Mrs. Annette Ledford's Biology Class

2007-10-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Biology
Fall Semester 2007
Mrs. A. Ledford

E-mail:
ledford@fulton,k12.ga.us

Textbook: Glencoe, etal. Biology: An Everyday Experience. Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2003 ($55.00)

Each student will be issued 1 textbook and they are responsible for its care and use. Students are responsible for returning the textbook undamaged or a fine will be issued for the replacement cost of $30.00 each. The textbook web address is shown below. The log on ID/password necessary to access the online textbook and additional resources can be obtained from the teacher.

· Textbook Website: http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/biology/bio2003/index.html

Course Description and Outcome Expectations

Course Description
The Spring semester biology curriculum begins students’ investigations of the life sciences with the study of evolutionary biology. The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become literate, knowledgeable, and proficient in biology. Biology extends the life sciences to more abstract concepts including, interdependence of organisms, biodiversity, taxonomy, ecology and evolution. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry. This semester’s course will also include the End of Course Test (EOCT) for Biology. The EOCT will serve as the Final Exam, which is 15% of the semester grade. The EOCT is a cumulative exam that covers the entire Biology curriculum (Fall and Spring) and is administered in the Spring as required by the State Board of Education.

Outcome Expectations
At the end of this course students should be able to:
Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
Discuss and describe evolutionary relationships
Discuss the concept of biodiversity
Explain the evolutionary basis of modern classification.
Trace the history of the theory of evolution and evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory.
Relate the complexity of organisms to how they obtain, transform, transport, release, and eliminate matter and energy.
Investigate and assess the interdependence between organisms and on the flow of matter within their ecosystems.

Format of semester: The semester is divided up into the units defined below. There will be a written test at the end of each major unit of study. However, the teacher reserves the right to give more frequent tests during certain units based upon the overall need of the students. Quizzes are administered as needed in order to monitor daily and weekly progress.

Units and Objectives: The following is a projected outline of this semester's units of study. Slight changes may be made at the discretion of the teacher. Objectives taken from the newly adopted Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for Science and listed in the order taught.

Unit Topic Unit duration

** The following objectives are critical science process skills not associated with any particular unit.
They represent objectives that are regularly addressed and applied throughout the year.
· GPS - SCSh1: Importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science.
· GPS - SCSh2: Use standard safety practices in all scientific investigations
· GPS - SCSh3: Indentify and investigate problems scientifically
· GPS - SCSh4: Use tools and instruments for observing and measuring in scientific investigations
· GPS - SCSh5: Demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable explanations
· GPS - SCSh6: Communicate scientific investigations and information clearly

1 Evolutionary Biology: *Chapters 29-30

GPS – SB5: Evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution.
· SB5a: Trace the history of the theory.
· SB5b: Explain the histroy of life in terms of biodiversity, ancestry, and rates of evolution.
· SB5c: Explain how fossil and biochemical evidence support the theory of evolution.
· SB5d: Relate natural selection to changes in organisms.
· SB5e: Recognize the role of evolution to biological resistance (pesticide & antibiotic resistance).

2 Diversity of Organisms: *Chapters 3-7

GPS – SB3: Derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of organisms.
· SB3a: Relate complexity of organization to their functional abilities
· SB3b: Examine the evolutionary basis of modern classifications.

This unit is composed of smaller subunits of study, the subunits are as follows:
· Taxonomy – Chapter 3
· Microbiology (Bacteria, Viruses, Protists, & Fungi) – Chapters 4,5
· Plants – Chapters 6
· Invertebrate animals – Chapters 7
· Vertebrate animals – Chapters 8.
· Humans – Chapters 25

3 Ecology: *Chapters 30,31,32

GPS – SB4: Assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.
· SB4a: Investigate relationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes
· SB4b: Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems.
· SB4c: Relate environmental conditions to successional changes in ecosystems.
· SB4d: Assess and explain how human activities influence the environment.
· SB4e: Relate plant adaptations (including tropisms) to survival.
· SB4f: Relate animal adaptations (including behavior) to survival.

Grade Determination : Grade Scale for Fulton Co. :
Tests and Projects 35% A= 100-90
Labs,Lab Reports & Assessments 20% B= 89-80
Quizzes 10% C= 79-70
Homework 10% F= below 70
End of Course Test 15%
Journals 10%

1. Tests and Exams:
· Written tests will be given approximately every two weeks or upon completion of each major unit of study. Tests will include information from class notes, textbook, labs, handouts, homework, etc. There will be a End of Course Test given at the end of the semester which will cover the entire biology course (Fall and Spring).
· Tests are expected to be made up within the appropriate time frame or a grade of "zero" will be given. For information on Test Make-ups, refer to the Make-up policy (item #6).

2. Quizzes: Quizzes may be announced or unannounced ("POP"). Therefore, each student should spend ample time each day going over material covered in class. Quizzes should be made-up in a timely manner (item #6).

3. Homework:
· Homework will be assigned and graded regularly throughout the semester.
· Each student is expected to keep up with all of his or her homework assignments in their notebook and always be prepared.
· Homework that is presented after its due date or is misplaced (locker, home, etc) will not be accepted and will result in a grade of “0”. (Students will not be granted permission to retrieve a assignments left in their lockers).

4. Participation/Conduct: Students are expected to conduct themselves in a non-disruptive manner in class and they are expected to participate in class. In order for successful learning to take place, students must adequately prepare for class and respect others. Students are expected to follow all school rules, general instructions and the rules of the classroom or accept the consequences if they do not.

5. Laboratory Reports / Assessments
· Lab activities will be announced in advance. It is especially important for students to be present in class on lab days. All students are expected to participate in Lab and make-up missed labs in a timely manner. Failure to make-up a lab in a timely manner will result in zero credit for the lab. Students who miss a lab should consult their teacher for a make-up time. It is the student's responsibility to initiate lab make-up.
· Lab activity worksheets will be provided to you for each Lab for the purposes of completing the lab activity in class and completing a Lab report.

· Even though students may work together during lab activities, each student is responsible for completing and storing his or her own labs. Students who are found to be copying another student’s work or using another student’s exact words/thoughts will receive a zero for the Lab.

6. Make-up Policy:
· Students are expected to take scheduled tests even if they are absent the day before the test.
· Students who are absent the day of a test are expected to take the test upon return to school.
· Assignment and test make-ups will be according to Fulton County Policy. Students will be given 1 day/excused absence to make up work. Make-up tests are to be scheduled individually with the instructor. Students who are present for any portion of the school day are expected to turn in all assignments due on that day in order to receive full credit for the assignments.
· Students who need to make-up tests, quizzes, or labs should see Ms. Ledford for a make-up date and time.

7. Late Work: Late assignements will not be accepted after 5 days.

8. Extra Help: Students who need extra help in understanding material should see me privately to arrange additional help. Students in jeopardy of failing should consult me immediately for extra help and for ways to strengthen their science skills as a means of improving their grade. There will be review sessions on test mornings, starting at 8:00 in room H-122. There will be no extra credit projects, and your lowest test grade will NOT be dropped, so be prepared, and complete all assignments on time. Homework Hotline operates from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at 404/843-7700. It is a free service and the teacher there can usually assist with your homework

9. Notebooks: Students should have a composition notebook to be used as a lab notebook. In additon to the lab notebook students should also have a 3 ring binder with looseleaf for class notes. Notebooks must be neat and organized and contain a folder for storing handouts. Each notebook entry must have a proper heading which includes your name, date, and topic of the notes. The notebook will be collected periodically and graded. You must bring your notebook to class each day.

10. FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY
Provision for Improving Grades:

1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.

Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.

2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.

CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.
.

Students can receive 10 points extra for turning in any assignment early (up to 1 day prior to its due date) on the condition that the assignment is completed in the correct format given. Students also have the opportunity to earn a special bonus certificate when they have achieved a grade of 90 or above on any test (not quizzes). Bonus certificates can be used to add 5 points to any assignment or to change a homework “0” to a “70”. Multiple bonus certificates can be combined to increase their value and expire at the end of the semester. Bonus certificates will not be replaced if lost.

11. Class Rules**:
§ Bring all required materials to class, including textbook, notebooks with paper & pencil/pen everyday.
§ Be in your seat when the bell rings, otherwise you will be marked tardy.
§ Have all required materials out on your desk immediately after the bell has rung.
§ CD/DVD players, MP3 players or any other type of entertainment devices or electronics are never allowed and will be confiscated if found being used in class.
§ During lab activities students will have the flexibility to get out of their seats and move around the class. However, during other types of class activites such as lectures, students should remain seated and not move around the room without permission.
§ No talking when the teacher, a guest speaker, or another student is addressing the class.
§ No sleeping or putting your head down on your desk during class (even if not feeling well).
§ Take care of all problems (restroom, drinks of water, lockers, etc) before you come to class (passes to the restroom during class are rarely, if ever, given!)
§ Be respectful of teachers, other students, and their respective property.
§ Obey ALL school rules
§ The CHS Honor Code is followed in my class; therefore, cheating on tests, quizzes, etc. or plagiarizing another student's work will not be tolerated.

**This list is not exhaustive. Other issues will be handled as they arise. Failure to follow class rules will result in the appropriate disciplinary action (ie;a warning, phone call to parents, private or public detentions, or a formal disciplinary report along with a trip to the appropriate administrator.

12. Lab Rules:
§ When appropriate, goggles must be worn at all times during lab activities.
§ No playing around is allowed during lab activities.
§ Students are required to clean up their lab area before leaving lab. This includes returning lab materials and chairs etc. to the proper place.
§ Students should follow all of the laboratory safety rules. Laboratory rules are outlined in the Safety Contract provided to each student.
§ Failure to follow any of the Laboratory Rules will result:
L 1st offense - warning
L 2nd offense –loss of points on Lab
L 3rd offense - sit out of the entire lab and referral to appropriate administrator. In this case, a laboratory make-up assignment will be given for a maximum credit of 70.

13. Honor Code Violations: Any act of cheating, "either by giving or receiving a gradable experience", will be considered a violation of the honor code. I will complete an honor code violation form which "may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically memberships in honor clubs." I will also inform your parents of the violation and you will receive a grade of "zero" on that graded assignment. Cheating is defined as: Any sharing of information in a non-collaborative situation (i.e. tests, quizzes, Labs, homework, etc.) regarding a graded assignment.

14. Technology Code of Ethics: According to the Fulton County Schools policy "students shall not alter or attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software." This includes: a) changing desktop settings or control panels b) removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware c) modifying computer software d) damaging computer disks, CD-ROMS, or other media.

The teacher reserves the right to set policy for other important issues which may arise during the course of the semester which were not specifically addressed in this syllabus.

Protocol for Mastering Any Academic Subject

Step 1 READ :

Read text book passages, handouts and other given materials several times for comprehension

Step 2. MEMORIZE

Memorize key concepts

Step 3 WRITE.

Test your memory by writing down memorized concepts on a blank sheet of paper (no cheating!!!) and using your notes to check your accuracy.

Step 4 TEACH

To see if you really know the concept teach it to someone else (a parent, study group, imaginary friend, etc). If you can teach the knowledge that means you really know it. If you can say, “I know it but I just can’t explain I”t it usually means you really don’t know the material and should repeat steps 1-4 until mastered.

This protocol should be done on a nightly basis and will prepare you for all exams weeks before they can be expected. Studying the night before or a few days before an exam is called cramming. Your brain must absorb information slowly and in increments for it to be remembered. When you cram for an exam you only cheat yourself from true learning and will never remember the information in the long run when it really counts (like the day after the test, during the final exam, etc).

Syllabus Signature Sheet
For:

Biology

Ms. A. Ledford

E-mail: ledford@fulton.k12.ga.us

Student:

I have been provided with a copy of the syllabus for the course and teacher(s) designated above and I understand that the guidelines/rules governing the grading policy, conduct, discipline, late work, and make-up work, etc. will be enforced accordingly.

Period: ______

Mrs. Annette Ledford's Class Website

Mrs. Annette Ledford's Biology Class