Welcome to Honors Biology! MTHS 2015-2016
Mrs. Hinz Room 612
Email:
Course Philosophy
This is a college prep biology course that will bring out the scientist in you. We will learn many topics in the diverse field of biology throughout the entire year. This class will challenge you to critically think and develop conclusions on your own. You will analyze concepts and connect them by applying the information learned, whether it is hands on in the lab or evaluating a case study. We will ask ourselves the questions “why” and “how” to discover a deeper meaning of how different topics in biology work.
My assessments will not ask straightforward questions, but ask you to apply what you learned to solve problems and find solutions. Compared to just memorization, this will help you develop a thought process that can be utilized in the “real” world, as opposed to facts that can be easily accessed at any given moment through the Internet. We are going to become problem solvers and deeper thinkers.
My goal is to relate everything that we learn to your life. I want to get to know each and everyone of you so I can involve your interest’s daily. I encourage you to share your past knowledge, thoughts on new information, and experiences with the class. Your peers sitting next to you will make up your team for the year, which will compete in a class Olympics against the other periods. You will be successful this year by being prepared for class daily, being ready to learn when you walk in the door, completing your work in a timely manner, thinking outside of the box, respecting your classmates, and always trying your best. I will always be here to help you succeed to the best of your abilities and grow as an individual. I look forward to a great year with all of you!
What do I need to bring each day?
1) A loose-leaf binder (1½ -2 inch wide) with loose-leaf paper and dividers. Dividers will be labeled: Objectives, do nows, notes, classwork, and labs. All your work will be kept here.
2) Pens or pencils (whichever you prefer but I recommend a pencil for labs)
3) A good attitude and an open mind to learn (think outside of the box!)
Grading
Your grade will be comprised of the following:
- Tests: 55%
They include multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answers.
b) Quizzes, Labs, and activities: 35% - Unless otherwise stated, all labs are due
the following lab day. Each partner is required to hand in his or her own labs.
You are allowed to discuss answers, but all work must be completed in your own
words. All partners are expected to participate EQUALLY. Some labs will require
a formal lab report to be written.
d) Homework/Classwork/ Projects: 10%
f) Extra Credit: The Science department policy does not allow for extra credit. Our
advice to you is for you to study and learn the material and, should you have an
issue with your grade, please come to me as soon as possible. Extra help is
offered before/after school and during my prep periods upon request.
Other Class Policies
Always Arrive To Class On Time: Each student is allowed only one late per marking period. The second time you are late to class, you will have a 15-minute detention. Each other time you are late, 15 minutes will be added on. Please be in the classroom when the bell rings and find your seat immediately.
Hand In ALL Work On Time: Labs and homework assignments are subject to a deadline. At the beginning of the period, you have one minute to hand labs and homework for full credit in the bins that I have set up with your period #. Work given in later than that can only be handed in for half credit. See the absence make up work policy below.
Absence From Class: YOU are responsible for all the work you have missed. You will have as many days as you were absent to make up the missed work. Any past work that is handed in when you get back, please put “Absent” on the top right corner. My recommendation - if you are absent, first ask your lab partner or friend about "what we did" and if unsuccessful, come see me about missed work. Lab make ups will be held once a week. You have up to one week after the scheduled lab to make it up. If you know that you are going to be absent, let me know in advance so I can get you the work.
Restroom Policy: Student bathrooms and water fountains should be utilized between classes and not during classes. If you use the restroom during class, please be sure to sign out and return your pass when you come back into the room quietly.
Cellphones: Students may not use their cellphones during class. They are only permitted when we are using an education app or website as a class and I will instruct you to take them out. All inappropriate cell phone use will result in the confiscation of the phone and disciplinary actions will be taken.
Classroom Disruptions: Classroom disruptions interfere with the learning process. In order to promote a functioning learning environment, inappropriate classroom disruptions will not be tolerated. You must raise your hand to participate in classroom discussions and respect your peers, including myself. Disciplinary action as outlined below will follow for ALL disruptive behaviors:
Step One: I speak to you first after class in private. You and I will work it out. If I talk to you and your body language or reaction shows disrespect, I will quickly move to step 2 below.
Step Two: If you persist in disrupting my class, I will call home and talk to your parents. Your parents and I will find a solution.
Step Three: Third offense. I call home again and get administration involved.
No Food, Drinks, and Unrelated Items: No one (including me) is allowed to eat or drink in the lab. This includes gum, candy, and lollipops. Makeup, Ipods, and anything unrelated will be taken if not put away promptly.
Plagiarism: I encourage that you work together with others and your lab partner. Ideas can be shared and you should help those that truly need help. However, unless indicated, every assignment handed in must be completely and originally composed by you. Lab partners cannot hand in identical work. If you copy anyone's work, word for word, from any answer for any assignment from another student or from a reference source like your Biology book, this is considered cheating. You will receive a zero, which can be devastating to an average and I will take administrative action. When working with someone on an assignment, PUT EVERY ANSWER IN YOUR OWN WORDS! This way you are required to think, process the material, and compose your original answer. My goal is to teach you proper ways to cite research papers and books in the field of science.
Emailing your teacher: When you send me an email, please write your class period – name in the subject area. This will help me respond back to you as soon as possible.
Example Subject: “Period 1 – John Doe”
Acknowledgement of Rules
The above mentioned items are a brief list of the rules and procedures to be followed in Mrs. Hinz’ class in order to have a functioning science environment. I have read the above classroom rules and clearly understand that these rules, as well as the ones stated in the student handbook, must be followed to promote a positive and conducive environment for learning. I understand that there will be repercussions for anyone disobeying these rules in the classroom.
Student Name (Print): ______
Student Signature: ______
Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Name (Print): ______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
Date: ______
Parent/Guardian Email: ______