Biology Syllabus 2012-2013

Mrs. Hammonds

Room 103

ahammon@summit-academy.com

Overview

Biology is the study of living things. This includes what living things are made of, how they reproduce, how genes are inherited, how living things have changed over time, the categories of living things, and how advanced organisms are organized. We will be covering topics such as cloning, genetic testing, cancer treatments, evolution, vaccinations, and the misuse of antibacterial products. The class will combine many different types of assessments: District Assessment tests, quizzes, bellwork, homework, papers, projects, labs, and other in-class activities.

Materials

Daily: School planner, a binder with loose leaf paper, pen or pencil, and the Biology textbook

For specific lessons: Large poster boards (about 2- 5 per year), colored pencils, markers, calculators, construction paper, and other materials for projects.

Final Exams

Final exams are given at the end of each semester. They will combine the things that you have learned all semester. It may be a project instead of a test. If you do not turn in the project or you have an unexcused absence on the day of the exam you will receive a zero.

Homework

You will be assigned a homework assignment at the beginning of the week that is due on the last day of school each week. This assignment is usually to READ one or two sections of the textbook, complete Cornell notes on each section and answer the questions at the end of each section. These assignments are typically worth 15 points each. You may also have to finish classwork or work on papers or projects at home. Class work that must be finished at home needs to be turned in the next time class meets. Papers and projects will have grading rubrics with due dates on them.

Class work 

There will be daily assignments in class including a bellwork, and other assignments. The bellwork assignment will be located daily on the small left side board. Generally there will be a question that must be answered in a paragraph of no less than four sentences. Students will receive a sheet to write the bellwork questions and answers on the first day of class each week. This sheet will be due on the last day of class in each week. 

Tests, Projects, and Quizzes

Tests are designed to test students’ knowledge of the core content expectations. These are standards that will be tested on the ACT. These tests will count for 50% of each student’s grade and will be given once every 5 weeks. Projects are also an important part of class. Each project will have a rubric explaining the due dates, progress check points, and grading. Quizzes will be given weekly to make sure students understand the concepts learned that week. They may also be done to ensure that a student has prepared for a lab or activity.

Labs

Labs may be done to demonstrate certain biological concepts or they may be used as assessments. Generally if you must design the lab yourself, it is an assessment and worth more points. If you are absent on the days when there are labs, you will find it difficult to make the labs up. Attendance is very important to the lab work and the overall success in class.

Movies

I will show a number of short educational clips to help illustrate certain concepts. I also show a few mainstream, popular movies to illustrate how important biology is in the world today. Many of the movies also show the moral dilemmas involved in some biological research. I believe it is important for students to form their own opinions about the ethical issues related to biological research today. The movies include: GATTACA PG-13. Please notify me if you do not wish for your student to see either of this movie.