Kaiserslautern High School

Course Syllabus

Course Name and Number

Biology SCB401

Course Description

Major Concepts/Content: Biology is designed to provide students with an integrated approach to the study of living organisms, in addition to science as inquiry, science and technology, science and social perspectives, and the history and nature of science. The course integrates unifying science concepts and processes of systems, order and organization, evidence, models and explanation, change, consistency and equilibrium; and form and function.

Text

Biology Holt 2012 ISBN 978-0-547-586663
Online text is available, usernames to be distributed later

Teacher Name

Dennis Decker

Contact Information


Office: 0611-143-5451425

Location

Main Bldg.; Rm. # 158

Philosophy

This course is designed to help you become science-literate. We will study science from chemistry to ecology, working together to understand the importance each topic has in our daily lives. I understand that not everyone may have the desire to become a biologist, but my goal is that something in Biology will excite you, whether it is Cell Biology, DNA, Cloning, Entomology, Theory of Evolution, or new ways to save the environment. I hope that you will get excited about something we study. Additionally, I hope that you will come to relax around science, and use the scientific methods you will learn to become a knowledgeable skeptic of the world around you. There are many people saying many things, and I hope that what you learn this year will assist you in deciding the truth for yourselves.
In the fast-paced change in the world of science, science education would be incomplete without the awareness of how biology impacts the student's life. In this day of genetic engineering including cloning and the Human Genome Project, information technology, and many ethical issues in the forefront, biology education will enable the student to make valid, informed decisions when confronting the moral issues of today.
This class is activity-based and stresses scientific and critical thinking processes. All students will be expected to attend class, complete required assignments, complete makeup work, and follow classroom rules.

Materials

Composition Notebook

Paper

Pens/pencils

Organizer/notebook

Grading Policy

DoDDS grading policy will be used:
90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
Below 60 = Failing
Quarter grades are earned and basedupon the following percentages:
Homework = 40%
Research (articles, etc.) = 20%
Tests=40%

Assessment

All students are expected to demonstrate their comprehension of the course work. Multiple assessment methods include individual and group performance, projects, interviews, reports, student-generated work, and/or conventional testing.

Homework

Homework is considered an important part of the Biology program. Assignments will be given as deemed necessary. All homework will be collected and graded according to effort and correctness.

Late Work Policy

I do not accept late work. I do offer a number of extra credit assignments throughout the year in order for students to make up for lost assignments. They will be available on my website:

Tutoring/Extra Help

Students may make arrangements with their teacher to receive assistance during seminar, before school, and at the end of lunch.

Classroom Management

I expect the highest level of responsibility from my students. I expect them to be honest, speak up always, and I expect them to treat others with respect. All students are expected to do their own work—students who cheat earn a “0” on that assignment and receive no citizenship points for the quarter.
1. All rules and policies as stated in the school handbook will be in effect in the classroom.
2. All laboratory safety rules will be followed.
3. All students are expected to be in their seats and ready to work when the tardy bell sounds (the first, not the last of the tardy bells).
4. Students are expected to demonstrate behavior that is safe and acceptable in the classroom.
  1. I try to create a safe haven within my classroom; the golden rule is the standard.
  2. Any and all items not allowed in school will be confiscated. Parents of the student in question can pick up the items after school. Additionally, no make-up, brushes, combs, etc. will be permitted in class, and they too will be confiscated.
  3. “One Talk” is the rule in my classroom. This means that only one person at a time will speak at a time.

The consequences of violating (and violations are cumulative throughout the quarter) these and any other class rules are serious, as described below:
First offense Verbal warning
Second offense 15 minute detention and a student-teacher conference
Third offense Hour Detention (after school cleaning duty), call to parents.
Fourth offense Hour Detention (see above), Parent-Teacher conference.
Fifth offense Referral to office (severe 1st violations go here also)

Content Outlines

Essential Objectives: Upon completion ofBiology, students should be able to:
· Engage in full and partial scientific inquiries to design, conduct, and communicate scientific investigations to explore ideas about the natural world.
· Use scientific inquiry to design and conduct scientific investigations to meet a human need, make a decision, solve a human problem, or develop a product.
· Recognize and describe the interrelationship between science and technology.
· Apply the tools of technology (e.g., computers) in scientific endeavors.
· Identify qualities inherent in scientific behavior (e.g., reasoning, insight, energy, skill, and creativity).
· Discuss contributions of men and women of various social and ethnic backgrounds to science and technology.
· Apply science concepts to make decisions (weighing risks and benefits) about students’ personal health and well being.
· Understand that the cell is the basic unit of structure and function in living organisms.
· Know that characteristics of organisms are specified in DNA, and changes in DNA lead to variation.
· Explain that species evolve over time through the process of natural selection.
· Describe how ecosystems are interactions of organisms with biotic and abiotic factors in the environment.
· Identify that living organisms are complex and highly organized, requiring energy and matter to maintain this organization.

Quarter One

Tools of the Trade and Safety

The Sciences of Biology

Chemistry of Life

Cells (introduction)

Quarter Two

Cells (Continued)

Energy and Life

Continuity of Life

Discovering Life

Quarter Three

Genetics and Inheritance

Reproduction

Changes in Life on Earth Over Time

Diversity of Life

Quarter Four

Classification of Living Things

Bacteria and Viruses

Protists

Fungi and Plants

Ecosystems as Interactions of Organisms, Biotic and Abiotic Factors

The Animal Kingdom

Additional Information

Students are required to participate in lab safety training and sign a safety contract before participating in laboratory procedures.
Standards