Biology Syllabus 2008 - 2009

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This term (1 credit) course is an introductory life science course that includes the core topics of diversity, cells, heredity and interdependence.   Laboratory investigation and other activities are an essential part of this class.  This class is a participation class.  

You are expected to participate in the following ways:

            -Read your text for homework  
            -Contribute to class discussions
            -Take part in lab activities
            -Share your knowledge with the class

            -Put forth EFFORT (It is through effort that you will find achievement.)  

GRADING   (THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THE SYLLABUS PASSED OUT ON THE FIRST DAY)

Homework passes: Each student that receives an "A" on a test will earn 1 homework pass.  A homework pass may also be obtained if a student, with a passing test grade, improves their test grade by 15 points from the previous test. (Example: 45 to 65 or 70 to 85). 

Homework incentives: For every 3 tests, IF a student completes 95% of the home work assigned, the student will be able to retake one of the tests from the previous three tests or add 5 points onto one of the previous test. If a homework pass is used to obtain a homework grade, then that student forfeits the chance to retake a test and points.  The new grade that will be recorded after the retake will be the average of both tests. The 3 tests are as stated, test 1 - test 3, test 4 - test 6, and so on.  

The student can only retake a test BEFORE school and MUST arrange that time with Mr. Massey.

ALL RETAKES MUST TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE NEXT TEST OR FORFEIT YOUR OPPORTUNITY 

MATERIALS

Text book: Biology by Miller & Levine, Published by Prentice Hall (There is a classroom set and a digital copy on the student's laptop, therefore I do not issue textbooks.  If a student wishes to have a hard copy to keep at home I will issue that student a textbook.)

3 ring binder (can be used with other Tiger Track classes with dividers)

1 composition notebooks (This is intended for Bell Ringers, therefore if you wish to keep them in your Laptop that is OK.)

Pen and Pencils

Colored pencils (I will have some for the students to use when needed.)

SAFETY

Safety Contract to be signed by both guardian and student.

Classroom instructions (Handout at the beginning of the semester.)

Textbook: Appendix B pgs. 1066-1068

TARDIES

You are tardy if you are not in the classroom for any reason when the tardy bell stops ringing.  Therefore, take care of all personal matters before you come to class.  Be sure to sign the tardy sheet when you enter so you will know how many tardies you have.

Disciplinary Policies – Tiger Tracks

I.   Be Respectful                                                                                                           

Thoughtfulness is the key word.  Rudeness (disrespect of others, disrupting class either by talking or some other means, keeping others from their assigned tasks) will not be tolerated.

• Keep your hands to yourself.  Hitting either in anger or in horseplay will not be tolerated.

• Be positive.  Foul language, obscenities, or suggestive comments will not be tolerated.

• Respect others.  Destruction of other people's property will not be tolerated. 

 NOTICE:  School policy forbids chewing gum or eating in class.  

II.  Be Responsible

• Students should come to class with the proper materials – books, assignments, computer.

• Students should know and follow all school policies, understanding that reasonable rules are necessary for a reasonable society.

• Students should follow the acceptable use policy governing all technology at AJHS.

III.  Be Ready

• A.  Be in the classroom when the bell rings.

• B.  Begin work as soon as you reach your seat

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE:  Upon the first offense during a class period, you will receive a warning.  The second offense during a class period will require that your parents be contacted that day and that you serve detention one of the following days before school 7:30 – 7:50.  If you continue offensive behavior after detention has been assigned, your team will have a conference with your parents and you will be referred to the office.

Student responsibilities

1.     Come to class each day prepared with pencils, paper, text, notebook, workbook, and all assignments.

2.     Students are responsible for turning in work at the designated time and place.

3.     All labs will be done in pencil. Unless instructed by the teacher.

4.     Make-up work is the student’s responsibility. The student must get missed assignments and schedule make-up tests.  Tests, projects, and other assignments made well in advance of their due date will be as scheduled, regardless of a short absence.  Unexcused absences and work not made up will be recorded as a zero.

5.     Unannounced quizzes will occur.

6.     Textbooks are to be covered at all times.

7.     Students will not be permitted to leave class after the tardy bell rings without a request from the office. (Students should take care of personal needs related to hygiene, nutrition, medication, and cosmetics between classes).

Work Due and Make-up Work

1.     All work is due at the appointed time.

2.     If you are absent, work is due when you WALK in the classroom.  Class time will not be given to complete assignments.

3.     Make –up work will be completed according to the ACS student handbook.  Read your handbook carefully.  Make-up work times will be assigned.  Some work cannot be made-up and fewer grades will be used to calculate your final average if these assignments are missed.