Mrs



Mrs. Gallo

Topics in Life Science Room 162

Course Description

Topics in Life Sciences focuses on patterns, processes and relationships of living organisms. Students will use the tools of scientists, including observations, experiments, hypotheses, tests, models, theory and technology to explore how life works. This course includes the study of topics in microbiology, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, animals, and human anatomy.

Resources

Textbooks:

Parke, H.M. and Enderle, P. (2006). Biology: Cycles of Life. AGS Publishing, Circle Pines, MN. ISBN: 0-7854-3972-2

Class Website: ( Conestoga High School ( teacher pages ( Mrs. Gallo

Expectations

Please be prepared for class every day. This includes bringing your 3-ring binder, a pen or pencil, homework, and textbook (when instructed to do so).

Proper class conduct and behavior are expected and required; failure to comply will result in teacher detentions, parent contact and office referrals.

Entering class after the bell has rung will not be tolerated. Failure to be seated and ready at the start of class will result in teacher detentions and office referrals.

No food or drink permitted in the science lab area.

Contact Info

I am available many times throughout the day, in addition to before or after school; either drop-in or schedule a time to meet. If you feel as though you are struggling through material and need extra help, please see me IMMEDIATELY!!!!

Email: galloe@

Voicemail: 610-240-1990 x 2313

Classroom 162/Office Room 160

Attendance

Regular attendance in the classroom is essential to learning the material. Please advise me as soon as possible if you will be out for a field trip; homework is expected the day of your return.

Missed work or tests due to an excused absence must be made up according to school policy. It is the student’s responsibility to determine what was missed during an absence. Failure to complete items within the designated timeframe will result in a zero.

Quizzes, tests and homework are assigned with prior notice, so students are expected to be prepared for such events upon their return to school. Exceptions will be made if material was missed during an absence that is relevant to the test or quiz. (NOTE: Review days, when given, are not considered to be days where new material is learned.)

Grading

The grading system for the course will be based on total point accumulation.

The opportunity to earn points will include, but is not limited to, tests, quizzes (announced), homework, classwork, projects, and laboratory activities.

Each marking period will contribute 20% to your final course grade, with the mid-term and final exam each contributing 10%.

Only under special circumstances will late homework, labs, or other activities be accepted. Failure to complete work by the designated date will result in a zero.

In addition to keeping your own grade records, I encourage you to contact me at any time to review your grade and progress in the course. Progress reports will be distributed at the request of any student or parent.

Academic Integrity

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated, in accordance with Conestoga school policy. Failure to oblige by these guidelines will result in a zero, a discipline referral and parent contact.

See Attached for Instructional Timeline

First Semester

TEXT: Parke, H.M. and Enderle, P. (2006). Biology: Cycles of Life. AGS Publishing, Circle Pines, MN. ISBN: 0-7854-3972-2

|Unit |Topic |Timeline (suggested) |

|Intro |Classroom Procedures |2 weeks |

| |Lab Safety | |

| |Scientific Method Overview | |

|Classifying Diversity |Classification Systems |2 weeks |

| |Overview of 3 Domains and 6 Kingdoms | |

| |Bacteria |4 weeks |

| |Viruses | |

|Microbiology |Protists | |

| |Fungi | |

|Plants |Plant Evolution and Classification |4 weeks |

| |Plant Structure and Function | |

| |Plant Reproduction | |

| |Plant Responses | |

| |Introduction to Animals |4 weeks |

| |Sponges, Cnidarians, and Ctenophores | |

| |Flatworms, Roundworms, and Rotifers | |

| |Mollusks and Annelids | |

|Animals |Arthropods | |

|(Comparison of Phyla) |Insects | |

| |Echinoderms and Invertebrate Chordates | |

| |Fish | |

| |Amphibians | |

| |Reptiles | |

| |Birds | |

| |Mammals | |

|Midterm Exam |Preparation, review, and administration |1 |

***Note: timeline is subject to change***

Second Semester

|Unit |Topic |Timeline (suggested) |

|Human Biology/Anatomy and Physiology |Skeletal System, Muscular System and Integumentary Systems |2.5 weeks |

| |Circulatory and Respiratory Systems |3 weeks |

| |Sheep Heart Dissection | |

| |Immune System/Body’s Defense Systems |2 weeks |

| |Digestive and Excretory Systems |2.5 weeks |

| |Frog Dissection | |

| |Nervous System and Sense Organs |2.5 weeks |

| |Cow eye dissection | |

| |Endocrine System |1 week |

| |Reproductive System |1 weeks |

|The Diversity of Life |Biodiversity |2.5 weeks |

| |Evolution and Adaptation | |

| |Interactions within an Ecosystem | |

|Final Exam |Preparation, review, and administration |1 week |

[pic]***Note: timeline is subject to change***

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Study Techniques used by successful students:

1. Create flashcards for all vocabulary terms in unit (you can use quizlet!)

2. Re-write notes from class

3. Compose 10 review questions for each slide or page of notes. Write answers on the back of the sheet. Use this as a review list of questions to quiz yourself or a friend.

4. If a list of review questions is provided, make sure your UNDERSTAND (not just memorize) the answers to ALL questions.

5. Do a little review EVERY NIGHT!

6. NEVER wait until the night before a test to start studying.

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