Wednesday: 05/12/10
1.Plans
2.Update on Bioethics debates, Frog dissection – Internal Anatomy.
3.Digestive System.
4.Homework: Read/notes Section 36.1, pp. 891 – 895. Answer questions 1-4 pp. 895.
Thursday: 05/13/10
1.Plans
2.Digestive System and calories in food. Food Lab introduction. Bioethics.
3.Homework: Answer questions 3, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17 pp. 909
Friday: 05/14/10
1.Plans
2.HW check/review
3.Bioethics debates update
4.Food Lab
5.Homework: Finish Food Lab Questions. Also, find one reference for the Bioethics debate (reference and a short paragraph of information from the reference).
Science literacy outcomes:
Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.
Read, interpret and examine the credibility and validity of scientific claims in different sources of information.
Formulate a testable hypothesis and demonstrate logical connections between the scientific concepts guiding the hypothesis and the design of the experiment.
Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.
Identify independent and dependent variables, including those that are kept constant and those used as controls.
Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.
Assess the reliability of the data that was generated in the investigation.
Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data, and present relationships between variables in appropriate forms.
Articulate conclusions and explanations based on research data, and assess results based on the design of the investigation.
Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence and clear logic.
Biology Class Information
Mr. Rollins
2009-2010
Welcome to Semester Two of Biology. The purpose of this handout is to give you a general overview of the mission, classroom procedures, grading procedures, general information, and class expectations for the Biology course during the second semester.
Science Department Mission: The goal of science education is to develop scientifically literate citizens who understand and apply the knowledge and processes of science. It encourages a positive attitude toward solving problems and a curiosity to understand and appreciate the impact of science and technology on the natural world and on society.
Classroom Procedures:
A successful education requires a shared responsibility between the teacher and the student. Both provide necessary ingredients that will result in a successful education. As your teacher, I will ensure that I am properly prepared for class, have a mastery of the subject matter, and attempt to make our classes informative and interesting. I will make every effort to be fair, honest and respectful at all times.
As a student in my class your responsibilities are many and varied. The following procedures should help to clarify what it is that you, the student, are responsible for, so that you may enjoy the rewards of a successful education.
1. You must be on time for class. Student should not arrive to class after the bell has rung, unless they have a pass issued by school personnel. Tardiness will result in disciplinary action described in the student handbook.
2. When the bell for the start of the period sounds you should be in your seat and you should be quietly and individually writing down, in your biology notebook, the date and daily plans from the board. Once you’ve written the date and daily plans, start the daily prompt activity.
3. A 3-ring binder notebook, pen or pencil, and note-taking paper are required every day. Notebook organization will be discussed in class. Staying organized is a critical factor for being successful. Notes and/or written assignments will be given daily and will contribute to material for test and quiz questions.
4. Getting the attention of everyone in the class. When I raise my hand please do the following: stop what you are doing, raise your hand, stop talking, look at me, and listen to the instructions.
5. Answering questions during class discussion: if you want to answer a question during class discussion, simply raise your hand. One person speaks at a time.
6. Class dismissal – please remain in your seats until I dismiss the class.
7. Absences: If you are absent from class it is your responsibility to find out what happened in class and to make up any missing work. It is a good idea to have the phone number of at least two classmates in case you miss class and need to find out what was missed. Also, check the class web-site(s) for daily plans and homework assignments. Please review the student handbook regarding the attendance policy. Class cuts will likely result in a zero for any assigned work. After an absence please make an appointment to see me to discuss the missing work.
8. Textbook: “Biology,” by DeSalle and Heithaus, 2008, Holt Publishers. Please keep your textbook at home and use it for homework assignments. You will have access to an electronic textbook on the web.
Grading Policy:
Each assignment will be worth a specific number of points (i.e. a quiz might be worth 10 points). You will accumulate points throughout the semester from grades received on each assignment. For instance, you might earn 9 points on a 10-point quiz and 15 points on a 20-point lab report. You would have accumulated a total of 9 + 15 = 24 points, out of a possible 30. To determine your “average” simply divide your accumulated total of points (24) by the total number of possible points (30) and multiply by 100. Please see the example on the next page…
24/30 x 100 = 80%
The following guidelines represent the approximate grading “weights” for the assignments given during any academic quarter: 50% assessments (tests and quizzes), 30% labs and classroom activities, 15% homework, 5% class participation.
• Tests will be announced at least two school days before they are administered. They may include information from your textbook, notebook, handouts, labs, assigned essays, classwork, and homework.
• Quizzes may or may not be announced. Quizzes typically occur once or twice per week.
• Homework is an integral part of the course and leads to a greater understanding of the concepts covered in class. The purpose of homework is 1) to reinforce learning that takes place in class, 2) to introduce new topics, 3) to supplement and complement classroom learning, 4) to summarize or review important topics, 5) to review or study for exams, and 6) to practice writing scientifically. Homework will be given on a daily basis. Typically you will receive a list of homework assignments at the beginning of each week. Homework is due at the beginning of each period and should be completed prior to the beginning of class. To earn full credit on homework, answers must be complete.
• All written assignments must be written legibly (word processing on the computer is a good idea) and answered, when appropriate, in full sentences using proper grammar and accurate spelling (to the best of your ability). To receive full credit on an assignment it must have your full name and date clearly written at the top of the first page. Multiple page assignments must be stapled together.
Studying Effectively:
Biology is both an interesting and challenging subject. It is important that you make an effort to improve your study habits and skills. Please make sure you have the following:
1. A biology notebook.
2. A calendar or system for writing down important due dates and managing time.
3. Writing utensils and paper for every class.
4. A biology file at home for all returned work (essential for exam review).
5. A place to study at home.
6. The motivation to work hard and the willingness to think about your learning and how to improve yourself as a student and person.
Cheating vs. Group Work:
Taking someone else’s work and using it as your own is “cheating.” This applies to homework, plagiarism on a lab, copying information from someone’s test, etc.. Cheating is unacceptable and will likely result in a zero – please see the student handbook for details regarding the disciplinary consequences for cheating. Anything handed in for an individual grade should be an original piece of your work. You will be expected however to work on a variety of assignments in small groups. When working in small groups it is essential to share ideas, information and ideas. Remember though that your individual assignments must be your own work. We’ll discuss this further in class.
Class Web-Sites and Information:
1. Weekly plans will be posted on the web – please see the “School-Notes” web-site. Details will be discussed in class.
2. Students will also register, on-line, for the textbook web-site. This site will allow you to explore all aspects of the text including key terms, chapter notes, on-line activities, quizzes, etc… Details for registering and using the site will be discussed in class.
Extra Help: Please see me to make an appointment. I’m typically at Hall most of the day on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Laboratory Safety
• You must follow all laboratory safety procedures outlined in the Laboratory Safety Contract at all times in class. If you have any questions about safety, please ask them.
• If I feel your behavior is inappropriate or unsafe you will be asked to stop work and/or to leave the lab area. This may result in a zero for the assignment you are working on.
Class Participation and Effective Learning: Your attitude toward learning and school is critical for success. It determines how you interpret events and influences your motivation and work ethic. The attitude you bring into the classroom has an impact on you and the other members of the class. Staying actively and appropriately engaged in class is essential for success and is part of being a “responsible citizen.” Effective class participation includes all of the following:
1. Attentiveness and motivation during class. As soon as you enter the room you are in class and will be expected to pay attention, listen effectively, follow instructions, and participate.
2. Arrive on time for class and bring all materials (i.e. writing utensils, notebook, paper, etc.) and homework to class.
3. Participate in class discussion by answering questions and working productively in small groups.
4. Take effective class notes – organize your notebook, use teacher cues to guide note taking, take notes on definitions and major concepts, use abbreviations and symbols, label and date all class notes.
5. Be willing to ask questions (of the teacher and other students in class) and seek extra help when necessary.
6. Exhibit appropriate behavior and be cooperative and respectful of teachers, peers, and property. We will discuss what “appropriate behavior” means in class.
Second Semester: Major Topics -
1. Bacteria and Viruses
2. Evolution
3. Ecology
4. Human Body systems
5. Types of Living Things – Animals, Plants, etc..
Again, welcome to Biology. It is important for you to understand the procedures, policies, and recommendations that are in effect in my class. Their purpose is to provide the structure, support, and strategies necessary for successful completion of our work. I look forward to a productive school year as your teacher.
Mr. Rollins
Communication information:
Mr. Rollins
232-4561 ext: 1242
mike_rollins@whps.org
Extra help by appointment.
Some Favorite Links:
Web Elements Useful link for Element and Periodic Table Information
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