8th Grade Physical Science



Honors Biology

Course Syllabi 2020-21

Instructor: Dr. Suzanne Banas

Biology Course Description: This is a High School credited course. The primary goal of this course is to develop the students’ abilities to solve problems and apply reasoning skills in the areas of Biological Sciences.  Inquiry based learning will be stressed during activities that require students to utilize proper investigative techniques and procedures relative to science.   A Science Fair Project will be assigned early in the year that will encompass careful designing, researching, and investigating. Science Fair Projects are intended to be enjoyable and a quality learning experience.  The requirements for the Science Research Project will be given in class and will be due in December. 

The purpose of this course is to provide advanced, in-depth, exploratory experiences, laboratory

experiences, and real-life applications in the biological sciences. The content should include, but not be limited to the following: the nature of science; matter, energy, and chemical process of life; cell biology, reproduction and communication; genetic principles, diversity, and biotechnology; levels of organization, classification, and taxonomy; structure, function, and reproduction of plants, animals, and microorganisms; behavior of organisms; interdependence of organism, humans, and the environment; biological selection, adaptations, and changes through time; agriculture, food, and medical technologies, and biological careers. Laboratory investigations, which include the use of scientific research, measurement, laboratory technologies, and safety procedures, are an integral part of this course.

THIS COURSE HAS AN END-OF-COURSE EXAM

Course Instructional Method

We are beginning this year as a VIRTUAL classroom. Everything is online. This is a flipped classroom. Asynchronous (not live)/ Home learning activities – the students will engage in enrichment and reinforcement activities, such as textbook readings and answering questions, watch videos and other multimedia materials that explain concepts much as a teacher does during a lecture. During class/ Synchronous/ Live Sessions, I will lecture as needed; lead activities, and provide small group or one-on-one instructional time.

Expectations for Students in a Virtual classroom:

• Come to synchronous/ live class prepared such as having watched the video(s),taken notes and done the assignments.

• Be actively involved in discussions and assignments

• Be prepared to ask questions in synchronous/ live class!

• Bring new knowledge/ideas to the virtual classroom

• Help create a collaborative environment that is rooted in trust and openness. AKA-Don't call people or their ideas stupid

• Be conscious of netiquette

• Be willing to provide feedback on what you think is working and what isn’t

• Doing homework and studying outside of classroom/ asynchronous

• More like teaching yourself

• More responsibility

• More 1:1 time with teacher to ask questions

Course Projects/Requirements

1) EVERYDAY LOGIN TO EACH CLASS PERIOD FOR ATTENDANCE

2) Science Fair Project (Due in December – Major portion of first and second nine-week grade)

3) Inquiry-Based investigations

4) Required for every chapter assigned (see quarterly syllabuses)

5) Obtaining make-up work/ Doing work in a timely manner

1) Required for every chapter assigned (see quarterly syllabuses)

2) EOC Readings & Mastery Practice

Grading Policy:

The grading policy is designed to accommodate numerous learning styles. This will be accomplished by providing the students with a variety of assignments and learning experiences. Grades will be derived from assignments generated through asynchronous home learning, synchronous/ live classwork, investigations, projects, and class participation. Students should be eager to give their best effort on all assignments. Students should be proactive with regard to synchronous home learning and practice time management. THERE WILL BE NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED! All Projects will be assigned as individualized learning. Reviewing for tests, researching a concept found in a class discussion, reviewing and rewriting class notes, and reading the chapter are all examples of home learning experiences that may not be considered as a graded assignment. Students not completing assignments or turning in assignments late will receive zeros averaged into their grades. THERE WILL BE NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED! Zeros seriously affect a student’s overall grade. All assignments are important! If a student does not submit an assignment, he or she is required to submit an explaining why the assignment was not completed. The explanation will be filed in the student’s virtual work folder. No late assignments will be accepted. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain the necessary make-up work in a timely manner.

Materials:

Required: Physical Science Textbook ONLINE only Virtual class notebook

If needed: 3 Ring Binder 1” OR a notebook with paper or spiral book (notes, do class work & home learning) Pens Pencils #2 USB or flash drive (for textbook and projects)

Class Policies

1. Respect everyone and everything.

2. Students are to be prepared for class daily, having required materials and assignments.

3. Be present (show YOUR face in virtual classroom, be on time

4. Be dressed as for normal school day

5. Students are to follow directions as given. If in doubt, ask your teacher.

6. Students are to remain quiet during instruction. Talking will be permitted at the appropriate time. Student discussions should be acceptable for all to hear. Students should keep sensitive and/or inappropriate conversations outside of the school environment. Profanity will not be tolerated.

For Face to Face Instruction

• Students are to assist in keeping the classroom clean. If you mess it up, clean it up. If you take it down, put it back in its proper place. If you break it, you replace it.

• Students are expected to be responsible for their behavior and belongings. Keep all body parts and negative comments to yourself. Do not touch items that are not yours, until given permission.

Below are the topics that were missed by not taking comprehensive 7th grade science. In Biology we will be going in-depth into these topics. It is your responsibility to ensure you have basic understanding the following topics. You will need to spend extra time ensuring this understanding. These topics will be covered in the 1st and 2nd weeks.

Let’s Be Prepared for Biology

2020-21 school year

Through Khan Academy Each section, view the videos, read the documents, answer the practice questions, do the unit test

TOPIC A

Introduction to ecology

Ecology introduction

Ecosystems and biomes

Ecological levels: from individuals to ecosystems

Introduction to ecology review

Practice

Population ecology

Population size, density, & dispersal

Exponential and logistic growth in populations

Population regulation

Population ecology review

Practice

Community ecology

Ecosystem biodiversity

Ecosystems and ecological networks

Community structure

Introduced species and biodiversity

Ecological succession

Community ecology review

Practice

Ecological relationships

Interactions between populations

Ecological interactions

Predator-prey cycles

Ecological relationships review

Practice

Trophic levels

Flow of energy and matter through ecosystems

Food chains & food webs

Example identifying roles in a food web

Energy flow and primary productivity

Trophic levels review

Practice

Biogeochemical cycles

Biogeochemical cycles overview

The carbon cycle

The nitrogen cycle

Biogeochemical cycles review

Practice

Human impact on ecosystems

Human activities that threaten biodiversity

What is a biodiversity hotspot?

Conservation and the race to save biodiversity

Introduced species and biodiversity

How does climate change affect biodiversity?

Protecting biodiversity: the power of the individual

Protecting biodiversity: local and global policies

Human impact on ecosystems review

Practice

Unit test

TOPIC B

Introduction to heredity

Introduction to heredity

Alleles and genes

Worked example: Punnett squares

Mendel and his peas

The law of segregation

The law of independent assortment

Probabilities in genetics

Introduction to heredity review

Practice

Non-Mendelian inheritance

Co-dominance and Incomplete Dominance

Multiple alleles, incomplete dominance, and codominance

Pleiotropy and lethal alleles

Polygenic inheritance and environmental effects

Non-Mendelian inheritance review

Practice

Sex linkage

Sex-linked traits

Example punnet square for sex-linked recessive trait

X-linked inheritance

X-inactivation

Sex linkage review

Practice

Pedigrees

Pedigrees

Pedigree for determining probability of exhibiting sex linked recessive trait

Pedigrees review

Practice

Unit test

Be involved and take responsibility for YOUR learning!

Parents, I am available to discuss the progress of your child and to assist you in any reasonable manner. Please write a note requesting that I call you and leave a number where I can reach you. You may also contact me at: 305-661-3481 ext: 2276 sbanas@

If you have any questions or concerns, please indicate them below and I will do my best to address them.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I understand that this course is a high school credited course and by enrolling I will be required to complete the curriculum for Biology as well as the curriculum taught to an 7th and 8th grade student. I need to make sure that I have the prior knowledge needed to complete the assignments. This will ensure that I am fully prepared for the Biology EOC and maintained the integrity of the Honors Biology course. I understand that I must come prepared each day with 1) materials, 2) Engage in discussions that pertain to the class discussion (no extraneous talking) 3) Have assignments completed when due; 4) Stay on task. Engaging in any off task behaviors could cause the whole class environment to halt, work to pause and assignments to be incomplete. If this happens, whole class grades could be affected. I understand I am not just responsible for myself, but my actions could affect others.

I have read and will comply with the general procedures and requirements for the Honors Biology Course and prepare myself for the End of Course Exam.

Student Signature and Date

I have read and will assist my child in following the general procedures and requirements for the classes.

Parent/Guardian Signature and Date

Parent e-mail:_____________________________________________________________________

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