COURSE OUTLINE FOR BIOLOGY (C26913)
Fall Semester 2008
TEACHER: Mrs. Stahl EMAIL: tstahl@aacps.org WEBSITE: www.teacherweb.com/MD/SevernaParkHighSchool/Stahl/ TIME AVAILABLE: 2-3:00 pm SCHOOL PHONE: 410-544-0900 (x243) TEXTBOOK: Biology. Johnson and Raven, 2004. Holt. (Replacement cost: $61.28)
COURSE OVERVIEW
General Biology is a year-long, two-semester course. Through the study of biology, students will appreciate the complexity of life and will understand that human survival is dependent on knowledge of diversity, interactions, and interdependence among living systems. Emphasis is placed on a process approach, which develops critical thinking and promotes scientific inquiry. The course will encourage the use of a variety of instructional approaches and materials to provide students with varying abilities the opportunity for success. This course has been designed to meet the needs of students who will take the Maryland High School Assessment in Biology in May, 2009. It is a graduation requirement that all students enrolled in Biology must take and pass the test. Percentile scores will be reported on the student’s transcript. For more information on the Maryland High School Improvement Program, visit their website at www.mdk12.org.
EVALUATION/GRADING
WRITING STANDARDS. Students are expected to communicate effectively through the written word. All written work submitted for a grade must be legible and bear the student’s full name, class period, and date in the upper right corner of the first page. In addition, students are expected to use correct spelling and grammar on all written assignments. QUARTER GRADES. Quarter grades will be determined using the weighted categories listed in the table below. CATEGORY INCLUDES: %
CLASSWORK ASSESSMENTS Labs, worksheets and other activities or projects completed in class Tests and quizzes Study guide worksheets, question sets, and other specific assignments to be completed outside of class as determined by the teacher
45% 40%
HOMEWORK
15%
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Students will need the following materials everyday unless otherwise directed: 1. BIOLOGY NOTEBOOK. It should be a standard size 3-ring loose leaf binder or a section in a large binder. This outline should be included as Page 1! All work from a unit should be kept in chronological order by date. Keep extra lined notebook paper in your notebook!! 2. PEN AND PENCIL . 3. BIOLOGY TEXTBOOK . Assigned book should be kept at home unless directed to be used for homework assignments. All books need to be covered. 4. AGENDA BOOK . The agenda book will be used to record homework assignments.
HOMEWORK POLICY. Homework assignments are typically given each day. Students are also expected to review each day’s lesson every night to determine if any clarification and/or review is necessary during the next day’s class MAKE-UP WORK: It is the responsibility of the student to pick up make-up work upon returning from an absence. Students are encouraged to pick up their work earlier, if possible, and complete it as soon as possible so that they do not get behind in class. LATE WORK. Assignments are expected to be turned in on time. Any work turned in late will result in a reduction in grade. Each student will be given a homework pass at the beginning of each quarter that can be applied to two late or missing assignments that quarter. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY. All students are expected to do their own work and Board of Education policies regarding academic dishonesty will be enforced.
2
SEMESTER GRADES. There are three grades which are used to determine the final semester average: the two marking periods (40% each) and the comprehensive final exam grade (20%). By AACPS Board of Education policy, a student must pass two (2) of these three grades in order to receive credit for the semester. behavior, that is, show respect for the learning environment, the teacher and all students. Therefore, please: Enter and leave the classroom quietly and take your assigned seat before the bell. Remain in your seat during class. Take care of pencil sharpening before class. Refrain from writing on the desks or leaning back on them. Discard your trash in a trash can. Do not bring food and /or drinks to class. Pay attention. Respect others. Cooperate fully with a substitute teacher. Comply with the school dress code. Follow all lab safety rules. Electronic devices such as personal stereos, pagers, or cell phones will not be permitted to be out or used during class. This includes calculators unless we are doing an activity that requires computation. Remember to sign out and in when using a hall pass.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES/POLICIES
Students will be expected to observe these guidelines: 1. ATTENDANCE. Good attendance is a key to success. This includes being in the classroom before the bell rings and seated (as assigned) when the bell rings. 2. EVACUATIONS. Students are expected to stay with the teacher during a fire drill or other emergency evacuation and to be attentive for instructions. 3. CLASSROOM CONDUCT. All students are expected to use appropriate language and to observe reasonable standards of
PARENT’S REVIEW
In the spirit of communication, parents are asked to carefully read this course outline and review its provisions with their student. Parents are also asked to read the statement below and sign indicating their acknowledgement. In return, your student will receive ten (10) points of extra credit in the Homework category of their first marking period grade if this course outline is returned with your signature by September 5, 2008.
I have read this course outline for Biology C26913 and reviewed it with my student.
Signed:______________________________________ Date:______________________ Student Name _________________________________
Thank you for your cooperation!