Welcome toHonors Biologyat
ChapelHillHighSchool

Teacher:Mr. Rob Greenberg
Website:www.rgreenbergscience.wikispaces.com
Room: A-119 Phone: (919) 929-2106 ext 1119
Email:


Did you ever wonder?

What does it mean to a scientist? How do cells work? What isDNAand how does it do? How do plants grow? What is evolution? How do our genes and environment affect our health? How are animals related? Are viruses living creatures? How does the environment support animal and plant life? How do humans affect the planet? These questions will be answered and so much more through this course called BIOLOGY!

Overview of Class

This class will investigate the topics and principles of first year biology. Biology is the study of life and in this course students will investigate life through discussion, cooperative learning, written reflection, laboratory work and scientific inquiry. In this class is anEnd of Course (EOC) examwhere students are tested upon theNorth Carolinastandard course of study objectives. These objectives can be viewed at the following websitehttp://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/scos/2004/23biology

Because of the importance of this state exam, it is crucial that students review their notes daily, be organized, keep up with their assignments, and be prepared for classevery day. The way my class is designed is not for students to passively study the subject of biology, but receive the training and preparation of true scientists. My hope is for this class to betechnology, problem-solving and product based. Meaning students will gain scientific literacy and have options in their education by using 21stcentury skills in order to create projects that are relevant, meaningful and engaging.

After all, by DOING science is how science is truly developed and performed! A list of topics is outlined in the textbook as well as on my WIKI space.

SupplementaryClassroom resource:The Way Life Worksby Mahlon Hoagland and Bert Dodson. 1998 Three Rivers Press.Although it is not required, I highly recommend purchasing this fairly inexpensive book to use as a resource and conversation-starter at home.

What makes this an honors class?
The same content will be covered as in regular Biology. What makes this class different is the rigor.
One case study will be required for each nine weeks. The completed assignment should be two typed pages and double-spaced. Case study reports are in-depth and process-oriented. Evidence must be cited from the textbook or other resources. A template will be handed out for how to do a case study assignment.

One formal lab report will be required each nine weeks in addition to the standard lab instruction and question sheet. The lab report will require a statistical analysis. A template will be handed out for how to write a lab report.
One current event blog submission will be required each week, due by 8PM on Friday. My NING site will be used for current event assignments. Instructions will be given for how to access and use NING.

Students are expected to keep a well-organized notebook. I will maintain a notebook throughout the year with everything that has been covered. This notebook will always be available for students to check to make sure they have everything in order. I prefer sections be done according to topic or chapter and in chronological order.

Pop quizzes may be given at any time.


SYLLABUS
Quarter 1: The story of Life’s Beginnings on Earth
A- Introduction to Honors Biology and the scientific method
B- Biochemistry with focus on Earth’s origins
C- What is living? Procaryotes (Cell Theory part 1) with a focus on Archea
D- Protists, eukaryotes (Cell Theory part 2)
Quarter 2: Evolution of the Modern Cell
E- Evolution of cells: transport, division (mitosis) and communication
F- Cellular organelles, form and function (focus on mitochondrion and chloroplast)
G- Photosynthesis with a focus on plants (Autotrophs)
H- Anaerobic cellular respiration with a focus on fungi (decomposers)
I- Aerobic cellular respiration with a focus on animals (heterotrophs)
Quarter 3: DNA, the Blueprint of Life
J- Mendelian genetics: quest for the hereditary molecules (scientists and their experiments)
K- DNA/RNA/proteinsynthesis with a focus on viruses
L -Human heredity and reproduction (meiosis)
M- Manipulating DNA, biotechnology and bioethics
Quarter 4: The Pieces of the Puzzle Come Together
N- Taxonomy and Kingdom Review
O- Primate and Human Evolution
P- Diseases (viral, bacterial, protist and fungi) and immunology
Q- Advanced Evolution: Behaviors and Tropisms
R- Ecology and Relationships
S- Population Growth and Human Impact
T- EOC Review
Student supplies needed for class
2-inch wide 3-ring binder with dividers (this notebook will be used exclusively for biology)
The notebook will not be checked for a grade at the end of each nine weeks. Students may clear out their notebook halfway through the year and keep their notes in a “safe place” until needed for final review. I have filing cabinet space reserved for Honors Biology. A complete and well-organized notebook is a key to success. I will be happy to help students who are organization-challenged.
Always come to class withyour notebook anda penor pencil
A drawing kit: set of "ultra-fine" tipped pens, colored pencils,eraser, hand-held sharpener)
Suggestion: store these supplies in a pouch that fits in your 3-ring binder.

Grading policy and system

The grading scale is as follows: 100-93 A; 92-85 B; 84-77 C; 76-70 D; 69-0 F. This is outlined in theCHHSstudent handbook. The categories in the grade book include: test, quiz, lab report, case study, current event, lab and activity.
Classroom activities, quizzes, tests and homework assignments and other assignments and due dates will be always posted on the calendar in Snapgrades, as well as the Google calendar. You must sign up for both in order to be able to view anything I post.

Test or quiz corrections may be done within a week of getting it handed back. Students can earn ½ of their points back. Corrections must be done in my classroom (at lunc, before or after school), and can be done over several time intervals. The highest possible grade you can get with test corrections is a 90. If your grade after corrections would be greater than a 90, you cannot get credit for doing corrections. This is a Biology PLC policy. Corrections must be completed within a week of receiving the graded quiz or test.
I will upload class notes, labs, etc. on to my WIKI space. Due to the copy paper quota, as well as copier malfunctions, if you are able to download and print out any documents that will be used in class, and insert them in your notebook that would be greatly appreciated. I will use the calendar to let everyone know the specific files (notes, powerpoints, etc) used in class.

Missing assignments and incompletes

If a student has missing assignments at the end of the first quarter or third quarter, an INCOMPLETE will be recorded on the report card. A grade will begivenonce theassignment(s) or quiz(zes)havebeencompleted. However, if work has not been completed by the end of the first or second semesters, a zero will be entered for the missing assignments and a grade will then be calculated.

Labs may not be that easy to set up therefore for each lab, I will announce a final day for make-up. If the lab is not made up by the deadline, I will give an alternate assignment on a similar topic as the lab.

Porfolio
Every now and then, an assignment will be collected and stored for the purpose of maintaining a student portfolio. I will store the portfolios and use them, if necessary, at the end of the school year. All portfolio items will be handed back at the end of the year.

Checking in on student grades and progress
The best way to reach me is through e-mail, however if that is not convenient, please feel free to leave a phone message at 929-2106 ext. 1119. I will gladly meet with you at a mutually convenient time. The best times for me are before school (after 8:15 AM), during planning/lunch (11:30 - 1:00) or right after school. The best thing to do is set a mutually convenient meetingtime and we'll put it onour calendars.

For grading, I use a fantastic program called SNAPGRADES. The Link is on my home page. I highly recommend that all students and parents sign up so grades can be viewed at any time. SNAPGRADES has a class calendar that I will use regularly and emails can be sent from this site. Instructions for signing up are posted on my main page.


Support for student success

I require every student to participate in aSuccess Contract, outlining the obligations and duties of myself and the student so it is clear our expectations for excellence at the start of the year.

Students who need to make up work, get extra help may come by at lunch, before school or after school by appointment. I will set aside Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays as “quiet study time” in my classroom. Students may eat their lunch and talk, but the focus should be on classroom stuff. I encourage students to study together and discuss the concepts taught in class.

Students will have an opportunity todo quiz and test corrections in my classroom. If a lunch period does not work, before school or after school by appointment are options. After doing the corrections, the student will meet briefly with me and demonstrate their understanding of the concept.
Prior to each major test, students will be given a review sheet that should be completed and handed in prior to the test. Extra credit points will be awarded for this effort.
The textbook is online plus I have hard copies. I like to maintain a class set, so a hard copy of the text book may be borrowed for the school year and kept at home. There is a workbook that goes along with the textbook, which is very effective as a learning tool. Although the workbook is NOT REQUIRED, a student may decide to keep one if he/she feels it will help with understanding the concepts.

If a student has NO MISSING WORK during a grading period, has demonstrated a positive attitude and has been a regular contributor to the learning environment, in the case of a borderline grade, I will award the student the higher grade.

SAFETY

This class is a science class and there are inherent safety measures that must be considered when performing experiments. Please read the safety considerations carefully and make sure you understand them fully before signing your name stating that you understand these procedures and will abide by them. Please sign the "Safety in the Science Laboratory" and return the agreement beforethe student can participate in laboratory activities.
CLASSROOM STRUCTURE AND GUIDELINES

Rules in my class are fairly simple and equitable for everyone involved. Most important, I feel in my classroom we are all aTEAM:TogetherEveryone AchievesMore! We are not alone; there is support in your classmates, your parents and through me. I feel that in this class we are in this together and we all have a stake in each other's education. Pleasedo not hesitateif you need help!I reserve the right to randomly assign lab groups and partners as well as seating arrangementssuch to allow students to learn from others and keep students on task. I realize this may cause some initial discomfort for some students, but it is my educational obligation to have a classroom environment conducive to learning.

Absences In order to do well in this class, you need to be in class. Attendance is vital to your success in school and beyond. Use my webpage or visit me directly to get the work you have missed. Parents, please contact me immediately if you have any concerns. As always, MAKING UP ASSIGNMENTS IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY!Also, studentsmay not make up assignments from unexcused absences. Students should refer to my class calendar and Wikispace when planning absences.

Plagiarism/CheatingPlagiarism and cheating are not only unfair to the scientific community at large but also can result in disastrous harm to people's lives. If a student is documented to be cheating, the result is a zero on the assignment, referral to the alpha administrator in which parents will be notified. This includesgiving or receiving unauthorized aidon any assignment.Therefore it is in everyone's best interest to hold on to your work, use a coversheet on tests, and report instances of academic misconduct.Thereis no excuse for cheating, it is best to do your own work, talk to me about rescheduling an assignment or turning it in late. Ethical behavior is crucial in being a scientist and since you are young scientists, you will be held to the same standard.Students may collaborate on projects/labs; however your work needs to be in your own words. If you need help, please don't hesitate to come see me. All students should abide by theCHHShonor code at all times.

BehaviorBecause there is such little instructional time and there are potential dangers in a science lab, disrupting behaviorswill not be toleratedin the classroom. Each and every student has an unalienable right to learn, and conflicts that get in the way of that right will not be tolerated. I ask the following: No foul language, no outside work homework/reading to be done while I am teaching, no Electronic devices(including mp3, CD players or iPod devices), andcell phones should neither be on nor out anytime in class.If you need to use the phone, you are more than welcome, with permission,to use the phone in my classroomduring non-instruction time.