Course Description  - This is a course designed for students whho have successfully completed Science Nine/Physical Science Nine and desire a broader, in-depth study of the content found in many biological fields of endeavor.  This course is designed to build upon and extend the Biology concepts, skills and knowledge from the science program, using skills for the 21st Century.  Students interested in health and scientific related careers will build and expand their laboratory skills and experiences.  Students will engage in active inquiries, investigations and hands-on activities for a minimum of 50% of the instructional time to develop conceptual understanding and research / laboratory skills.

Course Objectives – Upon completion of this course, the student will demonstrate:

        Problem Solving Techniques                       Research Skills
        Usage of Scientific Methods                     Use of Appropriate Technology/Computer Skills
        Proper Laboratory Techniques                  Proper Writing Skills
        Critical Thinking Skills                               Test Taking Skills
        Knowledge of Classification                       Note Taking Skills
        Interrelationships among all Sciences      Application of Concepts to Daily Life Experiences

Competencies are:
            Recognition                      Classification                      Quantification
            Interpretation                 Prediction                          Hypothesis
            Experimentation              Test Taking Skills             Laboratory Safety

Textbook and Materials:

 Text:  “Biology ”, by Johnson & Raven, Replacement cost: $53.95

 Materials:

  Notebook (3 ring)
  Paper – Loose leaf only
  Pen (Blue or Black ink only) / Pencil (Required for Scientific Drawings)
  Colored Pencils
  Ruler (Metric)
  Highlighters
  Section Dividers
  Calculator

Specific Requirements:
    It is important that each student work diligently and efficiently – that is, to be an organized, hard worker.  Class discussion and homework will be an integral part of the course as will laboratory work.
    Every attempt will be made to make each student an active participant in class.  After school tutoring may be arranged when necessary.

Possible Projects
        Laboratory Reports                                Daily Journal Writings (Bell ringers)
        Book reports (one / semester)              Critique of guest speakers, movies, articles, etc.
        Biography of a Significant Scientist        Computer Slide Shows
        Web Page Design                                     Computer Lab / Career Simulations
        Lab Competitions                                     Science Discovery Day Participation

Determination of Grades:

The new WV state adopted grading scale will be used to determine the student's grade for Biology.  The scale is as follows:
   93 – 100  A
   85 – 92    B
   75 – 84    C
   65 – 74    D
Grades that fall below the 65% requirement will result in the failure of the student for the grading period.

Grades will be assigned for exams, quizzes, homework, lab reports, class assignments, class participation and special projects.  The number of points assigned for each requirement will depend upon the difficulty of the assignment.

Students are responsible for the grades earned in this class.  The instructor should be notified if additional help is needed.

Note:  This should be a challenging course that will prepare you for future science courses or just
          Enable you to live a healthier life.  I hope you enjoy it.

There is no excuse for failure, but students have failed.  The biggest problem has been ABSENCES and lack of organization.  Therefore, I will be concerned any time you have to miss this class --- though I know it is necessary at times for all of us.  It is your responsibility to ask for your make up work. (Before of after school)  No late work will be accepted unless you have teacher permission.  If you miss because of a school activity, you are still expected to turn in any work that is due and get your assignments before leaving.  I would like to be informed, when possible, before your absence due to a school activity (24 hour notice).  County policy will be followed concerning make up of assignments.  I will also emphasize organization skills and study skills in order to help you succeed.

Class Requirements

1. Each student will obtain a 3 ring notebook and keep in this note book all class handbooks, assignments, worksheets, lab reports, journal writings, and daily agendas.  (The agenda will be useful in determining homework / class assignments and due dates.)  This sheet should be the first page in the notebook.  Periodic open notebook quizzes will be given.
2. Students are expected to bring to class each and every day their textbooks, paper, pencil and science notebook.  Disciplinary action will be taken for those who repeatedly come to class unprepared.
3. Daily assignments (Journal Writings) will be tested periodically.  Keep all assignments up to date and ready in the notebook.
4. Quizzes will be given from time to time and may be announced of unannounced.  In order to be ready for quizzes ---- all reading and outside assignments should be completed as they are assigned.
5. Assignments are due on the date specified with the only exceptions being the student is ill, unable to attend school the entire day, or the instructor has given prior approval.  Those absent due to planned activities will see that their assignments are turned in on the required date.  Turn in homework and get the next day's assignments in person the same day as the absence.  Make up work may be acquired before school begins, during lunch, or after school … NOT DURING CLASS TIME.  Failure to do as instructed will result in an automatic zero.
6. All tests will be announced several days in advance.  Every effort should be made to be present on test days.  Make up tests will be arranged by the instructor and will be on your own time.
7. Copying or attempting to copy, homework or any class assignment, will result in zeroes for both the person copying and the one that allows it.  This includes plagiarism – the act of using someone else's words or ideas as your own.  (This includes copying and pasting Internet sources.)  DO YOUR OWN WORK!!!!!!!
8. The dismissal bell at the end of the period is just an indicator that class time is over.  The instructor will dismiss class.  No one will leave the classroom when the dismissal bell rings until dismissed by the teacher and the room is left in proper order.
9. Students are to be in their seats and prepared for class to begin when the tardy bell rings (not running through the door).  If a student is not in their assigned seat when the tardy bell sounds, they will be marked tardy and the school policy will be followed.
10. Do not touch any laboratory equipment, chemicals, etc., until instructed to do so.
11. No food or drink is allowed in laboratory classrooms unless provided for in advance by the instructor.
12. Most importantly, all students have a right to an education.  No student will be allowed to infringe upon that right.  Respect is to be shown at all times; for the teacher, visitors, fellow students and the physical facility.
13. Extra help will be available for students who request individual instruction.  Ask your teacher.
 
 

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Please take this home and discuss with your parents.  Have your parents sign for the information and return the attached section, along with your name and signature.  If your parents have any questions, they may contact me at school (824-6000 ext.2110) or email me.
( [email protected] )

I have read the above information.  I have been informed of the rules and requirements of science class.
 
 

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         Student Name Printed                                                             Parent / Guardian Signature
 
 

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         Student Signature

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