Mrs. Chavez

Troy High School

BIOLOGY SYLLABUS

2011-2012

 

TEXT:              Biology by Miller and Levine, 2006.

PHONE:  (714) 626-5803                       

           

I.  COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES: During the course of this class, we will examine the basic principles of biology, the structure and function of living organisms, and contemporary issues.  Students will gain insight and an understanding of life by examining and exploring the following concepts which satisfy the state standards for Biology: Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, and Physiology.  The purpose of this class is to shape highly motivated students into critical thinkers, effective communicators, good citizens and life-long learners of science.  Emphasis is placed on higher level thinking skills, laboratory investigations and student enrichment activities.  Students will be expected to complete formal laboratory reports throughout the course.  In the process it is our goal that students will grow academically and develop strong study skills that will enable them to be successful at the next level. 

 

II.  STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES

        1. Students are expected to be on time, prepared, and ready to work everyday.  This means you must have the following           materials with you everyday:        Book (covered)

                        Pencils (or pen) with erasers

                                                            Notebook with paper recommended

                                                            Assignments and Handouts (given the day before)                                                    

       2.  Food, drinks, and chewing gum will not be allowed in the classroom.  During normal class time, bottled water will be allowed.

       3.    Cell phones, IPods or other electronic devices must be turned off and secured in back pack/purse during class time. 

Violation of this school policy will result in turning your device over to the teacher and possible office referral.      

       4. Always sit in your regular assigned seat. 

       5.  Students should be sitting in their assigned seats when the bell rings and remain in their seats until the final bell rings, unless           instructed otherwise.       

       6.  Students must show respect for the teacher, student, and school property. 

Writing on or defacing the furniture will be dealt with most severely. 

       7.    Be courteous to all and use acceptable language at all times.

       8.              Students may not leave the room without clearance from me. 

Students are allowed (3) passes during the semester.  Anymore than 3 passes will result in 5 points deducted from the participation points for each extra pass given.  Any unused passes may be turned in at the end of the semester for extra credit.

       9.              Discussions, comments, and questions will be organized by raising your hand.

       10.             Be aware that I will dismiss you; the bell will not.  We will always meet for the entire class period.

       11.  No audio or video recording is allowed at anytime during class. 

 

These rules are easy to comply with and I do not anticipate having any problems; however, if problems do arise, then the following steps will be taken: 

       1st -  Warning/Reminder

       2nd -  Conference with student after class, and/or loss of participation points.

       3rd  -  Detention, parent phone call, and/or loss of participation points.

       4th  -  Detention, parent conference, and/or loss of participation points.

       5th  -  Referral to the PrincipalÕs office.

            *Severe Clause: Should a discipline problem arise that requires immediate attention, such as willful defiance, the student may           be sent directly to the Assistant Principal.

 

III.  CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

       1.  The beginning of every class will start with an activity that will either be on the overhead or on the front board.     

2.   Homework assignments will be written on the board and will be either checked or collected as students work on the activity at the beginning of the class.  Makeup assignments will be accepted only for excused absences.  For one excused absence you receive one extra day to makeup the assignment.  (2 days absent = 2 days to make up the work).  You are able to use your homework passes for one extra day to complete the homework.  Once the passes run out, NO late work is accepted.  The passes cannot be used for labs, notebook checks, or in-class graded activities.                  

       3.  Lecture and/or a Lab activity will follow.  If a lab is missed, then it may be made up on the designated makeup day.  For lab            make-ups, you need to confer with me individually.

       4.  Not all assignments can be made up, but you have the option to discuss possible assignments to negotiate a solution.

 

IV.  TESTS & Makeup Policy

Students will be allowed to drop their lowest test score (not their final).  The first test missed by a student maybe dropped or can be made up.   Make-up tests will be given during a specific lunch period.  Because the student has extra study time, the test will be composed of short answer questions, essays, and problems.  If a student is unable to makeup the test on the date given, then it is the studentÕs responsibility to notify me at least ONE day in advance, or they will receive a Ò0" for that test. 

 

Any practicum missed will result in that student generating a two page typed paper that focuses on that particular topic.  In this paper students are required to use all highlighted terminology and any diagrams that help explain the topic.

 

Grades on an exam will be given to the student as soon as possible.  Upon receipt of their grade, students have one week to refute their score.  After one week, no grades will be changed.  The instructor holds the right to re-grade his/her entire exam or quiz if it has been refuted.  Therefore, the score may either decrease, increase, or stay the same based on the additional review.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Major tests will occur approximately every 1-2 weeks.

 

V.  GRADING POLICY

1.       Homework will be assigned regularly and due at the time specified.  Please handwrite ALL homework assignments.  Typed assignments will not be accepted unless specifically requested.    

       2.        If a student is going to miss class for any reason, it is the studentÕs responsibility to let me know as soon as possible.

       3.        Any student caught cheating will receive a zero on that assignment.

       4.        Homework stamp sheets will be turned in on the day of the test.  Students must fill in the homework sheet as directed.  These homework stamp sheets will be kept on file to record student progress during the semester.  

Parent/Guardian:  please note, that these homework stamp sheets will be turned in every 1-2 weeks.     

       5.        Grades are determined on a point system.  You will receive points for all the course activities which include: homework       assignments (study guides), tests, Lab write-ups, notes, and projects.                 

 

                  Tests:                                                             150-200 pts.                              Homework:                                                  5-10 pts.

                  Quizzes:                                                        10-50 pts.                                   Labs                                                               5-15 pts.

                  Semester Final (cumulative)                   400 pts.                                       Lab Test (practicum)                                 10-50 pts.

                  Participation points:                                30 pts.

 

Quarter and semester grades as well as progress reports will be given to all students.  The grades will be determined based on performance and participation in the following: exams, labs, homework, class work, projects, final, etc.  Grades will be based on degree of accuracy, completion, ability to follow directions, cooperative effort, etc.  Your course grade will be based on the percentage of points earned.  Grades are assigned as follows:  

                                                      % score                                                                            Grade

                                                      100 - 97.5                                                                       A+

                                                      97.4 - 92.5                                                                      A

                                                      92.4 - 90                                                                         A-

 

                                                      89.9 - 87.5                                                                      B+

                                                      87.4 - 82.5                                                                      B

                                                      82.4 - 80                                                                         B-

 

                                                      79.9 - 77.5                                                                      C+

                                                      77.4 - 72.5                                                                      C

                                                      72.4 - 70                                                                         C-

 

                                                      69.9 - 67.5                                                                      D+

                                                      67.4 - 62.5                                                                      D

                                                      62.4 - 59                                                                         D-

                                                      58.9 & Below                                                                F                                 

                 

 

VI.  TARDIES        

When late to class, students must ALWAYS sign in when late to class on the Tardy Log located in the front of the class.  If there is a note or excuse, then that must be attached to the clip board and a check marked on the log.  For periods 0 and 1, a note signed by your parents with a contact phone number will be accepted the following day to alleviate problems due to traffic or situations beyond the students control.  However, I must receive the note the next day in order for you not to lose participation points.  An unexcused tardy will result in loss of points and/or detention.

 

VII.  ACADEMIC HONESTY

Honesty and integrity are two qualities that I encourage in students.  Cheating, plagiarism, or any act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for work by any dishonest or fraudulent means will not be tolerated in this class.  This includes writing exact answers to questions as someone else, copying answers from someone else on a test, using answers from students of previous semesters, copying out of the textbook, or having another person write your answers.  DO NOT CHEAT IN MY CLASS.  The penalty for cheating on an exam will be an ÒFÓ for the exam and a parent conference.  The penalty for cheating on a lab report or other assignment will be an ÒFÓ for the assignment and a parent conference.  Read the student handbook for further information.

 

 

VIII.  PARTICIPATION GRADE

The participation grade is worth 30 points and is applied to the total points at the end of the semester.  There are five ways to lose participation points:

                   5 pts. are deducted for every extra hall pass used after the first 3

                   5 pts. are deducted for unexcused tardy

                   5 pts. are deducted for being unprepared for class, i.e., forgetting the textbook  

                   5 pts. are deducted for chewing gum, drinking, or eating in class

               5+ pts. are deducted for disturbing the teaching of the class

 

Participation points can also be earned by spending time cleaning up labs, asking and answering questions during class, or donating materials to the department.  However, the maximum amount of points allowed is 30.

 

IX.  EMERGENCY RESPONSE.  Please take note of the safety features in and close to your classroom, as well as studying the posted evacuation route.  The most direct route of egress may not be the safest because of the existence of roofing tiles or other potentially hazardous conditions.  Similarly, running out of the building can also be dangerous during severe earthquakes.  During strong quakes the recommended response is to duck, cover, and hold until the shaking stops.  Follow the guidance of your instructor.  You may be asked to go to the designated assembly area.  Your cooperation during emergencies can minimize the possibility of injury to yourself and to others.   

 

X.  EXPECTATIONS

        1.       Reading assigned material before coming to class.

        2.       Frequent, meaningful contributions to discussions and a critical, respectful questioning approach. 

        3.       Willingness to work with other students. 

        4.       Complete and thoughtful written assignments.

        5.     An attitude that might be described as eager, confident, and cheerful.              

 

XI.  EXTRA RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

Students and parents can access my website that includes information about topics discussed in class, homework assignments and tentative test dates by visiting www.gotscience.com.

 

XII.  CLOSURE AND SIGNATURE (special note to parents)

It is my goal to make this class informative, interesting and enjoyable.  In the process I will strive to strengthen each studentÕs scientific background and give him/her tools that will be an advantage in college.  As we move forward this semester, I look forward to working with you and keeping you informed as to how your son/daughter is doing.  Thank you for your help!

 

                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

After reading please sign below and cut off the lower portion of this sheet and return the signature to me.  (5 pts.)

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Yes, I have read and understand the policies and procedures for this Biology class.

 

Students name (print):           _________________________________________________    Period: _____________________

 

Students signature:                                   _________________________________________________    Date:    _____________________

 

Parents/Guardian name:         _________________________________________________                     

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Parents/Guardian signature:                   _________________________________________________

 

ParentsÕ e-mail address:         _________________________________________________

 

Home phone:                             _________________________________________________    Answering machine: Yes / No

 

Other information you wish to give me...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revised 8/2011