INVESTIGATIVE SCIENCE
BIOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS
2015-2016
Instructors: Keith Ives/ Linda Tschida Room: C215
Email: ives.keith@ (preferred method of contact) replies will be made within 2 business days.
Phone Numbers: 480-224-2181
Website: [Accessed through the Basha HS Website/Staff]
Welcome to Biology!
What is biology anyway? Biology, simply put, is the study of life and living organisms. Biologists describe and explain the living world—from microscopic organisms to the interactions that occur between living organisms and the environment. As such, you might guess that biology is a very broad and diverse field. So, Biology is a comprehensive survey of the life sciences. Students are expected to draw upon their prior knowledge to deepen their understanding of the three major biological principles and processes (1) molecules and cells (2) genetics and evolution (3) organisms and populations. We will investigate connections between science and the world around us to show relevance of those themes to students now and in the future.
Materials
Required:
1. Composition Notebook
2. Pencil/Pen/Paper [Daily]
3. Calculator
4. An alternative colored pen for peer reviewing.
Recommended:
1. A Binder
2. Student Planner
3. Colored pencils/markers
Grading Procedures
Quarter grades will be calculated from cumulative points per quarter from weighted categories. Semester grades will be calculated with each quarter being 40% and the final being the remaining 20%. Letter grades are assigned based on the scale listed below.
Grading Scale Semester Grade Calculator Course Weights
A = 89.5% - 100% (Quarter 1 Percent) x 0.4 = X Tests/Quizzes 45%
B = 79.5% - 89.4% (Quarter 2 Percent) x 0.4 = Y Labs 35%
C = 69.5% - 79.4% (Final Exam Percent) x 0.2 = Z Class work/homework 20%
D = 59.5% - 69.4%
F = 50% - 59.4% Semester Grade = X+Y+Z
• Test and quiz policy: All tests and quizzes are expected to be taken at the highest standards; therefore your score from the first attempt will be the score that counts for your grade. There will be NO option to do a test re-take or test corrections. The lowest test or quiz score from the quarter will be dropped in the final calculation.
Checking your grades
Parent/guardian signatures will be required on progress reports sent home several times during each semester. Students and parent/guardians can access grades and assignments by going to the school’s website () and clicking on “Our School”, from there click on “Accessing Grades”. This will give you directions to access the infinite campus portal. It is expected that students and parents regularly access the portal to check grades. Students are expected to download the infinite campus app if they have a smart phone. Contact the administration office if there are questions or problems accessing this invaluable tool.
Classroom Expectations and Consequences
Classroom Expectations
1. Model Strong Character: Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, your teacher and property.
2. Performance at the AIMS Science exam is MANDATORY and will count as a test grade in your second semester grade.
3. Be prepared: Have the materials you need to be successful.
4. Be informed: Write down notes, due dates, or any other important information in a way that you will use and not lose it.
5. Do Your Best: Do your own work! Don’t give up! Try every problem. Ask for help when you need it.
6. Influence Those Around You: Be prepared for class when the bell rings. Listen to and follow instructions the first time they are given. Be on task! At the end of class, remain seated when the bell rings until you are dismissed.
7. Absolutely NO FOOD OR DRINK [with the exception of bottled water] is allowed in the classroom.
8. Profanity will not be tolerated.
9. Diversity Statement: All individuals have a right to an educational environment free from bias, prejudice and bigotry. As members of the Basha High School educational community, students are expected to refrain from participating in acts of harassment that are designed to demean another student’s race, gender, ethnicity, religious preference, disability or sexual orientation.
10. Conference period: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:19 - 9:44. Students will not leave conference period classroom without a pass signed by a teacher and obtained prior to the start of conference or a properly designated color club pass. The library is not available during conference. This time will be a mandatory study period. Students are expected to bring something to work on during this time.
*** All school rules and consequences in the student handbook will be enforced***
Consequences for Behavior First Instance – verbal reminder*
Second Instance – parent/guardian contact*
Third Instance – Administrative referral
*Depending upon the severity of the behavior, Administrative referral may be prior to the third instance.
Consequences for Being Late (Tardy)
First Tardy – verbal reminder/ warning
Second Tardy – lunch detention
Third Tardy –lunch detention + parent/guardian contact
Fourth Tardy – Administrative referral
Electronic device use:
Electronic devices such as smartphones will be permitted for use in class WHEN THE TEACHER SAYS IT IS ACCEPTABLE. These devices come in useful for research on the web and accessing student grades. ALL Electronic Devices will be confiscated if they become a distraction in class. Students may pick up their device after class. If a student’s electronic device becomes a chronic issue the device will be collected and turned into the administrator. They can be picked up by the student in the front office on the first offense. After the first offense, parent/guardian involvement is required for the item to be returned.
Class Policies
Absences and Make-up Work:
• It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missed work and notes in cases of excused absences. Check the Missed Class basket, with a classmate, or myself to see what notes/assignments were missed. Warm Ups are expected to filled in with “Absent”.
• If a long-term assignment has been assigned prior to the absence, the due date stands.
• Make-up work must be received within the number of day(s) of the excused absence and according the time of the assignment or it will be treated as late work. The word ABSENT must be written at the top of the assignment.
• Labs must be made up either in (preferable) or outside of class on the specified lab makeup day.
• Students will not receive any credit for work from an unexcused absence. It is important to be present everyday in class.
• After 9 (10+) absences a student may be dropped from the class. School related absences (i.e. sporting events, club events, and/or field trips) do not count towards the 9 absences.
Late Work:
• Due dates are posted several times and you are responsible for knowing these. If an assignment is not handed in when asked for or due, it is considered late.
• If late:
o You will not be reminded to turn in late work.
o Late work with a pass attached will be given full credit if turned in before the quarter.
o All late work without pass will be deducted 50% and must be turned in by one week after the unit test or will be given a zero.
Tutoring: Biology is not impossible but there are numerous concepts and vocabulary that you may have never seen before making it a challenge sometime. If a student would like extra help on an assignment or is having difficulty with the current topic (s)he is welcome to come in for tutoring after school or during conference period on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tutoring may vary from week to week due to meeting schedules so with me it is held by appointment only. You are required to come by 2:25. There is also student-lead AND teacher-led tutoring held daily. The schedule is posted in the room. Remember, if you are struggling then get help.
Science Lab book: Each student will be required to keep all work for this class in a composition & dedicated folder. The science lab book (composition notebook) will be used daily. The folder will be used for handouts. Periodically, the lab book will be checked for organization and completeness using a rubric. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their lab books current. An up-to-date example of the lab book can be accessed before or after school.
Labs: Biology is a laboratory science class & students must complete labs for a major portion of the grade and to obtain hands-on experience with concepts. If a lab is missed due to an excused absence then the labs must be made up. Due to lab materials labs need to be made up on the lab make up day. An alternate assignment may also be given by your teacher. Always check with me to get these made up within a timely manner.
Top 6 Tips for Success
1. Ask if you don’t understand something.
We are here to help you learn. If you are having trouble with something, please let us know so we can help you.
2. Do all of your assignments and turn them in on time.
Even a few incomplete assignments can impact your mastery of a topic covered on a test and therefore your test grade
3. Take notes and review them several times each week.
Reviewing your notes and vocabulary on a regular basis will help you remember the material better than cramming before tests.
4. Don’t miss class unless you have to.
People who miss fewer classes typically do better than those who are absent more than a couple times. Try not to schedule appointments on days you have biology.
5. Come to class on time and be prepared.
We have a lot to learn so we will teach from the beginning of class to the end. If you come late you will miss information.
6. You get out what you put in.
If you come to class to learn and you try, you will learn something. If you come to class and don’t put an honest effort into your education, you will not learn as much as you could. Always remember you have the power to learn.
*Return this paper with signatures completed on both sides*
BIOLOGY
2015-2016
Syllabus Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the class syllabus for Biology. I understand if I have any questions or concerns regarding the course grade, content or policies that I should contact Mr. Ives or Ms. Tschida immediately.
_________________________________ ________________________ ______
Student Printed Name Student Signed Name Period
Photo Release
Throughout the course of the year your student will participate in activities such as field trips, science research presentations, and laboratory activities that we would like to document and share with you via the class website. Thank you for your continued support.
______Permission authorized Signature ________________________ Date_________
______I do not authorize permission Signature ________________________ Date_________
Internet Permission for Biology
This course may use the internet during school hours for research purposes. Please sign below to give your child permission to use the internet in accordance with the Basha High School Internet Use Policy. Please note: This form is for Biology only and does not replace the Internet Access Permission Form in the student planner which must be turned in to the school.
___ Yes, my child DOES have my permission to use the internet during science class.
___ No, my child DOES NOT have permission to use the internet during science class.
Parent/ Guardian Contact Information and Preferences (please print clearly)
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: ___________________________ Home Phone: ___________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________________________________
Daytime Phone: _______________________ Home Phone: _______________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________
My preferred method of contact is through email for communication with parents/guardians.
___ Yes, the teachers MAY contact me via email regarding my son or daughter.
___ No, contact me via phone. Best hours to reach: ___________
___________________________________________________ __________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Biology Lab Safety Contract
Biology is a hands-on laboratory class. However, science activities may have potential hazards. We will use some equipment and chemicals that may be dangerous if not handled properly. Safety in the science classroom is an important part of the scientific process. The rules listed below must be followed at all times. Additional safety instructions will be given for each activity. No science student will be allowed to participate in science activities until this contract has been signed by both the student and a parent or guardian.
1. Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the lab. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks will not be tolerated.
2. Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. Ask your teachers if you do not understand the instructions.
3. Do not touch any equipment, supplies, or other materials in the lab until instructed to do so.
4. Only perform experiments approved by your teacher.
5. Be prepared for your work in the lab. Read all procedures thoroughly before beginning the lab.
6. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or taste anything in the science room.
7. Keep hands away from face, eyes, and mouth while using lab materials. Wash your hands with soap and water when you are finished with the lab.
8. Follow your teacher’s instructions for disposal of waste materials.
9. Clean all work areas and equipment. If you finish early, help clean up common areas. Nobody leaves the lab until the entire lab space is clean and all materials are accounted for.
10. Never remove chemicals, equipment or other supplies from the lab unless instructed to do so.
11. Consider all chemicals used in the lab to be dangerous. Do not touch, smell, or taste any chemicals unless specifically instructed to do so.
12. Treat all preserved specimens and dissecting supplies with care and respect.
a. Do not remove preserved specimens from the science room,
b. Use scalpels, scissors, and other sharp objects only as directed.
c. Never cut any material towards you- always cut away from your body.
d. Report any cut or scratch to the teacher immediately.
13. Report any accident, injury, or hazardous condition to the teacher immediately.
14. Do not handle broken glassware with your bare hands.
15. Always carry a microscope with both hands. Hold the arm with one hand and the base with the other hand.
16. Dress properly- long hair must be tied back, no dangling jewelry, no loose or baggy clothing. Wear aprons and goggles when instructed to do so.
17. Learn where the safety equipment is and how to use it. Know where the exits are located and what to do in case of an emergency or fire drill.
18. Be aware of what is going on in your experiment at all times. Do not wander around the room, distract other students, or interfere with the experiments of other students. Stay on task!
19. Examine glassware before each use. Never use chipped or cracked glassware.
20. Do not open storage cabinets or enter the storage room without permission from the teacher.
Failure to comply with lab safety rules will result in removal from the lab. If you are removed from a lab you will complete an alternate assignment for credit.
I, _______________________, have read and understand each of the safety rules. I agree to follow them to ensure not only my own safety but also the safety of my classmates. I understand that if I do not follow all the rules and safety precautions, that I will be removed from the lab.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date
Parents/ Guardians, please read through the list of safety rules. No student will be permitted to perform lab experiments unless this contract is signed by both the student and parent/guardian and is on file with the teacher. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand this contract.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature Date
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