DELTA CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Biology
Welcome to Biology! The class in which you are now enrolled is designed to prepare you with a substantial background for use in other science courses. California’s State Board of Education and New Jerusalem School District require two years of science. The courses will be one year of life science and one year of physical science or earth science. This course meets one year of the science requirement.
One objective of this course is to provide you with many skills in manipulating, analyzing, and presenting data. The course basically covers a biology curriculum incorporating the physical science processes which are at work. Life is incredibly complex but also follows some simple rules. Our goal as biologists is to learn about and appreciate the amazing diversity of life on our planet.
The study of science will encourage logical thinking and will aid in your making scientifically-based decision in an ever changing world. This course will incorporate the scientific method and use metrics throughout. We will actively study chemistry, DNA, cells, human anatomy, taxonomy, evolution, and animal behavior. Each semester will have a project that will conclude with an oral presentation.
Class Preparation:
Always be prepared for class. Complete all homework assignments on time. It will behoove you to review your class work from the previous lab session. Keep all of your work as study materials for tests.
You are required to bring the following materials to class EACH DAY:
· Notebook (3-ring for science only)· Paper (clean, college ruled) · Pen & Pencil· Calculator
Attendance:
DO NOT BE ABSENT. You are encouraged to attend all classes because it is VERY difficult to make up lab work. We are allotted only one session per week together so every moment is precious, as crucial (and fun!!!) lab concepts will be covered weekly. Your attendance will have a direct effect on your grade.
Notebook:
· You will take weekly notes in your notebook. Good note-taking skills are essential to science students. You will learn how to take clear, concise notes that you can review and understand. Always mark the day and assignment/lecture in your notes.· Keep this introduction sheet in front of your notebook for easy reference.· All papers must be saved in your notebook for use as study material and to keep your own personal record of what grade you received on a particular assignment. This will also give you an up-to-date idea of your class grade.
Assignments:
· All assignments are DUE ON TIME. It is your responsibility to see that they are completed and turned in on time. Assignments will include lab reports, class activities, homework, and projects.· Late work due to an excused absence will be accepted the following day.· Assignments turned in one day late will lose 10% from their grade. Every class session thereafter the percentage deducted doubles. Every assignment must be turned in by the time each block ends or they are given a zero.· Assignments are to be completed and neat. They should all be labeled properly by name, day and period, assignment, and date in the upper right hand corner. An example is shown below:
Name: Nacho LibrePeriod: Monday per. 2Assignment: Volcano handoutDate: 1 September, 2007
· Students are expected to do their own work. Cooperation in lab work is encouraged, but copying is not. Your assignments must reflect your work. Copied papers are not accepted.· This course covers the adopted state framework and you are responsible to learn the material by doing the work.
Tests and Quizzes:
· Most of your assessment will be done through NovaNet. There will be a few short lab quizzes throughout the semester that make up around 10% of your lab grade.
Lab Reports:
· The lab work and the lab reports are an important part of your grade.· Follow directions carefully. Understand what you are doing and connect it with what you have been learning outside of the lab.· Use your own equipment only. Treat the equipment with care.· Clean up completely. No one leaves the class until everything is cleaned up, equipment stored properly, and everyone is in their proper seat.· Do not miss lab days!!! They are too difficult to set up again!!!· You are expected to follow all safety procedures during laboratory time.· Lab reports must follow the format as given by the teacher.
Classroom Behavior:
I have three basic rules in my classroom. After school detention or other disciplinary action may be used if a student does not comply.
1. BE RESPECTFUL
· No name calling, teasing· Promote a courteous classroom environment where everyone can learn.· Keep your area clean. No writing on desks or leaving junk on the floor.· Do not talk while the teacher is talking. Raise your hand if you have a question.
2. DO NOT DISRUPT CLASS
· No cell phones, pagers, electronic equipment.· No food or drink allowed in the classroom.· Do not be tardy to class.· Remain in your seat during instruction time. Do not get up without permission.· Be in your seat cheerful and ready to work when class starts.
3. FOLLOW THE SCHOOL RULES
· Your E.C. has probably gone over the guidelines for Delta Charter High School· Dress code, drug and alcohol, tobacco, weapons, violence, etc.
Grading:
The point of this class is not for me to give you a grade. You are here to learn. Your coursework and tests are designed to assess how well you have learned the material. Grading is based on a point system. Points are earned by showing up to lab and turning in the assignments complete at the end of each period. NovaNet makes up about 60% of your grade, while the lab makes up the remaining 40%. Showing up to lab and participating will get you a passing grade in the lab. Doing all of your work will get you a good grade in the lab.
A - 89.5 – 100%
B - 79.5 – 89.4%
C - 69.5 – 79.4%
D - 59.5 – 69.4%
F - below 59.5%
NovaNet Assistance:
Having trouble with the tests on NovaNet? If you are struggling to get those stars then set up an appointment with me for available tutoring. I know it can be hard to understand on a little black computer screen and I am here to help.
Calendar:
Here is an outline of what we will cover in the labs this year.
Biology A
Block / Week of: Topic Lab
Block 1: Aug 27-31 Intro to Biology Welcome studentsMetric system
Block 1: Sept 4-7 Characteristics of LifeMetric System Is fire alive?Uncertainty of measurements
Block 1: Sept 10-14 Scientific Method Scientific method labDiscuss scientific method experiment
Block 1: Sept 17-21 Chemistry of Life Diffusion / Osmosis LabWork on experiments
Block 2: Oct 8-12 Acids and Bases Present scientific method studypH lab
Block 2: Oct 15-19 Cell Structure and Function Finish pH labPlant / Animal Cell Model
Block 2: Oct 22-26 Parts of a Cell Prokaryotic vs. EukaryoticCell Project
Block 2: Oct 29 – Nov 2 Genetics Present Cell Project
Block 3: Nov 26-30 The Light MicroscopeCell Theory Parts of the MicroscopeThe letter “e”
Block 3: Dec 3-7 Single Celled Life FormsNucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis Microscope lab-Cheek cells-Prepared plant cell slides-Icky water
Block 3: Dec 10-14 Behavior DNA modelsFace lab
Block 3: Dec 17-21 Finish up NovaNet Finish face labDNA synthesis lab
Biology B
Block / Week of: Topic Lab
Block 4: Jan 22-25 Cell Energy Pigment lab
Block 4: Jan 28 – Feb 1 Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis Elodea lab
Block 4: Feb 4-8 Plants Worm dissection
Block 4: Feb12-15 Tissues, Organs, Systems Skeletal system
Block 5: Mar 3-7 Tissues, Organs, Systems Integumentary system
Block 5: Mar 10-14 The Environment Digestive system
Block 5: Mar 17-20 Biogeochemical Cycles The heartThe eye
Block 5: Mar 31 – Apr 4 Energy Flow in Communities Predator-prey lab
Block 6: Apr 21-25 Study for STAR test STAR testing
Block 6: Apr 28 – May 2 Predator-Prey STAR testing
Block 6: May 5-9 Ecology Fetal pig dissection
Block 6: May 12-16 Finish up NovaNet Final day dissection / practical
|
