Life Science Syllabus
Teacher: Ms.Robyn Serge
Email:
Text Messages: Enter this number 81010
Text this message @robyns
Materials & Supplies:
· 3 college ruled spiral notebooks (one for each term)
· 1 large 3-ring binder
· Colored pencils, scissors, 2 glue sticks, pencil sharpener
· #2 pencils (can be mechanical) and black or blue pens
· 2 packages of note cards (3x5)
· USB drive
· 1 box of tissues
· 1 container of antibacterial wipes
Expectations:
1. Be respectful. Do what is asked the first time, be cooperative and helpful. Respect all class members. Everyone in this group is worthy of consideration and has a right to a productive learning environment free from disruption. We need to encourage each other toward our common objectives.
2. Be responsible. Know that grades will be based on your ability and willingness to participate and to honestly demonstrate to me and others your understanding of biological topics. You alone are responsible for the grade you earn.
3. Be Present, Prompt, and Prepared. It is my job to lead you through learning situations and evaluate your progress with a positive attitude. It is your job to attend, participate fully, and work with a positive attitude both in and out of class. Remember, I am the one in charge, but I need your help in making this work. We are working together toward a common goal.
Grades:
Grades are based on class assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, homework, and notebooks.
Grading Scale: A = 90% - 100% Trimester Grades:
B = 80% - 89% 1st 6 week period (40%)
C = 70% - 79% 2nd 6 week period (40%)
D = 60% - 69% Trimester Exam (20%)
F = below 60%
Daily Work and Homework –Assignments are usually 10-30 points depending on the difficulty and are worth 30% of your grade. What is not finished in class is expected to be completed as homework and due the following class period. All homework will be due the following class at the beginning of the period unless specified otherwise.
Quizzes – are worth 20% of your grade. There will be quizzes from notes and readings each week. There will be one to two quizzes each week worth 25-30 points.
Projects- Are worth 15% of your grade. There will be several projects each trimester worth 50-100 points.
Tests – Are worth 35% of your grade.
1) In-Class Tests - Tests will be mainly objective tests worth 50-100 points, and given approximately every other week.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
Be here on-time every day, with supplies.
Missed labs and tests will have to be made up before or after school. Late work will not be accepted unless it is due to an excused absence.
If you have to be absent, get your make-up work.
After you are absent, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK FOR MAKEUP WORK WHEN YOU RETURN. You have as many days as you were absent plus one to make up said missed work.
Do your homework.
Although daily assignments are worth a small percentage of the final grade, students who do homework tend to do much better on their assessments and have a better understanding of the material. Copying another student’s homework will not be accepted and will result in a 0 for the assignment as well as additional consequences.
Ask for help.
If you need more explanation or clarification, ask me, your neighbor, a friend, or come to tutoring. We are here to help! Tutoring hours are Monday-Thursday before school and during lunch by appointment. I can be most easily contacted through my work email during school hours.
Other Important Info: All school policies in the student handbook regarding rules and policies will be followed in the classroom.
Late work : Late assignments will be accepted up to two days after the due date for partial credit!
Make-Up Work : Assignments due the day you were absent are due the day you return to class. It is your responsibility to pick up any work missed and make sure you hand it in on time. It is your responsibility to make sure your make up work is turned in.
Make-Up Test : Any test missed from a single day of absence must be taken during the class period the day the student returns to school. The scheduling of a missed test from a multiple day absence must be done the day the student returns.
Personal Technology : Use of cell phones, ipods, gaming devices, etc. is not allowed in Life Science unless we are using our own personal devises for research.
Food and Drink : There is no food allowed in any science classroom due to labs.
What will I learn in the sciences that will help me in the real world?
· Communicate and understand ideas & information / · Collect, analyze, and organize information.· Identify and solve problems. / · Understand and work with complex systems.
· Experience learning as an on-going process. / · Read and understand challenging articles.
· Learn how to work with others for a common goal. / · Act professionally and responsibly.
· Take responsibility for career and life choices. / · Use technology.
I look forward to a fun and productive year AND to helping you become a successful science student!
For the Parents:
Your student deserves the most positive educational climate possible for academic growth. For my policies to be effective, I need your cooperation. Please read over the policies carefully, and contact me via email with questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Robyn Serge