Class Expectations



The Living Environment

Course Outline

John F. Kennedy High School

marandoscience.

Dear Students & Parents,

Welcome! This course, Living Environment, is a laboratory science course required by New York State, culminating with a Regents exam in June. Some of the major topics we will be learning about include the scientific method, cell structures and functions, biochemistry, human anatomy & physiology, reproduction and development, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, and human impact on the environment.

Course Assessment and Grading

The more assessment methods provided, the greater the opportunity for student success. Students will be graded on a points system incorporating. Quarterly average is determined by dividing the total number of points earned by the total number of possible points. Exams & quizzes will account for approximately 60% of the quarterly average.

Quarterly Cumulative Exam ~ 120 - 200 points (one per quarter)

Exams ~ 40 - 100 points each (approx. 3 per quarter)

Quizzes ~ 5 - 30 points each (approx. 3 per quarter)

Homework ~ 2 – 5 points each (daily)

Lab Reports ~ 10 points each

Effort / Productivity ~ 20 points per quarter

Classwork and special projects varies by assignment

Exams and Quizzes

Exams are created using Regents style questions in order to effectively prepare students for the New York State Regents exam in June. All exams and most quizzes will be announced. At the end of each quarter students will be given a cumulative exam assessing ALL material from the beginning of the year up to that point. The first quarter cumulative exam includes all topics from first quarter. The second quarter cumulative exam (a.k.a. midterm exam) will include all topics from both 1st AND 2nd quarters. The 3rd quarter cumulative exam will include all topics from 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd quarters. The 4th quarter cumulative exam will include all topics from the entire school year.

Recommended Internet sites for practice Regents questions:

(free)

(subscription required)

Extra Help Hours – room 308 after school

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon from 2:15 – 2:40 p.m.

Learning Center – room 133

The purpose of the learning center is to provide students with access to extra help from teachers during the school day. Students should visit room 133 during their lunch and other off periods to find teachers of various subjects who may assist them.

Homework

Homework will be assigned on a daily basis and is due the following day unless otherwise stated. All absentee work must be made up in a timely fashion in order to receive credit. Daily folders hang in the classroom containing extra handouts for those who were absent to help themselves when they return. Students are responsible for getting notes and homework assignments by attending extra help or asking a responsible fellow classmate.

Labs

New York State requires a minimum of 1,200 minutes of lab work for all Living Environment students. Completed labs will be kept on file by the teacher. Students will not be permitted to take the Regents exam if these labs have not been completed and turned in. There are 4 specific labs required by New York State that will be assessed on the Living Environment Regents exam in June. Labs must be submitted in neatly handwritten lab report format (see separate lab report guidelines sheet). As per district policy, any student who does not submit a minimum of 75% of labs each quarter will not be able to pass for that quarter. To work on lab reports at home, view the Living Environment lab manual online at my website, .

Effort & Productivity

Remaining productive and on task is an integral part of a well-functioning classroom. If you arrive on time, prepared to work, provide NO distractions to the teacher or your fellow students, follow instructions, work diligently on individual assignments, group work, and labs, abide by all laboratory safety procedures, and meet our class expectations, you will receive full credit for this grade.

Special Assignments

As we move through different topics during the year, special assignments will arise. Each project will be fully outlined and explained in further detail at a later date, and may include building models, summarizing articles, making PowerPoint presentations, writing a research paper, performing skits, creating a storybook, etc.

CONTACT

The best way to reach me is by email at gmarando@bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us or visiting my website at where you can click on the link to email me. I can also be reached by leaving a phone message at the Main Office at 992-1400 and I will call you back as soon as possible, usually the next school day.

If you have any questions regarding the course, please do not hesitate to ask. I am looking forward to working with you this year. I hope to share my passion for science with my students, particularly my love of biology and the Living Environment. My best wishes to you for a successful school year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Marando

JFK Science Department

Living Environment Course Contract

Mrs. Marando

September 2014

Expectations and Procedures

1. Arrive on time with necessary materials and be seated ready to work at the bell.

2. Raise your hand and wait to be called on if you have a question or comment.

3. Be respectful of other people, their property, our classroom, and yourself.

4. Follow laboratory safety measures & procedures at ALL times, in every classroom.

5. Remain seated and on task until you are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.

Leaving Class for a Personal Matter

Asking to leave the classroom is disruptive and distracting to the teacher and other students. ONLY if you have an IMMEDIATE need, raise your hand and wait to be acknowledged. You are never permitted to leave the room without permission and a pass.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

Cell phones & other electronic devices visible during testing or during class time without teacher permission to use them will be confiscated. Refusal will result in a written disciplinary referral to administration. Inappropriate use or misuse of personal devices during allowed instructional time will also result in a written disciplinary referral to administration.

Materials

▪ Binder and loose-leaf paper with at least 3* sections neatly divided and labeled:

1- Class notes

2- Homework

3- Lab data & reports

*Add a 4th section for “Introduction to Research” if you are in that class

4 5 Folder

6 Pencils with erasers AND blue or black ink pens

▪ Colored pencils

▪ Glue stick and/or clear tape

▪ 3-hole puncher (slim portable size)

Electronic Info Forms & Acknowledgement: Please complete the online forms linked below. If you do not have a QR code reader you can find a link to these forms at marandoscience.

STUDENT Info Form PARENT Info Form

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Mrs. Marando

September 2014

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