Course: Biology I      Room: 105B         Instructor: Mr. King

Description:

Throughout the year you will be studying various introductory level concepts and themes that dominate the field of biology (see course outline). This class will consist of mostly hands-on activities, projects, and experiments designed for you to have time to explore important concepts. Make the most of your lab time. Creativity and imagination are key components of the course and are highly valued. You are encouraged to work and collaborate with others during your investigations. We may or may not cover all of the topics on the outline. It is only a guide to let you know what direction we are going.

Textbook:

Miller, K.R., Levine, J. 1995. Biology. Prentice Hall, NJ. The textbook is to be used as a reference for study and for homework assignments. Do not bring your textbook to class unless told otherwise.

Grading:

Be sure to turn in all of your homework assignments, labs, and quizzes. There will be the opportunity to earn many points during the marking period. The purpose of this is to allow for mistakes on exams. The tests will be designed to challenge you.

Keep track of your grades by recording them on your course outline. Simply add the number of points you have earned and divide by the total possible. Do not ask for Mr. King to figure out your grade; do it yourself. Quizzes will follow specific chapter assignments and lab activities and will almost always be due on a Friday. Exams will be given at the end of a unit.

If you are absent frequently, you will have to make up the labs on your own time by appointment (study hall or before or after school). No back work (homework, labs) will be accepted, unless you have missed school and have a legal excuse.

You are required to keep a bio-folder, which you must bring to class everyday. A bio-folder is simply a folder where you store graded assignments such as labs, activities, projects, homework, and quizzes, and any notes you take. It has four purposes: a great study guide for a unit exam, a way to track your grade during the marking period, proof you did an assignment if Mr. King makes a mistake, and finally a great way to study for the final exam! Keep your course outline in your bio-folder. Your bio-folder may be checked at the end of each marking period.

You will take a comprehensive final exam in this academic class. In the past, the final exam counted as one half of a marking period. The policy has changed and the weight of your final will be an entire marking period. In other words, the final exam will have a big impact on your grade for the course. If you have any questions refer to your student handbook.

Grading scale: Assignment weight:

93% -100% = A Labs/activities 20 points

85% - 92% = B Quizzes 10 points

77% - 84% = C Homework questions 20 points

68% - 76% = D Projects will vary (20-30)

≤67% = E Exams 100

Classroom rules:

Safety is number one. Please follow all safety rules (see safety rules contract). This entails following safety precautions. Absolutely no horseplay.

The first 5 minutes and last five minutes of class are my time. This means everyone is in their roll-taking seats and quiet.

Due dates for all assignments will be posted on the dry erase boards. No late work will be accepted without an excused absence.

You must clean-up before you leave.

You are encouraged to work with lab partners, and to do so quietly. If you and your lab partner are not staying on track or are disruptive you may be reassigned to another group.

If you are disruptive during class you will simply be asked to leave and you will be given a zero for the lab or activity. If you are asked to leave three times you will be referred to the administration.

School Policies:

School policy states that if you are late three times you will be referred to the administration.

Use of electronic devices is prohibited (cell phones, I-pods, headphones, digital cameras). I will confiscate any devices and turn them in to the office.

Make sure you are dressed appropriately – students will be referred to the administration if in violation of school policy.

Select to view or print the course outline