Class syllabus 2009-2010
- 1. Biology Class Syllabus Mrs. Wiles WilesS@calvertnet.k12.md.us wilesbio.blogspot.com *Homework will be posted daily on my website: wilesbio.blogspot.com for viewing at home! Course Objectives: • Students will develop an understanding of and be able to apply basic biology concepts as described by the Maryland State Department of Education’s Core Learning Goals. • Students will develop critical thinking skills, questioning skills, and learn to apply the scientific method. • Students will receive instruction to equip them for the High School Assessment in Biology which must be passed in order to receive a Maryland High School Diploma. Course Outline: Welcome to biology! During this school year, we will cover the following topics in order: • Lab Safety • The Scientific Method • Data, Graphs, and Measurements • Properties of Water • Biomolecules • Cell Parts and Function • Cell Transport • Body Systems • Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration • Cell Reproduction • Genetics • Protein Synthesis • Ecology • Life Origins
- 2. Classroom Responsibilities: 1. Be Prompt: You are expected to be in your seat when the bell rings every day. All assignments are expected on time. Assignments will not be accepted after they have been graded and returned to the class. 2. Be Prepared: You must have something to write with every day in class. On test days you MUST have a #2 pencil. You also must have your binder and composition book each day. Textbooks will not be distributed; they are kept in the classroom as a class set. If you want one to bring home you must request one and check it out with me. 3. Be Organized: Use a planner to stay on top of all of your assignments. Homework is posted at the beginning of each period with your warm up, get it copied down at that time. 4. Be Involved: Complete all assignments, ask questions when you don’t understand, and participate in class. These are proven ways to succeed. 5. Be Respectful of your school, your teacher, your classmates, and yourself. Grading: Students earn their grades according to their personal level of effort and accuracy on each assignment they complete. All assignments will fall into one of the following categories: 1. Tests a. All tests will be announced in class at least one week in advance. b. A review will be typically held in class the day before each test. c. Test re-takes are allowed. You must make an appointment during FLEX lunch to review with me before re-taking a test. Retakes cannot be taken for a county exam or Benchmark. The higher grade will be taken. This cannot be done during class time, you must schedule a time with me to complete it either during FLEX lunch or after school. 2. County Exams: the following are the tentative windows for all county exams. Exams are subject to change based on school closings for weather. a. Benchmark 1: October 19 or 20 b. Benchmark 2: December 7 or 8 c. Midterm: January 11 or 12 d. Benchmark 3: March 29 or 30 e. Benchmark 4: May 3 or 4 f. Final: June 15 3. Quizzes a. Quizzes may be given with or without notice. The best preparation for quizzes to complete all the assignments and participate regularly in class. b. A vocabulary quiz will be given every 2 weeks on Friday. The vocabulary will be given daily with the warm up and kept in the warm up notebook.
- 3. 4. Labs a. Labs enable students to apply classroom concepts and experience biology firsthand through investigation and discovery. b. You must get a 100% of the lab safety quiz to work in the lab. This will be taken the first week of school. c. Any student(s) violating lab safety code will immediately fail lab, receive a phone call home to a parent, and receive a referral to the administration – NO EXCEPTIONS! Safety is our #1 priority in the lab. 5. Homework a. All homework must be completed when you walk into the classroom on the due date. b. Late homework will not be accepted after the assignment has been graded and returned to the class. 6. Classwork a. Includes worksheets, book work, labs, and Bio 2 Go packets. b. Class assignments collected for grading must be handed in on time with the exception of an excused absence. 7. Warm Ups a. Each student will keep a composition book to record their warms and daily vocabulary words in. This will be collected once a week for a process grade. Your quarterly grade will be calculated as follows: Product (Tests, Quizzes, Projects): 80% Process (Labs, Homework, Classwork): 20% Materials: • 3-ring binder with dividers for: class notes, worksheets, labs. • #2 Pencils • Pens • Composition book/spiral notebook for daily warm ups and vocabulary. Vocabulary will be quizzed biweekly! *Cut here* I have read and understand my responsibilities for Mrs. Wiles’ Biology Class. (5 pts) Print Student Name:________________________ Student Signature:_________________________ Parent Signature:__________________________