Mr



Mr. Snider 10th grade Honors Biology Semester Plan Fall 2012 SOCES

My email: preferred ess2749@ WEBSITE:

Book: Prentice Hall Biology 2006 By Miller & Levine

A. Course Description: The course is 10th grade Honors Biology. Students will learn the scientific method that scientists use. They will also learn how to make qualitative and quantitative observations. Students will also gain a broad knowledge of laboratory safety and an introduction to scientific thinking, investigation and experimentation. During this first semester we will be studying Cells. Students will also learn about DNA in detail and study Mendelian Genetics and reproduction. Students will gain a background in Physiology that will extend to next semester. The spring will cover Darwinian Evolution and Ecology. Students will be expected to be able to go deeper in knowledge and will have assignment to enrich their insight.

For more details see the state standards website:

For more specific details see the state framework on my website

B. Grading: I grade based on the standards and time committed to an assignment. Short term (homework, etc) are 5 points. In-class projects are generally worth 10-20 points. Quizzes are at the end of a section, worth 25 points as well. Tests are for each Unit (cell genetics, physiology) and are 50 points, There will be a page on my website detailing which assignments have been due and their point value. The point totals will be calculated and letter grades are assigned based on student percentages:

90-100% = A Far Exceeds State Standards, very few/no errors

80-89% = B Exceeds State Standards, few errors

70-79% = C Meets State Standards, some errors

60-69% = D Below State Standards, many errors

59 and below = F Not Understanding State Standards, no work/all errors

Work habits are reflective of class effort, and also the numbers of missing or poorly done assignments are taken into account. Cooperation is based on class participation, with repeated interruptions causing a U, and an E achieved ONLY for participating independently, by voluntarily answering questions and contributing to class.

C. Rules:

1. Be respectful Raise hands and wait for either the teacher or each other to finish. Use only appropriate language for class, not negative language towards each other or cussing. Be positive. All individuals, races, creed, sexual orientations deserve respect, just as you do. Remember, time in class is everyone else’s, not yours, and we are in school, not in your house or room

2. Be Prepared for Class: You should have Paper, Pencil, 2 different colored pens, black and blue and the previous notes. Please create a separate section in your notebook just for warm-ups.

3. Ask appropriate questions: If I cannot answer it at that time, just write it down on a piece of paper, and I will do my best to answer it later.

D. Other Policies

MY cell phone policy. Due to the increase in student use, and frequent use in distractions, cheating and illegal picture taking, School policy states cell phones must be off and away during class. ANY cell phone seen or heard will be taken and securely locked up for ONE WEEK. NO EXCEPTIONS. If students are not responsible enough to follow policy they will not be privileged to have it in class.

Website – my website is privately maintained and contains as many presentation and handouts as I can manage and maintain. I usually also post homework, upcoming test and quiz dates, and links for study materials. Please encourage your student to use this resource frequently.

Grade reports – students will receive periodic grade reports by email, showing their detailed progress in class. Any PARENTS wishing to receive a copy of these emails, only needs to contact me with their email address and I would be overjoyed to keep you updated as well, both periodically and upon request.

Academic Integrity

I value academic integrity very highly and do not permit any forms of dishonesty or deception that unfairly, improperly, or illegally enhance or attempt to enhance a grade on any assignment, a quiz, a test, a project, or a course grade. Any form of cheating or plagiarism will result in a zero and a U. The following are a few examples of cheating:

1. Copying from others. This is unacceptable on homework, quizzes, tests, or extra credit.

2. Talking or giving signals across the room to communicate answers during a quiz or test.

3. Having or using a “cheat sheet” (a piece of paper with answers, formulas, information, or notes of any kind) that is not specifically authorized by the teacher.

4. Having or using notes, formulas or other information in a programmable calculator or other electronic device.

5. Having or using a communication device such as a cell phone, pager, PDA or electronic translator to send or obtain unauthorized information.

6. Providing or receiving information about all or part of a quiz or test, including answers (e.g., telling someone in a subsequent period what was on your quiz or test, or being told this information).

7. Altering a graded exam and resubmitting it for a better grade.

8. Gaining or providing unauthorized access to examination materials.

Note: Any attempted academic dishonesty, even if unsuccessful, will be treated as academic dishonesty and will be dealt with as such.

Contact by email is preferred: I will get back considerably faster, and will likely send a grade report that will quickly answer most questions.

Please sign below and include a parent email if you wish to have your students grade report copied to you.

Parent Signature ___________________ Parent email_________________________

Student Name________________________________ Period ____

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