (individual progress report) every 3 weeks.

It is REQUIRED that every student have on-line access to monitor their grades through Focus. Grades may be accessed through the “Parent” tab from the PISD website.

Please note that students have their own Focus account and this does not alter the parent settings.

Class Guidelines:

  1. Students can be marked tardy if not in the room and prepared with class materials WHEN THE INSTRUCTIONBELL RINGS. Students will be required to get a tardy pass to enter class.
  2. Treat others with respect
  3. Sit in assigned seat during instruction.
  4. NO selling of fund-raisers without permission first...otherwise you will forfeit your goods and have to pick them up from your Principal.
  5. Follow HHS policies of personal electronic devices such as phones, cameras, mp3 players.
  6. Wearing of ear-buds or headphones inside the class room is not allowed.
  7. Follow all instructions given and stay on assigned task.
  8. Do every assignment fully and turn it in on time.

Biology Tutorial and Study Session times

Teacher/Room / Morning Sessions / Afternoon Sessions
Mrs. Dana HaubB251 / Tuesday and Thursday
8:15 – 8:50 am / ---
Mr. Alfred KapaB274 / By appointment / Monday through Thursday
4:15– 5:00 pm
Mrs. Margo SabinB273 / Monday through Thursday
8:15 – 8:50 am / ---

If a student needs tutoring but cannot make the times for their current class teacher, they can attend the tutoring sessions for any of the teachers listed above or visit their teacher during Power Hour.