Biology Syllabus and Rules

by S Booth

August 14, 2008

Instructor: Mrs. Booth Room 169
Planning time: Gold Block 2 9:52-11:24
Course Credit: 1 Unit Prerequisite: none
Textbook: Prentice Hall Biology
Supplies Needed: Three ring binder with paper Graph Paper Pens

Course Description: Students will use scientific inquiry study the cell and its functions, genetics, ecology, and diversity of structure and function of organisms. Students will be required to a science project in the classroom in the spring quarter.

Course Outline:
1st Quarter • The Nature of Life • Ecology
2nd Quarter • Cells • Genetics • Genetic Change
3rd Quarter • Microorganisms and Fungi • Plants • Science Project
4th Quarter • Invertebrates • Chordates

Course Assessment: Your grade will calculated by weighted grades. Semester grades will be calculated using daily assignments 25%, quizzes and chapter tests 40%, laboratory and projects 25%, and the semester test 10% of your semester grade. The grading scale is outlined in the student handbook.

Classroom Rules: • Be seated and quiet when the tardy bell rings. • Bring all required materials to class. • Follow all school policies and safety rules. • Comply with all reasonable requests. • Treat everyone with respect. • Keep classroom clean. • No book bags, purses, or coats. • No food or drink. • Two “emergency” bathroom passes will be allowed per quarter.

Discipline: If your behavior disrupts class, you will be sent to the opportunity room. You are still responsible for the work done in class. Other disciplinary actions will be taken from the appropriate level as listed in your agenda.

Group Work: We will frequently be working in groups in Biology. Working in cooperative groups allows students to learn important communication skills and to improve problem-solving abilities. Students working together can get immediate help from others in their group and also have the opportunity to teach skills to others. Brain research shows that students retain only 10% of what they hear, 45% of what they do, but 85% of what they teach.
Cooperative learning groups allow students to teach, and thus remember more of what they learn. Here are some special behavior expectations for cooperative groups: • All students have the obligation to help others in their group and to ask their group for help when they need it. • Talk only to students within your own group. • Always be polite. • Use “arm length voices”. • Stay on task. • Do not talk when the teacher is presenting information to the class. • Group work will be limited to problem solving exercises and homework. Quizzes and tests will be done individually.