Class Syllabus
Online textbook resources: Online textbook resources will be assigned and available to students once iPads are distributed.
What your child will learn: This course discusses an introduction to Biology, the study of Life. This course is also part of the state mandated testing. The ultimate objective of this course is to provide the student with an opportunity to practice science process skills and gain a basic understanding of the major concepts in Biology. This course counts as one of the lab science requirements for graduation in Oklahoma.
Sequence of learning:
The concepts we will be learning will be in the following sequence:
1. Lab Safety/CER Writing
2. What is Life/What is Science/Ecology
3. The Cell
Winter Break
4. Genetics
Spring Break
5. History of Biological Diversity
Teaching methods: Biology I is an integrated lecture-laboratory-discussion course. Cooperative learning groups will be utilized to influence student learning. Class projects along with district mandated tests and quizzes will be given throughout the year to assess student learning. Digital curriculum sources will also be used in the form of Google Classroom and digital workbook assignments used in tandem with the textbook.
Rules and Procedures:
Late work will be accepted up to 5 days after the assignment is due if the student was not absent for partial credit. In case of absence, the student can locate past days assignments in the appropriate classroom location, via email, or Google Classroom. Scheduling missed quizzes and tests will be the responsibility of the student. The student must schedule a time before school or during lunch to make-up the missed test or quiz within five days of the missed test. All grades for missing or late work will be final once the current chapter is complete. At that point we will move on to the next subject.
Cheating will not be tolerated. Any activity involved in cheating such as lending/receiving answers or talking/passing notes during a test or quiz will result in a zero on the assignment plus disciplinary action.
Supplies will be needed for class. Each student will need a box of tissues, paper, and a pencil. I have a limited supply of colored pencils. If you wish, you may bring your own set with you. Sadly, I cannot afford to keep the class supplied with pencils, paper, and tissues for cold and flu season.
Rules for class will be simple. No food or drink except water please. Keep backpacks out of the aisle and under the desk if it will fit. Respect yourself, respect your school, respect your classmates, and respect me. If your cell phone needs to be on in case of emergency, please bring a note from the office.
Assessments and grades:
Grading will be on a traditional percentage based scale as follows.
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 59 and below
Zeros will be given to hold the place of any missing work until it is completed. The appropriate score will be given at that time. At the end of the unit, all make up work will be entered as 50%. All classwork/labs/quizzes/benchmark tests represent 80% of the final semester grade.
Tests required: There will be a semester test to end each semester. The semester test is worth 20% of the final grade each semester. All students will also be required to complete district benchmarks at the end of each chapter.
Homework guidelines: Homework will not be given intentionally. If you have any homework it will be because you did not finish in the allotted time during class.
Helping all students learn: If you don’t understand something, ASK FOR HELP. That is what I am here for. I will be more than willing to arrange a time before school or at lunch to give extra help if needed. Remember, you have to ask for help before I know you need it.
Communicating progress: You may frequently check your student’s progress using our PowerSchool parent portal on your school’s website. If you need a username/password, contact the District Enrollment Office at 5604 NW 41st Street. Their phone number is 491-7631. You must go in person and show your photo ID.
Parents please feel free to contact me at school by telephone or e-mail with any concerns you have about your student. I would be more than happy to schedule a conference with you. The best time to call is my plan period.
What your child will learn: This course discusses an introduction to Biology, the study of Life. This course is also part of the state mandated testing. The ultimate objective of this course is to provide the student with an opportunity to practice science process skills and gain a basic understanding of the major concepts in Biology. This course counts as one of the lab science requirements for graduation in Oklahoma.
Sequence of learning:
The concepts we will be learning will be in the following sequence:
1. Lab Safety/CER Writing
2. What is Life/What is Science/Ecology
3. The Cell
Winter Break
4. Genetics
Spring Break
5. History of Biological Diversity
Teaching methods: Biology I is an integrated lecture-laboratory-discussion course. Cooperative learning groups will be utilized to influence student learning. Class projects along with district mandated tests and quizzes will be given throughout the year to assess student learning. Digital curriculum sources will also be used in the form of Google Classroom and digital workbook assignments used in tandem with the textbook.
Rules and Procedures:
Late work will be accepted up to 5 days after the assignment is due if the student was not absent for partial credit. In case of absence, the student can locate past days assignments in the appropriate classroom location, via email, or Google Classroom. Scheduling missed quizzes and tests will be the responsibility of the student. The student must schedule a time before school or during lunch to make-up the missed test or quiz within five days of the missed test. All grades for missing or late work will be final once the current chapter is complete. At that point we will move on to the next subject.
Cheating will not be tolerated. Any activity involved in cheating such as lending/receiving answers or talking/passing notes during a test or quiz will result in a zero on the assignment plus disciplinary action.
Supplies will be needed for class. Each student will need a box of tissues, paper, and a pencil. I have a limited supply of colored pencils. If you wish, you may bring your own set with you. Sadly, I cannot afford to keep the class supplied with pencils, paper, and tissues for cold and flu season.
Rules for class will be simple. No food or drink except water please. Keep backpacks out of the aisle and under the desk if it will fit. Respect yourself, respect your school, respect your classmates, and respect me. If your cell phone needs to be on in case of emergency, please bring a note from the office.
Assessments and grades:
Grading will be on a traditional percentage based scale as follows.
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 59 and below
Zeros will be given to hold the place of any missing work until it is completed. The appropriate score will be given at that time. At the end of the unit, all make up work will be entered as 50%. All classwork/labs/quizzes/benchmark tests represent 80% of the final semester grade.
Tests required: There will be a semester test to end each semester. The semester test is worth 20% of the final grade each semester. All students will also be required to complete district benchmarks at the end of each chapter.
Homework guidelines: Homework will not be given intentionally. If you have any homework it will be because you did not finish in the allotted time during class.
Helping all students learn: If you don’t understand something, ASK FOR HELP. That is what I am here for. I will be more than willing to arrange a time before school or at lunch to give extra help if needed. Remember, you have to ask for help before I know you need it.
Communicating progress: You may frequently check your student’s progress using our PowerSchool parent portal on your school’s website. If you need a username/password, contact the District Enrollment Office at 5604 NW 41st Street. Their phone number is 491-7631. You must go in person and show your photo ID.
Parents please feel free to contact me at school by telephone or e-mail with any concerns you have about your student. I would be more than happy to schedule a conference with you. The best time to call is my plan period.