Biology Syllabus

BIOLOGY

 

Mrs. Hartford

Room 63

ahartford@lbusd.org

Class blog site: lbhsbio.wordpress.com

 

Course Goals

 

  1. Students will develop problem-solving, critical-thinking and scientific process skills while conducting biological investigations aligned to California Content Standards for biology.

 

  1. Students will apply their knowledge of biology to social, political and personal real world issues.

 

Content Overview

 

  • UNIT ONE: Cells
    •  Structures and function (review)
    •  Energy use: cellular respiration and photosynthesis
    •  Homeostasis and active transport
    • Growth and repair
  • UNIT TWO: Genetics
    • Mendel and meiosis
    • Human genetics
    • Biotechnology
  • UNIT THREE: Evolution
    • Historical perspective
    • Darwin and natural selection
    • Evolution of populations
  • UNIT FOUR: Ecology
    • Levels of ecological study
    • Population ecology
    • Community ecology
    • Ecosystems and biosphere
    • Human impact
  • UNIT FIVE: DIVERSITY OF LIFE
    • Prokaryotes
      • Bacteria and viruses
    • Eukaryotes
      • Fungus
      • Protists
      • Plants
      • Animals

Class Materials

Bring to class everyday:

- notebook:  three-ring binder with dividers, plenty of loose-leaf paper

- pen/pencil

- flashdrive to store and share electronic files

- colored pencils (optional but useful)

 

Evaluation

 

Mind sets: 

- given at the beginning of class

- be graded as quiz if review of material or used as a homework check

 

Homework:

            – Homework is assessed using the following methods:

  • accuracy  – used if assignment is a review/reinforcement of covered material and mastery is expected
  • completion – used if assignment introduces a new topic or is used as practice of a new skill

 

-  All homework is to be completed by the due date assigned and to be turned in at the BEGINNING of the class period- no late homework!

 

Lab Reports:

            – Certain lab activities will require a formal written lab report.

- The specified lab format and grading criteria will be taught and reviewed before each lab is due.

- Lab reports are approximately 50-100 points each.

 

Quizzes:

- Announced and unannounced quizzes will be given at teacher discretion.

            – Quiz point values will vary between 5-25 points.

 

Chapter/Unit Exams:

            – Always announced

- Align with learning objectives covered in class and state content standards

- Exams are corrected and answers are reviewed with class.  Student reflections are required after the review of each exam.

- Exam point values vary between 50-150 points.

 

Extra Credit:

-          Challenge questions on exams.

-          Cooperative learning activities.

 

Semester Finals:

-          Administered in accordance with school/district policies.  Approx. 200-250 points

 

Make-up Work – your life will be easier if you don’t miss class!

 

If absent from class for an excused absence:   when you return do the following before class begins:

  1. Go to the “what you missed” area to obtain handouts.
  2.  Attach the “Absent work” slip to late work.   Newly acquired homework must be completed and turned in before the next class period.
  3. See teacher right away to turn in homework that was due while you were out and/or to set up a time to make up tests, labs or any other missed work.
  4. All work that was due on the day of your absence is due immediately upon your return. 
  5. If you are absent on the day of an exam:
  • An alternative exam will be given upon your return – essay exams that align with the same learning objectives and standards may be administered as the alternative exam.
  • The date and time for the make-up exam will be determined by the teacher with input from the student – this date is final.  Failure to make-up the exam on the established date will result in a zero on the exam.
  1. If you are absent on the day of a lab:
  • An alternative assignment may be given due to availability of supplies and time required for set-up.  The alternative assignment will align with the same learning objectives covered during the lab.
  •  The date and time for the make-up lab or alternative lab assignment will be determined by the teacher with input from the student – this date is final.  Failure to make-up the lab or lab assignment will result in a zero for the lab activity.

 

Classroom Rules

 

  • No cell phones or personal electronics to be used during class – a device that is turned on is considered being used.  EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE: teacher may direct students to use the personal electronic device for academic reasons.  Unauthorized use will result in the device being confiscated.
  • No food or drink in the classroom
  • Respect yourself and others – GOLDEN RULE!

 

 

 

Steps for Success

  • Attend and actively participate in class activities and discussions
  • Take good notes and stay organized
  • Complete all assignments on time
  • Ask questions to ensure understanding
  • Use SDL (student directed learning) and see me for extra help if needed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of Special Concern:

CELL PHONE AND PERSONAL ELECTRONICS

CLASSROOM POLICY

Cell phones and personal electronics WILL BE CONFISCATED if they are turned on during the class period. If the device is turned on, it is considered being used during class time which is in direct violation of school policy.

The following cell phone policy is taken from the Laguna Beach High School Handbook and will be strictly enforced in the biology classroom. Should this policy be modified by the school, classroom policy will adjust accordingly.

  1.  First offense – phone confiscated by teacher for 24 hours

2.  Second offense – phone taken and parents are notified to pick up the phone in the office.

3.  Third offense – phone is confiscated for a week and must be picked up in the office.