Biology Syllabus 2007-2008

Sutton High School

Ms. O’Neil

Email oneild@suttonschools.net, Phone 1-508-581-1640, Room H209

Teacher assistance is available by appointment during or after school hours.

Sutton High School Science Department Learning Expectations

The Science Department encourages students to understand the process as well as the product of science. Through problem solving, critical thinking and the effective use of technology, students are expected to develop an awareness of the inquiry approach as a tool to gather information. The ultimate goal of science and technology is to apply knowledge of both the living and non-living world to develop solutions and methods that enhance the world in which we live.

Biology CP Course Description

During the instruction of this course, comprehensive teaching strategies will be employed to support consistent reinforcement of concepts. Student assessment is addressed frequently. The Biology curriculum, aligned to the MCAS standards, involves a concentration of the structure of living matter and life processes such as cell reproduction and meiosis, active and passive cell transport, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, DNA replication and protein synthesis, genetics and evolutionary trends. Highlighting the biodiversity of our planet, biological systems and pathways are studied interdependently with a variety of life forms and environmental influences. The relevancy of technology to human and environmental issues is emphasized. The Scientific Method is encouraged. This inquiry approach supports problem solving and critical thinking into the learning process of hypothesizing and formulation of conclusions. Hypotheses are tested during extended lab periods, to reinforce concepts being taught. Biology students are expected to work cooperatively in groups with classmates during lab exercises. Student assessment is formal and informal.

Objectives of CP Biology

Topics include: The Chemistry of Life, Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity, and Ecology

Students will:

· Utilize the scientific method during problem solving tasks.

· Learn to think critically to answer open-ended questions.

· Learn that science is a process as well as a product.

· Interpret and develop graphs, flow charts, concept maps, tables for concepts being learned.

· Differentiate living from nonliving matter, and understand the relationship among all forms of matter in the environment.

· Recognize and understand major biological theories (i.e. cell theory, natural selection).

· Compare and contrast major concepts of study (i.e. photosynthesis, cell respiration, DNA replication, transcription, translation, meiosis and mitosis).

· Become more alert to the scientific issues of the modern world and understand the need and consequences of technology.

· Utilize technology as a learning and communication tool.

· Cooperate with classmates to enrich the learning environment of all students.

Grading Policy

50% Tests, Projects, Labs

20% Quizzes

10% Class Participation

10% Notebook

10% Homework

Expectations and Policies

· Students will be respectful to their classmates, their personal property, teaching personnel and classroom guests at all times.

· Students will arrive to class on time.

· Students will be prepared for class with a 3-ring binder, lined paper for taking notes, pen or pencil, covered textbook and completed homework.

· Homework will be assigned nightly. Incomplete assignments will receive a zero. If two assignments are missed, the parent/guardian will be contacted. Any student missing three homework assignments will report after school to complete the work.

· Students will be expected to keep a notebook in which they will organize their lecture notes, labs, quizzes, tests, handouts and other assignments in chronological order. Notebooks will be graded twice a quarter.

· Students will participate in classroom activities and discussions productively and appropriately.

· Quizzes will occur approximately once a week to check for understanding of class work and homework.

· Tests will be announced at least three days in advance.

· Students will always work safely during laboratory activities.

· Students will not eat or drink in the classroom. This is for your safety. This is a laboratory.

· All school rules and procedures from the Student Handbook will be followed in the classroom.

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Signatures

Student signature indicates that he/she understands the terms of the expectation guide and will participate according to these guidelines.

The parent’s role is to read and discuss expectation guidelines with their child.

Student Signature:_________________________________________________

Parent Signature:__________________________________________________

Parent email/phone____________________________________________________________