Biology 1
Curriculum and Information for Mr. Williams’ Class
COURSE OVERVIEW: Biology 1 is a year-long course designed to survey the different characteristics of life. The emphasis of this course will primarily be to understand the principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics as well as Evolution and Ecology, and the connection between everything. Aspects of the Diversity of Life and Human Biology will also be explored, but a greater and more in depth analysis of the latter can be continued in the course Human Anatomy. MATERIALS: We will be using the required textbook Holt: California Biology on a regular basis. You are required to cover your textbook and bring it to class everyday. Failure to bring it will affect your grade. Other items that you are strongly recommended to bring every day are a notebook binder with lined and graph paper, pens, pencils, an eraser, and a calculator. HOMEWORK: Daily practice is necessary for most students to become proficient at the kind of problem solving used in this science course. Homework will be assigned on a regular basis and is stressed as something each student should do on his or her own, even if it is not going to be collected. Occasionally there will be quizzes based on a homework assignment, so it is in your best interest to do and understand the homework. Students caught copying homework will receive no credit and a U in citizenship. If you are absent on the day an assignment is due, the assignment will be due on the day you return. If you are absent on the day something is assigned, the number of days absent plus one is the makeup allotted time. It is your responsibility to keep track of the assignments. Daily agendas can be found at the following web site: http://new.schoolnotes.com - select the student tab and then enter Williams and 90503 for the link to the page. It is in your best interest to check this on a regular basis. LATE HOMEWORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! QUIZZES/EXAMS: There will be a few pop quizzes as well as announced quizzes and tests. Exams will be given about every 3 weeks. Come prepared for your exams, which will cover the various chapter(s), notes, and assignments. Exams are designed to test your understanding and application of the concepts. Only studying the night before is not sufficient preparation for the exams. It is often assumed you have read the appropriate chapters 2-3 times before taking the exam.
If you are absent on the day of the test, be prepared to take a make-up test during the first day you return, either at lunch or after school. It is YOUR responsibility to arrange this
time with me for the make-up test. LABS: This is a laboratory class with many “hands on” activities and lab reports. If you miss a lab, you are still responsible for the material covered in the lab, as the material will appear on an upcoming test. You will need to see me to schedule a lab make-up or obtain an alternate assignment. If you are not prepared for your labs, you will lose points. Any horseplay in the lab will result in a zero for the lab. Although most labs are group oriented, you are responsible for doing your own work on the lab report. PROJECTS: There will be some projects and reports for the students to complete individually and in groups. Each student needs to conduct research in the library, on the Internet, and with other sources as it will help you through your academic career and later in life. These projects must be your original work; plagiarism is not tolerated and will be dealt with according to school policy. All research must be cited. NOTEBOOK: You will need to keep a notebook for the class with several dividers. Everything in each section must be kept in chronological order. Graded assignments should be kept in your notebook after they are returned. You will also need to keep an up-to-date assignment sheet and grade sheet, recording the grade you received for each assignment. Your notebook will be graded on completeness, neatness and organization. FINAL: There will be a final at the end of each semester that will include material from all that you will learn. In other words, it is comprehensive. Part of your grade may be a lab practical and part will be written, so it is very important to be present and participate in every lab throughout the year. GRADING SCALE: The grading scale will be as follows:
90-100% = A 80 - 89% = B 70 - 79% = C 60 - 69% = D 0 - 59% = F
Your final semester grade will be determined as follows:
25 - 30% = homework/notebook 25 - 30% = exams 20 - 25% = labs 15 - 20% = projects 10% = participation
ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS: Regular attendance is the first requirement for a successful experience in any class. All absences must be cleared at the attendance office within 48 hours. You are responsible for any work assigned during an absence - check the
daily agendas on the schoolnotes site, call a friend or e-mail me to learn what you missed. Failure to make up work will be reflected in your final grade. In case of excessive absences without make up work, it is likely that you will receive a failing grade. You are tardy if you are not in your seat when the bell rings. You will be notified when you have picked up your third tardy. Students may have up to three tardies each quarter without receiving an unsatisfactory citizenship grade. Students who are tardy four or five times in the quarter will receive a U unless they make them up by serving detention. Opportunities for make-up will be provided for the fourth and fifth tardy only. A sixth tardy will result in a permanent U. Further disciplinary action will be taken upon individuals who have excessive tardies. U’s can make a difference in participating in the activities or sports you choose. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES: You are expected to be a responsible, selfdisciplined student. You will not be permitted to interfere with my teaching or with another student’s learning in this class. There are many chemicals and dangerous implements in a science lab, therefore horseplay is not tolerated at any time. You are responsible for your own actions. Come to class prepared and on time, listen to and follow directions, turn in your work, and behave in a safe manner and you should do fine in this class. NOTE TO PARENTS: If you have any questions or concerns about your son or daughter, the curriculum, or are just curious, please don’t hesitate to call me at 533-4299 (Ext. 7644). Leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. You may also reach me via e-mail at cwilliams@etusd.org or through the schoolnotes.com site.
Student’s Name: _______________________________________ Period: __________________
I have read the above standards and expectations and accept the responsibility for meeting these expectations in Biology 1.
Student Signature_______________________________________ Date __________
Parent or Guardian Signature ______________________________ Date __________
Student Safety Statement This is to verify that I have read and understand the Science Laboratory Safety Procedures and Rules and hereby agree to abide by them at all times while in the laboratory. Student Signature_______________________________________ Date __________ Parent Safety Statement I have read and understand the Science Laboratory Safety Procedures and Rules and hereby offer my cooperation in urging that my son/daughter observe the safety instructions set forth. Parent or Guardian Signature ______________________________ Date __________