Elmira High School Biology A and B Course Syllabus
2018/2019 academic year
| Teacher: Dr. Gwen Harper
Room: 18 Availability: Drop-in during lunch, 7:45-8:15am, and 3:15-3:45pm or by appointment |
Phone: 935-8200 ex. 2118
Email: gharper@fernridge.k12.or.us Web Site: http://www.fernridge.k12.or.us/gharper/ |
Course Description
Biology is a required 10thgrade course in biology that is divided into two semesters (A and B) worth 0.5 units each. This course is designed to provide the high school student with a broad introduction to biological skills and knowledge, including critical thinking, process, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Each student will be expected to become a skilled observer of life forms and systems and increase his/her knowledge and appreciation of biological processes, cell structure and function, evolution, and ecology.
Course Materials
Text: Biology, McGraw-Hill, 2017.A set of textbooks will be provided for use in class. There are also Biologytexts in the Learning Center and the Library. For doing work at home, students can either use the online textbook (see Biology Onlinehandout) or check out a text from the library. Biology books will cost the student $95 if lost, and damages will be assessed and billed for each book in accordance with school policy.
3-Ring Binder and Pen/Pencil: Each student is required to bring a pen or pencil and a 3-ring binder to class EVERY DAY. In the notebook, students will be expected to keep loose leaf paper weekly agendas, classwork, labs, and graded assignments for the unit we are working on.
Grading
Component Percent of Grade
Classwork/Participation 20%
Homework 5%
Lab reports 25%
Final Project* 5% *spring term only
Chapter Tests 25%
Midterm Exam 10%
Comprehensive FinalExam 10%
Incomplete (I), No Grade (NG), Pass/No Pass (P/NP) will be assigned only when prior arrangements have been made in accordance will school policy.
Tips for Success
This is a demanding course. To be successful, students will need to come to class every day prepared to learn. Students are also expected to spend about 2-3 hours a week outside class for reading, writing lab reports, and studying for tests. The most successful students in this class are well-organized, stay on-task in class, and ask lots of questions.
Outline of Assignments
Classwork: Daily activities, reading notes, and review exercises. Graded for completion.
- Students will earn up to 5 points for each day’s work. Two points for completing most of the assignment in class.A stamp will indicate you completed the work on-time.
- Classwork will be collected and graded with the chapter test. Staple all chapter classwork together before turning in.
Participation Points: Students will be randomly selected each day in class to share their answers and opinions for the classwork. In addition, everyone will be required to conduct short activities and discussions as a class, in small groups, or with a partner. Students will be awarded participation points for each day they are active participants in class. Students that are off-topic, or refuse to participate, will lose points for the day.
Labs/Projects: Students will progressively develop scientific inquiry and reporting skills. We will work on experimental design in the fall, and observational studies in the spring.
- Lab reports may be re-written for a better grade if they were turned in ON TIME.Students will have a week to re-write after getting the graded lab report back.
- All lab reports will be accepted up to two weeks late for half credit.
- Students will conduct one independent investigation as their final project
Chapter Tests:Once we cover a chapter (typically every other week), we will have a test.
- Students can use their scientific notebook on the test. Staple the notebook to the test.
- Students are stronglyadvised to study the chapter tests in preparation for the unit exam.
- There are NO TEST RE-TAKES. However, under special circumstances, the test can be postponedif a student has been absent. In addition, the lowest quiz score is dropped at the end of the term.
Comprehensive Final Exam:The final exam is given at the end of each semester. It will be comprised of questions from each chapter test. Study past tests in preparation for the exam.
Classroom Expectations
Show Respect. This refers to being courteous during class discussions, raising hands to participate, listening quietly when the teacher or another student is speaking, and using class supplies as directed. Students that are disrespectful will be dismissed from class, held after class, have parents notified, and/or be referred to administrators.
Come to class on time and be prepared to learn. Bring a 3-ringed notebook, the Biology textbook, pens/sharp pencils, and completed class work and homework.
- If you are not in your seat when the bell rings, you are tardy.A behavior referral is issued on the third tardy of each quarter, and every tardy that follows that quarter. We “re-start” the count each quarter.
- If you are not prepared for class, you will lose a hall pass. If you have no hall passes, you will do lunch detention with me.
Students get three hall passes each semester. These can be ONLY used when permitted. There will be a few other opportunities to earn up to three more additional passes.
Make-up workis given when the office excuses your absence. YOU are responsible for getting your make-up work and arranging extensions on due dates.
- Pre-arranged absences (like athletics) DO NOT count as excused absences for due dates. You must turn work in EARLY when you know you’ll be gone!
No food or drinks are allowed at your desk. Water is allowed. Any other food/drinks must be kept in the back of the room or in your pack.
No music players, game players, cell phones, or any other disruptive devices are to be used in the classroom without prior permission. Unauthorized use can lead to having the deviceconfiscatedand then you must retrieve it from the office at the end of the day.
There will be times in class when students will be encouraged to use their Wi-Fi enabled laptops and tablets for classwork. Also, occasional music privileges will be awarded when it’s appropriate. Always check beforeturning it on!
You are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conductoutlined in your Student Handbook. Violations of the Student Code of Conduct will result in parent notification and additional consequences.
Biology A Tentative Schedule
| Start Date | TOPIC | Text Pages | Week | TOPIC | Text Pages | |
| Sep 7 | Chapter 1
The Study of Life |
2-23 | Nov. 7 | Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology |
144-173 | |
| Sep 11 | Chapter 2
Principles of Ecology |
30-51 | Nov. 26 | Chapter 7
Cellular Structure and Function |
180-209 | |
| Sep 28 | Chapter 3
Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems |
58-83 | Dec. 7 | Chapter 8
Cellular Energy |
216-235 | |
| Oct. 10 | Chapter 4
Population Ecology |
90-107 | Dec. 24 | WINTER RECESS | ||
| Oct. 22 | Chapter 5
Biodiversity and Conservation |
114-137 | Jan. 8 | Chapter 9
Cellular Reproduction |
242-259 | |
| Nov. 6 | MIDTERM EXAM | Chapters 1-5 | Jan. 22 | FINAL EXAM | Chapters 1-9 |
Oregon State Standards
- Life Science Content Standards: (Unit 1) H.1L.1; H.3S.1; H.3S.4; (Unit 2) H.1L.4; H.2L.1; H.2L.3; H.3S.2; (Unit 3) H.1L.2; H.1L.3; 8.3S.2; H.3S.3; H.3S.5
- Literacy in Science Standards (9-10 RST.1-10)
- Writing Standards for Literacy in Science (9-10.WHST. 1-10)
Biology B Tentative Schedule
| Start Date | TOPIC | Text Pages | Week | TOPIC | Text Pages | |
| Jan 28 | Chapter 10
Sexual Reproduction and Genetics |
266-287 | Apr.
2 |
Research time for Final Projects | ||
| Feb 11 | Chapter 11
Complex Inheritance and Human Heredity |
294-317 | Apr. 15 | Chapter 14
History of Life |
390-409 | |
| Feb 25 | Chapter 12
Molecular Genetics |
324-351 | Apr. 29 | Chapter 15
Evolution |
416-443 | |
| Mar. 11 | Chapter 13
Genetics and Biotechnology |
358-381 | May 6 | Chapter 16
Primate Evolution |
450-475 |
|
| Mar 26 | Spring Break | May 7 | Chapter 17
Organizing Life’s Diversity |
482-505 | ||
| April 1 | MIDTERM EXAM | Chapters 10-13 | June 3 | Writing time for Final Projects | ||
| June 11 | Final Exams |
Oregon State Standards
- Life Science Content Standards: (Unit 1) H.2L.4; H.2L.5; 8.3S.2; 8.3S.3: (Unit 2) H.2L.2; H.2E.1; H.2E.2; H.2E.4; 8.3S.3; H.3S.5
- Literacy in Science Standards (9-10 RST.1-10)
- Writing Standards for Literacy in Science (9-10. WHST. 1-10)
I have read and understand the course expectations and guidelines for Biology offered at Elmira High School outlined in the course syllabus for the 2017/2018 academic year. I understand that a copy of the syllabus is available online on Dr. Harper’s web page or printed in room 18.
Student Signature____________________________ Date ________________
Guardian Signature____________________________ Date ______________
Cut this part off and turn in before Friday for extra credit
I have read and understand the course expectations and guidelines for Biology offered at Elmira High School outlined in the course syllabus for the 2018/2019 academic year. I understand that a copy of the syllabus is available online on Dr. Harper’s web page or printed in room 18.
Student Signature____________________________ Date ________________
Guardian Signature____________________________ Date ______________