Biology Course Overview and Syllabus

Course Description: Biology is the study of life. Students will learn about the scientific method and the steps that scientists use to solve problem. Then, students will learn about the structures and functions of atoms, cells, the cellular processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, genetics, ecology, and the kingdoms of life. Students will be immersed in an inquiry based environment that provides them with the tools to construct meaning about the natural world in which they find themselves.

First Semester

            The Scientific Inquiry Process

            Characteristics of Living Things

            Lab Safety, Techniques and Procedures

            Cell Structure

            Photosynthesis/Respiration

            Cell Reproduction

 

Second Semester

            Genetics/Heredity

            DNA/RNA

            Predicting Genetic Disorders/Diseases

            The Relationships of Ecosystems

            Classification and the Kingdoms of Life

Students and parents are welcome to connect to http://www.nwr1biology.com for all of this material, a link to the online textbook, and more. The website includes this document and all of the materials that are given to the students throughout the course of the year. Unit Reviews, vocabulary lists and worksheets can be downloaded using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Curriculum materials are also available. A link to student grades and to the online classroom is also available at this site. Parents are invited to stay abreast of their student’s assignments by accessing this website regularly. Parents and students may also submit their email addresses to be included in class mailings and notifications.

 

Laboratory: Many activities are used to support each unit.  Students work cooperatively in small groups to achieve objectives and common goals.

 

Homework/Classwork: Homework makes up 50% of the student’s grade. Homework submitted on time will be able to receive full credit. However, homework not submitted on the due date must be submitted no later than the following Thursday (after the Advisory Block). Late homework submitted in this manner will be eligible to receive up to 60% of the original value of that assignment. No late work will be accepted beyond that time. Much of the work for this class takes place in the classroom. Regular attendance will be important in helping the student to stay current. Following an absence the student will need to schedule a makeup day to complete missed assignments or labs. There will be two major projects that students will be required to complete outside of class.

 

Quizzes: Each Friday the students will complete a short quiz (between 10 and 20 points) over the material covered during the week. Quizzes will account for 50% of the quarter grade.

 

Semester Grades:        Homework/Classwork = 50%

                                      Quizzes = 50%

 

Semester Exams and End of Course Exams:Semester exams are given at the end of each semester. The first semester Final Exam will be comprehensive and count as 20% of the semester grade. Students will take the state assessment called The End of Course (EOC) Exam for Biology near the end of the second semester. This test will count for 10% of the second semester grade. The EOC is a state mandated standardized test that assesses the student’s understanding of the material covered over the course of the year. The second semester final will cover all of the material covered throughout the year and account of 10% of the second semester grade.

 

Progress Report Grades:		Tests and Quizzes		= 50%
		Homework/Classwork/Labs		= 50%
Semester One Grades:		Cumulative Grades for the current semester		= 80%
		Semester Final		= 20%
Semester Two Grades:		Cumulative Grades for the current semester		= 80%
		Semester Final		= 10%
		End of Course Exam		= 10%

A+ Competencies: As an A+ school students have the opportunity to earn scholarships toward their college education. Students must complete several criteria to be eligible for these scholarships as seniors. To meet the state requirements as an A+ school, students will be challenged to master the following skills:

• interpreting graphs, charts & tables
• creating and delivering oral presentations.
• utilizing technology in class presentations.

 

Absences: Most of the material to complete the labs and worksheets is delivered in class so students who miss class are at an extreme disadvantage. Students who have been absent are responsible to makeup their work and are advised to schedule an after school meeting with the teacher in order to cover the material that they missed.

 

Website: An extensive and detailed website is available to assist the students in their efforts to be successful in class. The website includes curriculum materials as well as a complete set of all the materials issued to students during class. Students who have missed a day in class are encouraged to use the web site as an efficient means of “catching up” with the class by downloading the assignment for the day that they have missed and using the curriculum materials to complete the material.

 

Classroom and Laboratory Rules

1.  Respect yourself.

2.  Respect others.

3.  Respect this place. (Food or drink is not allowed in the classroom.)

 

Materials Required (bring these to class each day)

1” - 3 ring binder

Blue or Black pens

#2 Pencils

 

Loose leaf paper – College Ruled

Calculator (Scientific Calculator is preferred)

Colored pens or pencils

Teacher Information

Dick Willis – Room 118 – Planning Period is 2^nd hour (8:15 – 9:09)

Email  RWillis@nwr1.k12.mo.us