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Westlake High School 2016-2017 Academic Year

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Honors Biology Course Description/Outline:

The Biology curriculum continues students’ investigations of the life sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County System wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework). The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become literate, knowledgeable, and proficient in biology. Biology extends the life sciences to more abstract concepts including, interdependence of organisms, the relationship between matter, energy, and organisms, the behavior or organisms, and evolution. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.

GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

SB1 – Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures & functions in living cells

SB2 – Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations

SB3 – Students will derive the relationship between single and multi-celled organisms & the increasing complexity of systems

SB4 – Students will assess the dependence of all organisms on one another & the flow of energy & matter within their ecosystems

SB5 – Students will evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution

COURSE OUTLINE:

|Weeks 1-2: |Unit 0 – Lab safety/scientific method |Weeks 1-5: |Unit 2 - Genetics |

|Weeks 3-8: |Unit 5 - Ecology |Weeks 6-8: |Unit 3 - Evolution |

|Weeks 9-15: |Unit 1 – Cells |Weeks 9-14: |Unit 4 – Classification of organisms |

|Week 16: |Unit 2 –Genetics |Weeks 15-16: |EOCT Review/EOCT |

|Week 17: |Final exam review |Week 17: |Final exam review |

|Week 18: |Final exams |Week 15: |Final exams |

Fall Semester Spring Semester

*This timetable is subject to change without notice at the discretion of the instructor.

Resources:

▪ Textbook: Textbook: McDougal Littell’s “Biology” Textbook Price: $76.98

▪ Materials:

o 2 composition notebooks (you will need one for each semester)

o Pens/# pencils

o Individual packet of colored pencils/crayons/markers (student preference)

o Individual tape with tape dispenser for interactive notebook

o

County Grading Scale:

Course Weights:

Dress Code/Lab Dress Code/:

Students must adhere to Westlake High School’s dress code policy. In addition, the following rules should be adhered to in the lab:

o No open toed shoes

o Hair tied back

o No loose fitting clothing

Make Up Work Policy:

Late Work Policy:

If you are present when an assignment is given, then I expect you to turn in the work on the day that it is due. If you are present in class and fail to submit an assignment upon teacher request on the day that it is due, then you will receive a grade of a zero for that assignment. If you have an unexcused absence on the day the assignment is due, then you will receive a grade of a zero for that assignment.

Recognizing the value of student’s being able to demonstrate their mastery of their learned knowledge, Westlake will implement two school wide late work amnesty windows per semester.  Assignments that can be submitted on these dates fall under the grade weights of Class Work and Homework. 

The amnesty dates are as follows:

1st semester: October 17th/18th and 20th/21st 

2nd semester: March 20th - 23rd 

Recovery Policy:

TARDINESS:

TARDY CONSEQUENCES

Students who arrive late to class and school may be subject to the following consequences:

* 1-3 Warning-Teacher will contact parent

* 4 Tuesday Detention-Teacher/Administrator will contact parent

* 6 Tuesday and Thursday Detention- Teacher/Administrator will contact parent

* 8 Teacher/Administrator will contact parent. Saturday Detention will be assigned and a tardy contract implemented with parent

* 10+ Administration will review/revise the tardy contract and ISS will be assigned

Classroom Expectations/Procedures:

In order to guarantee all students have a safe and effective learning environment, The Fulton County School System and Westlake High School have outlined several policies and procedures. In an effort to support character education and to promote an environment conducive to learning, students are expected to abide by the following procedures:

*BE PROMPT * BE PREPARED * BE RESPECTFUL * BE COURTEOUS * BE SAFE *

• Dispose of all food and/or drinks before coming to class.

• Bring all materials to class daily.

• Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.

• Class will continue until dismissal is given by the teacher, not the bell.

• Respect other people and their ideas.

• Cell phones, CD Players, and/or other electronic devices are prohibited.

• Personal grooming is inappropriate and not allowed.

• Refrain from the use of any vulgar or profane language or gestures.

• Permission to leave class will be given for emergencies only.

• Be sure to observe the Honor Code and all Laboratory Safety Rules and Procedures.

*Any individual in violation of the above procedures and the rules and regulations stated in the Westlake High School Student Handbook will be subject to disciplinary action at the teacher’s discretion. *

Westlake High Honor Code

The Westlake High School Honor Code is in effect at all times. Cheating will not be tolerated! Cheating is defined as giving or receiving information in any form that is related to a gradable experience including the use of sources of information other than those specifically approved by the teacher either during or outside of class. Students are required to sign honor pledges as applicable for major tests, projects, and/or papers. Examples of cheating include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism – using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation; using the work of another student (e.g. copying another student’s homework, composition, project, etc.); using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent or paid editor.

• Looking on someone else’s paper during a test or quiz.

• Cheat sheets of any kind.

• Knowingly accepting or giving information concerning the contents of an assessment.

• Changing the appearance of computer printouts.

• Allowing another student to complete online assignments using your name and login information.

Each department has two grade weight categories (excluding final exams and EOC’s) that the WHS Honor Code Council can render decisions on. If a student is accused of violating the WHS Honor Code within those categories, the following process may occur:

1. The teacher will address the student regarding said accusation.

2. The teacher will make efforts to secure all documentation that supports the allegation which may include: student’s assignment in question, cheat sheets, cell phone (if the student refuses to turn over the phone then the teacher will complete and submit a discipline referral, as usual).

3. Both student and teacher will complete a teacher statement form that describes the incident (no more than two paragraphs in length).

4. The teacher will complete a discipline referral form (submitted to Ms. Hickman) and contact parents within 24 hours.

5. Upon notifying, parent/guardian may contest the accusation within 48 hours using the “Academic Integrity” link on the school’s website.

6. Should the parent/guardian NOT contest the teacher’s findings, then the grade of zero will stand and Ms. Hickman will notify the teacher instructing them to enter a note in the gradebook for that assignment and the grade of a zero. The discipline referral will be processed A.S.A.P.

7. Should the parent/guardian decide to contest the teacher’s findings, using the previously stated link, then the process will go as follows:

a. The teacher will be notified to place the grade holder code of “AI” in the gradebook for the assignment in question, which temporarily counts as a zero.

b. Copies of the entire incident file will be provided to all who are serving on the WHS Honor Code Panel at an Academic Integrity hearing at which time the incident will be given a final verdict as to the guilt or innocence of the student.

c. The standing meeting days and times will be every 1st and 3rd Monday from 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. No more than five cases will be heard in one sitting.

d. The incident case will be read in silence by the members of the panel. If the teacher/student/parent are present (attendance is not expected nor required) and wish to speak then they will be afforded two minutes to address the panel.

e. If the panel has any additional clarifying questions, and the teacher, student, and/or parent are present, then they will be asked.

f. The WHS Honor Code Panel will render verdicts that range from the following two categories:

i. Innocent:

1. The WHS Honor Code Panel will recommend that the teacher and student “clear the air” through open dialogue and make arrangements within 48 hours of the verdict for a comparable assignment to be made up for full credit.

2. The assignment code of “AI” will be replaced with the full credit grade upon the completion of make-up assignment.

ii. Guilty (NOTE: All sponsors/coaches are expected to enforce the verdict of the WHS Honor Code Panel)

1. The Student Discipline Handbook will be adhered to 1 day of ISS and/or the appropriate escalating discipline consequence.

2. The student and teacher must make arrangements within 48 hours of the verdict for a comparable assignment to be made up for mastery only.

3. The gradebook assignment space holder code of “AI” will be replaced with a zero. The teacher will receive notification instructing them to enter a note in the gradebook for that assignment and the grade of a zero.

4. If the student is not involved in any activity, club, sport, etc., then the verdict ruling may range from cafeteria clean up detail, school beautification detail, or another day of ISS (should the student/parent refuse the cleanup detail).

5. If the student is in a pathway organization, then they will be removed from the next immediate field trip or “fun” activity following the verdict with no refund.

6. If the student is an athlete they will be benched from the next immediate game following the verdict without a refund.

7. If the student is in a club/organization, they will receive a punishment based upon the recommendations of the sponsor without a refund.

8. If the student is in an Honor Society, they will permanently be removed from the Honor Society after the 2nd violation. Upon removal from the Honor Society, they shall not be allowed to purchase, be provided, or wear that honor society’s chord during any activity associated with graduation.

9. If the student is an “All Around Student” involved in multiples items listed in above (#4-8), the priority order for the punishment will be as follows: athletics, pathway organization, then club organization.

10. The sponsor/coach and all of administration will be notified of the guilty verdict for informational purposes only.

*This syllabus is a general outline of the course and is subject to modification at any time without prior notification at the discretion of the instructor.

Please return this portion of the syllabus to Mrs. Johny within 7 days upon receipt to confirm your child’s participation in the final performance.

Course Name Syllabus Receipt

Confirmation and Contact Sheet

I acknowledge and have read all of the information contained in this syllabus (pgs.1-3) and will work with my daughter/son/parent/guardian/teacher to successfully complete this course.

Student Name (print):___________________________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name (print):_________________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Signature: ___________________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) E-mail Address: _______________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) home phone number: _________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) work phone number: __________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) cell phone number: ___________________________________

Alternate contact number (if applicable):_______________________________________

At Westlake High School, we understand that you have busy schedules and respect your time. Therefore, we guarantee that we will not abuse any of the given information and will contact you only when necessary (usually under the conditions outlined in the syllabus or to let you know information that is pertinent to your student’s success at Westlake High School). All information is required to consider this form complete. A mass e-mail may be sent or a courtesy call may be given to ensure that the information provided is accurate.

If you wish to contact me or set up a conference you can call the counselors office and the secretary will make an appointment that meets your convenience. The best way to contact me directly is to e-mail me at: smithm9@

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Instructor(s): Mr. Smith

Classroom Location: 482

Email: smithm9@

School Telephone Number: 470.254.6400

Tutorial/Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thursday: 3:45pm – 4:15pm

and by appointment

Class Website-mrsmith.

Grading

A 100 – 90 B 89 – 80 C 79 – 70 F 69 and below

Fall Semester

Final Exam                                      20%

            Formative Assessment                    0% (These assignments WILL AFFECT portfolio grade)           

                  Performance Assessment                25%

Portfolio                                          20%

Summative Assessment                  25%

Quiz                                                10%

Spring Semester

End of Course test                          20%

            Formative Assessment                    0% (These assignments WILL AFFECT portfolio grade)           

                  Performance Assessment                25%

Portfolio                                          20%

Summative Assessment                  25%

Quiz                                                10%

Westlake High Honor Code

The Westlake High School Honor Code is in effect at all times. Cheating will not be tolerated!

Cheating is defined as giving or receiving information in any form that is related to a gradable experience including the use of sources of information other than those specifically approved by the teacher either during or outside of class. Students are required to sign honor pledges as applicable for major tests, projects, and/or papers.

Examples of Cheating include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism – using words or ideas from a published source without proper documentation; using the work of another student (e.g. copying another student’s homework, composition, or project); using excessive editing suggestions of another student, teacher, parent or paid editor.

• Looking on someone else’s paper during a test or quiz.

• Cheat sheets of any kind.

• Knowingly accepting or giving information concerning the contents of a test or quiz.

• Changing the appearance of computer printouts.

• Allowing another student to complete Web Assign or other web-based activities using your name and login information.

Any student found to be in violation of the Honor Code on any assignment will receive a grade of a zero on the assignment in question. The assignment may not be made up (students having zeros are not eligible for recovery). Violations may be considered by faculty in making future recommendations. Memberships in honor clubs will be jeopardized.

Fulton County Policy

If you have an excused absence on the day it is assigned, then you will have one day to turn the assignment in without penalty. If you miss a test, you must make up the test after school within 5 days of your return to school. (Make up work policy subject to change for Performance Assessments).

Provision for Improving Grades

1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities.  Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester.  All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.

2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.

Class Period: ____

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