HONORS BIOLOGY

Sutton High School

2007-2008 Syllabus

Ms. Bregman

E-mail: bregmana@suttonschools.net

Phone: 508-581-1640 x4482

SHS Mission Statement

At Sutton Memorial High School, we are committed to providing a foundation on which all students have the opportunity to pursue academic excellence and personal development in a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment.

SHS 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 nonliving world to develop solutions and methods that enhance the world in which we live.

Course Description

The foundation of the curriculum in this science course is the Massachusetts Frameworks in Biology (MCAS). Classroom instruction is based on the inquiry approach, incorporating the scientific method. The SHS Learning Expectations (Communicator, Critical Thinker, Problem Solver, Cooperative Learner and Technology Use) are emphasized throughout this two-semester course.

The biology curriculum being implemented involves a concentration of the structure of living matter and life processes. Biological systems and pathways are studied interdependently with a variety of life forms and environmental influences. Biodiversity and the relevancy of technology to human and environmental issues are emphasized throughout course study.

The 45-minute class periods are conducive to lecture and interactive group discussions. Hypotheses are tested during comprehensive 90-minute lab periods to reinforce the concepts being taught.

The following topics will be covered during the year:

-Tools of Science -Living and nonliving matter

-Biomolecules -Cell structure and function

-Environment -DNA molecule

-Genetics -Prehistoric Life

Objectives

By the end of the school year, the student will be able to:

• utilize the scientific method during problem-solving tasks.
• think critically in order to answer open-ended questions.
• realize that science is a process as well as a product.
• design, develop and interpret; graphs, flow charts, concept maps and tables for major concepts being learned.
• differentiate living from nonliving matter, while understanding the relationship among all forms of matter in the environment.
• recognize and understand major biological theories (i.e. the cell theory, the endosymbionic theory, the theory of natural selection).
• compare and contrast major concepts of study (i.e. photosynthesis and cell respiration, DNA replication, transcription and translation, meiosis and mitosis).
• become more alert to the problems of this modern world and understand the need and consequences of technology.
• utilize technology as a learning and communicating tool.
• cooperate with classmates to promote a productive and respectful workplace.

Classroom Expectations

• 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 science notebook (3-ring binder suggested), pen or pencil, textbook and homework materials.
• Students will be expected to keep a notebook in which they keep their notes, labs, quizzes, tests, handouts and other assignments in chronological order. An organized notebook is the best study guide and will lead to success in my class.
• Students will participate productively and appropriately.
• Students will always work safely during laboratory activities.
• There will be NO EATING or DRINKING in the classroom (with the exception of bottled water at your desk). This is for your safety. This is a science laboratory.
• All school rules, policies and procedures listed in the Student Handbook will be followed in this classroom.

Grading Policy

40% Test/Quizzes

30% Labs/Projects

15% Homework

5% Class participation (positive contributions to classmates)

10% Comprehensive Exam

All projects and labs must be submitted on time in order to receive full credit. 10 points will be deducted from an assignment for every day it is late.

No late homework assignments will be accepted.

Homework Policy

• Homework will be graded on completeness, not correctness.
• All questions must be attempted and notes taken if confused on the answer in order to receive full credit.
• Late work for other than absences will not be accepted (unless parental permission is given). Work is due at the beginning of class.
• Students missing 2 or more assignments in a quarter will report after school for one after school session to complete the missing assignments and may be required to complete additional work. A parent will also be contacted.

Make-up Procedure

It is the students responsibility to obtain the missed assignments from the teacher and also to submit previously due assignments promptly upon their return. Homework assignments can be found on the class website. The policy is that for every day the student is absent, they have the same amount of extension on the assigned work. If any material was due the day of the absence, the material is due on the day of the return.

If a student is absent the day before an announced quiz or test, the student will be responsible for taking the quiz/test upon their return.

Extra Help

If a student is even a little confused, extra help sessions are strongly encouraged. I am available almost every day after school until 2:45PM. To ensure special attention, please contact the teacher 24 hours prior to the day you plan on staying after. If necessary, morning extra help sessions can be done, but only by special request.

Extra Credit

Extra credit will not be given out on a regular basis. In order to be successful in this course, you must keep up with your work daily. If a student has been motivated and diligent throughout a term (i.e. passed in all homework assignments, been after school for extra help if necessary) then an extra credit assignment may be given out. This will be at the discretion of the teacher and no student should plan on receiving any.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at anytime. I am always available before or after school. Please feel free to email me (bregmana@suttonschools.net) or call and leave a voicemail at ext. 4482. I will respond as quickly as possible. Thanks and I look forward to having a great year!

I have read Ms. Bregman’s Honors Biology syllabus and understand its contents. I agree to abide by all the rules and expectations listed.

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