Biology Course Syllabus
Ms. Raynor
Room 153/155
860-647-3521 ext. 20052
[email protected]
Course Description
Biology, derived from the latin words bios + logia, literally means “the study of life.” This course is designed to highlight the major characteristics of living things. Class work may stress note-taking from lectures, reading scientific articles, as well as participation in laboratory work, problem solving, group projects, oral reports, and research presentations. You will find the information presented in this course important in your lives as you will need to make decisions on health and environment related issues, and in order to be responsible, informed, and healthy citizens within our society. You will have a comprehensive understanding of basic genetics principles – this is what makes life possible and is the common “language” between all living things. You will also learn how scientists work, the scientific method, so you can look at any problem objectively, and make knowledgeable decisions.
Course Website
For this class, we have a website which you can check regularly. In addition to presenting homework and other valid information in class, I will also post links to useful resources, occasional class notes and assignments, and other information on the website for your reference. The website can be accessed at http://wickedcoolbiology.weebly.com
Classroom Norms
Classroom norms are the set of behaviors that each person will be expected to follow in order to create a respectful and safe learning environment for everyone.
Two basic norms will be very important in this class:
1. Always try your best.
2. Respect self, others, and property.
Classroom Procedures
Procedures tell us what to do and in what order. In science, researchers follow procedures in order to be able to duplicate their work and be sure of their method. In our classroom, procedures will tell us how to do the everyday processes that will help save time and allow the period to run smoothly.
o Upon entering the classroom, immediately take your seat and begin working on the Do Now assignment.
o Use the appropriate silent signal to ask permission to use the restroom, sign out and in using the classroom log, and carry the restroom pass with you.
o When transitioning between activities during the period, use appropriate and respectful behavior and follow directions carefully.
o Stay seated and attentive until class is dismissed by Ms. Raynor; please do not pack-up until directed.
o Upon entering the classroom, turn your cell phone and other electronic devices off, and put them out of sight.
o Follow safe lab procedures and follow all directions. NO food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
Grading Policy
o Grades will be calculated according to the science department grading policy, which is as follows:
· Tests and Quizzes = 40%
· Class Work = 50%
· Homework = 10%
✴ Late homework will NOT be accepted. Late lab reports and major projects will be penalized 10 points for each day they are late. After five days they will not be accepted and will be marked as a zero.
o Bio Bucks! Bio Bucks will be awarded for class participation and outstanding behavior and work throughout each quarter. At the end of each quarter, Bio Bucks will be collected and points will be awarded to your lowest classwork grade. Each Bio Buck is worth one point, as you can imagine, these points ADD UP and can significantly increase your quarter grade!
Attendance and Make-up Work
**Regular attendance is expected. Passing grades are directly related to regular attendance**
If you are absent the day an assignment is due, but were present when it was assigned, you are responsible for handing the assignment in the day you return.
If you are absent on the day homework is assigned, it must be turned in no later than three days upon your return to school unless other arrangements have been made with me.
If you are absent the day of a test, quiz, or lab, you must see me THE DAY YOU RETURN to make arrangements for make-up. You have one week to make up a missed test or quiz or it is a ZERO.
Missing class for a field trip is not an absence from school and it is your responsibility to have all work handed in the date it is due. See me BEFORE the trip to get the assignments you will miss.
Make-up work will not be accepted for an unexcused absences under any circumstance.
Tardiness
Tardiness is not acceptable. In order for class to run smoothly, without interruption, and utilize all of the time available to us, you need to be on time. You should be IN the room and seated BEFORE the bell rings, otherwise it will count as a tardy and you will serve a 30 minute teacher detention after school that day or the next. MHS policy states that 3 excessive tardies = 1 absence, so come to class on time!
Room 153/155
860-647-3521 ext. 20052
[email protected]
Course Description
Biology, derived from the latin words bios + logia, literally means “the study of life.” This course is designed to highlight the major characteristics of living things. Class work may stress note-taking from lectures, reading scientific articles, as well as participation in laboratory work, problem solving, group projects, oral reports, and research presentations. You will find the information presented in this course important in your lives as you will need to make decisions on health and environment related issues, and in order to be responsible, informed, and healthy citizens within our society. You will have a comprehensive understanding of basic genetics principles – this is what makes life possible and is the common “language” between all living things. You will also learn how scientists work, the scientific method, so you can look at any problem objectively, and make knowledgeable decisions.
Course Website
For this class, we have a website which you can check regularly. In addition to presenting homework and other valid information in class, I will also post links to useful resources, occasional class notes and assignments, and other information on the website for your reference. The website can be accessed at http://wickedcoolbiology.weebly.com
Classroom Norms
Classroom norms are the set of behaviors that each person will be expected to follow in order to create a respectful and safe learning environment for everyone.
Two basic norms will be very important in this class:
1. Always try your best.
2. Respect self, others, and property.
Classroom Procedures
Procedures tell us what to do and in what order. In science, researchers follow procedures in order to be able to duplicate their work and be sure of their method. In our classroom, procedures will tell us how to do the everyday processes that will help save time and allow the period to run smoothly.
o Upon entering the classroom, immediately take your seat and begin working on the Do Now assignment.
o Use the appropriate silent signal to ask permission to use the restroom, sign out and in using the classroom log, and carry the restroom pass with you.
o When transitioning between activities during the period, use appropriate and respectful behavior and follow directions carefully.
o Stay seated and attentive until class is dismissed by Ms. Raynor; please do not pack-up until directed.
o Upon entering the classroom, turn your cell phone and other electronic devices off, and put them out of sight.
o Follow safe lab procedures and follow all directions. NO food or drink is allowed in the classroom.
Grading Policy
o Grades will be calculated according to the science department grading policy, which is as follows:
· Tests and Quizzes = 40%
· Class Work = 50%
· Homework = 10%
✴ Late homework will NOT be accepted. Late lab reports and major projects will be penalized 10 points for each day they are late. After five days they will not be accepted and will be marked as a zero.
o Bio Bucks! Bio Bucks will be awarded for class participation and outstanding behavior and work throughout each quarter. At the end of each quarter, Bio Bucks will be collected and points will be awarded to your lowest classwork grade. Each Bio Buck is worth one point, as you can imagine, these points ADD UP and can significantly increase your quarter grade!
Attendance and Make-up Work
**Regular attendance is expected. Passing grades are directly related to regular attendance**
If you are absent the day an assignment is due, but were present when it was assigned, you are responsible for handing the assignment in the day you return.
If you are absent on the day homework is assigned, it must be turned in no later than three days upon your return to school unless other arrangements have been made with me.
If you are absent the day of a test, quiz, or lab, you must see me THE DAY YOU RETURN to make arrangements for make-up. You have one week to make up a missed test or quiz or it is a ZERO.
Missing class for a field trip is not an absence from school and it is your responsibility to have all work handed in the date it is due. See me BEFORE the trip to get the assignments you will miss.
Make-up work will not be accepted for an unexcused absences under any circumstance.
Tardiness
Tardiness is not acceptable. In order for class to run smoothly, without interruption, and utilize all of the time available to us, you need to be on time. You should be IN the room and seated BEFORE the bell rings, otherwise it will count as a tardy and you will serve a 30 minute teacher detention after school that day or the next. MHS policy states that 3 excessive tardies = 1 absence, so come to class on time!