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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