|
course description supplies needed notebook attendance tardies late assignments cheating/copying grading grading scale class rules |
| Course Description // |
| This course is a requirement for graduation at Mercy. It is an overview of various biological concepts. We will be covering topics including: animal and plant cells, DNA, genetics, evolution, viruses, and the animal kingdom. We will be utilizing our textbook and will supplement it with various recent newspaper and journal articles. There will be an emphasis on laboratory experiments and group projects throughout the year. |
|
Supplies Needed // |
|
A binder with rings that are 1 to 1 1/2 inches (can have other "White Day" subjects in it) Dividers for the binder, binder paper and graph paper Pens, pencils, eraser, 4" X 6" index cards A set of colored pencils, markers, glue stick, scissors and a ruler (in a pencil pouch) A USB key drive (to save computer work) |
|
Notebook // |
|
Your notebook for this class will be a binder.
All of your papers are to be kept in your notebook.
You will have a new "homework log" for each unit that should be kept in the front of your binder.
You are to bring your notebook to class every day.
Binders and class notes will be checked periodically throughout the semester. Label the dividers as follows: P.O.D. (problem of the day), Reading Logs, Class Notes, Homework, Handouts, Lab Reports Please follow these guidelines regarding papers that you turn in: 1. Put a heading on all of your papers: Name, Period, Date in top right corner. (NO name = NO grade) 2. Put the title of the assignment or notes on the top left of the page (on the first rule). 3. Use black or blue ink ONLY. I will not accept papers in any other color! 4. Use loose-leaf paper, NOT torn out spiral notebook pages. IMPORTANT TIPS: Take good class notes. I suggest writing down the things that I write on the overhead and on the board, BUT don't just limit yourself to what I write down - also write down any concepts that are new to you. In Biology, it often helps to draw lots of diagrams (even if you're not a great artist), so I encourage you to do this also (it helps your brain absorb the information). |
|
Attendance // |
| If you have an excused absence on the day of a test or quiz, then you may make up the test or quiz. The test/quiz is to be made up the day that you return in one of the Science Labs after school. You will need to take your test/quiz within one week of your absence. Otherwise you will receive a zero on that test/quiz. In cases of extended illness, other arrangements will be made. |
|
Tardies // |
|
You are tardy if you are not in your assigned seat and ready to work when the bell rings.
If you are late you will receive a detention with the teacher and/or "Skipper Service".
Excessive tardies will lead to a lowered grade in class. You will not be allowed to leave the lab during class for any reason, unless a pass comes for you from the office. But, at the start of each semester, you will be given a magical hall pass ("The Howett Hall Pass") that you may use 3 times, in an emergency. If you do not use this hall pass during the semester, I will collect it from you, and in return I will add 9 extra credit points to your lowest 'Homework Log' grade. |
|
Late Assignments // |
| Assignments are expected to be turned in on time in order to receive full-credit. Late homework assignments will not be accepted (unless there is an excused absence). Late lab reports and class projects will only be granted a maximum of 50% of the points. If there is a group project, and one member is absent, the project must be presented/turned in at the next class, even if someone is absent again. Once corrected labs have been passed back to the class, a missing or late lab will not be accepted. |
|
Cheating & Copying // |
| Copying, or letting someone copy your work is considered academic dishonesty, or cheating. Notes taken from your textbook must be in YOUR OWN WORDS. Plagiarism and using unauthorized materials during tests is also considered cheating. You will receive a zero and be referred to the assistant principal. |
|
Grading // |
|
Your semester grade will be based on points earned from: |
|
Homework (~15%) |
|
Homework will be posted on the board and on the "Homework Log" assignment sheet.
You are responsible for checking the homework board each day.
Homework assignments are due the following class period unless other wise specified.
Each assignment from your "Homework Log" is worth 3 points.
On the day of each test you will turn in your "Homework Packet" along with any uncorrected assignments from that "Homework Log".
Additional homework assignments will be announced and will be posted on the board. |
|
Labs/Projects (~30%) |
|
Lab reports will be turned in as a group or as an individual report, depending on the experiment.
You will be given the proper format for a written lab report and this should be followed.
Lab reports MUST BE TYPED.
Points will be deducted if your lab area is not cleaned or if you are not working "on task" during labs. You will have one major group project/presentation per semester. Lab reports are usually worth 10-15 points. Projects are usually worth 30-40 points. |
|
Tests and Quizzes (~35%) |
|
Tests are usually some combination of Scantron (multiple-choice, T/F, matching) and short essay questions.
Test are 30-50 points.
Announced quizzes and "pop" quizzes will be given periodically. |
| Final Exam (~20%) |
| The final exam will be worth 20% of your semester grade. The final exam will be Scantron questions(multiple-choice, T/F, matching). |
| Grading scale // |
|
A 95-100% A- 90-94% B+ 87-89% B 83-86% B- 80-82% C+ 75-79% C 70-74% C- 65-69% D+ 60-64% D 55-59% D- 50-54% F 0-49% |
|
Biology Class Rules // |
|
While in Biology class, you will be expected to: Bring all needed materials to class each day. Be in your seat and prepared for class when the bell rings. Participate in all class activities and class discussions. Show respect for yourself, others and the teacher. Take notes during the lectures. You will need these notes later to pass the exams! Respect school property and the property of others. Do not write on the lab tables or computers. Have FUN !!! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS. If you CHOOSE to violate the class rules, you also CHOOSE to accept the consequences. |
|
Lab Safety Rules // |
|
When we are performing experiments or labs, you will be expected to: Follow all instructions and safety precautions carefully. Know how to locate all safety equipment. Actively participate in the lab. Never eat or drink while a lab activity is being performed. Be responsible for your lab equipment. Always carry microscopes with two hands and return them to the shelf at the end of the period. Dispose of lab materials as instructed and clean your lab area before leaving the lab - otherwise points will be taken off. Always wash your hands before leaving the lab. |
|
Computer Usage Rules // |
|
Do not turn on the computer unless directed by the teacher. Do not change the desktops background image. Do not write on the computers or the desks. Report any writing to the teacher at the beginning of class or you will be held responsible. Always log off and shut down the computers at the end of class. Do not save to the hard drive. Save to your own disk. |