College Prep Biology

Woodbridge High School ______Samuel Lupo Place  Woodbridge, NJ 07095  (732) 602-8600

September 3, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Your son/daughter’s success is clearly enhanced by the support and encouragement of you the parent. We greatly appreciate any academic, organizational, logistic or morale support that you can provide your son or daughter at home.

I had the pleasure of welcoming your child into my Biology class today. I hope that he/she will find my class both interesting and enjoyable. The following information has been written so that you and your child may better understand the routines of this class. Please review this syllabus with your son/daughter, and have him/her return it to school signed on the lines provided. Students will keep this copy of the syllabus in their science binders.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me by email at: [email protected]

Looking forward to a great school year!

Sincerely,

Ms. Livres

Ms. Livres Be Great Everyday!

College Prep Biology

Course Description: College Prep Biology is a college prep course, opened to 9th grade students who have successfully completed a year of 8th grade middle school Honors Science or 10th grade students who completed Environmental Science.

This coarse promotes scientific thinking through problem solving, a process that encourages curiosity and careful inquiry. Biology is build upon the basic biology instruction received by students in the seventh grade, with more concepts and accelerated activities.

This course satisfies the science requirement for WHS graduation and the biological science requirements for entry to a four-year college. All content that is presented in class aims at: Students meeting the grade level expectations for Biology in the state of New Jersey and performing at a high level on the Biology End of Course examination.

Biology is a challenging course! Students should plan to invest time every day either to review and study notes, complete specific homework assignments, organize materials, complete reading, research various topics, or prepare for quizzes and tests.

Course Goals/Objectives:

• Practice proper laboratory safety procedures. • Correctly apply the Scientific Method to controlled investigations. • Observe cells using a microscope, describe the process of living cells as related to their environment, and discuss unicellular life forms. • List and describe the conditions for life. • Compare and contrast plant and animal cells by describing the functions of their various organelles. • Explain photosynthesis and respiration in terms of the chemical reactions that store and release energy. • Explain the processes of mitosis and meiosis and their importance to living things. • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of inheritance by explaining the role of nucleic acids, solving genetic problems, and relating genetic principals to the Theory of Evolution. • Demonstrate an understanding of the environment by describing it as a system of Interdependent components affected by natural phenomenon and human activity. Instructional Philosophy: Knowledge of biology is vital to decision-making in terms of various social and political issues students faced in the 21st Century. In this course, students will be involved in writing, calculating, analyzing, and using art, in addition to lecture, discussions, and labs. Students will work individually as well as in groups of various sizes to complete tasks. Students will use technology including webquests, online labs, animations and movie clips to aid in learning. Participation and effort are expected from each student.

2 Learning Resources/Textbook(s): Online Pearson Biology Textbook With the emergence of technology as a tool for learning, WHS will be utilizing various resources to assist with instruction, including an online textbooks, and interactive websites.

Class Materials Required: Students must bring the following necessary supplies to class every day: - Three ring biology binder - organized as indicated with all previous and current assignments in it - lined paper, - pens, and pencils

- Students will need internet with the Java update to access the online textbook from home. (There is only an online textbook for this class.)

Note: Scissors, glue sticks, tape, and poster board will also be needed for some projects.

Students are required to keep an organized Biology notebook binder; where they will keep assigned reference materials (such as this syllabus), compile daily agendas “Do Now's”, take complete and accurate notes, completed worksheets, homework, data collection, and lab reports. Please use a dedicated three-ring binder so that you can easily add materials.

SCHEDULE OF CHAPTERS (All chapters must be covered for the End of Course State Biology Exam).

Unit title and Chapters Length of the chapter

Introduction 3 days The Nature of Life Chapter 1 The Science of Biology 1.5 weeks

Ecology Chapters 3, 4, 5 and 6 The Biosphere, Ecosystems and Communities, Populations and Human Population 2 weeks

Cells Chapter 7 Cell Structure and Function 1 week

Cells Chapter 8 Photosynthesis 1 week

Cells Chapter 9 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation 1 week

Cells Chapters 10 and 11.4 Cell Growth and Division (Mitosis and Meiosis) 1 week

Genetics

3 Chapter 11 Intro to Genetics 1.5 week

Genetics Chapter 14 Human Heredity 2 weeks

Genetics Chapter 15 Genetic Engineering 1 week

Genetics Chapter 12 and 13 DNA and RNA and Protein Synthesis 1.5 week

The Nature of Life Chapter 2 The Chemistry of Life 1 week

Evolution Chapter 16 Darwin’s Theory of Evolution 1 week

Evolution Chapter 17 Evolution of Populations 1 week

Make-Up Work:  All work needs to be completed promptly (1 day out = 2 days to make up work.).  If an absence is planned, I expect you to see me beforehand to get your work and it will be due on the class due date.  If you are absent unexpectedly check the course website, ask another student, and then see me with any questions after or before class. Please do not interrupt me when class has already started.  Missed tests/labs must be made up within ONE WEEK, OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME. In some instances an alternate assignment may be given in place of a lab. It is your responsibility to make arrangements.

Hall Passes: Hall passes are for emergencies only. Please make sure you have what you need for class.

When submitting daily work:

With folded edge to your LEFT and starting with the TOP line write on:

Line 1 Your Name Example: Carolus Linnaeus Line 2 Block # and Class Name 3 – A P E S Line 3 Date (month, day, year) August 9 2012 Line 4 Instructor Name Ms. Livres Line 5 Title of Assignment Paragraph on Lab Safety

If your paper is not titled correctly, a 5 point deduction will be assessed for the assignment. Follow directions please. This request is made to minimize posting time and to properly document your work. All written assignments that need revision (that means the work was given back to you to do correctly) are due two days after the assignment is returned to the student. If revision is not made within the 2-day period the original grade remains the same.

Grading Policy: 4 During each semester you will receive a large number of class work and homework assignments to complete. Lab work will consist of data collection, completion of hands-on laboratory investigations and activities, and lab reports. Homework will consist of textbook readings, note summary paragraphs, and book assignments. All questions are to be answered in complete sentences. Reading Journals consist of an outline of each chapter and all vocabulary words defined. Quizzes will be given out every week. These are designed to make sure students are keeping up with assignments, reading, and vocabulary. Keep up with your reading

Plan to devote an average of one hour every night to Biology - for reading the text, studying notes, and/or working on assignments and projects.

Minor Assessments Completion and accuracy of in-class assignments, homework, reading journals quizzes, short labs and projects=50% of the grade.

Major Assessments Tests, projects, long labs =50%

Tests will be given out after several chapters that have been presented. They will consist of multiple choice questions, short answers, and free response question.

Grading scale

A+ = 98-100 A = 95-97 A- = 92-94 B+ = 89-91 B = 86-88 B- = 83-85 C+ = 80-82 C = 77-79 C- = 74-76 D+ = 71-73 D = 68-70 D- = 65-67 F = 64 and below

Getting Extra Help: Help sessions will usually be held by appointment during Block 3. Please see me for extra help.

Cheating Policy: Cheating will not be tolerated. Looking at another students’ paper, talking during exams or quizzes, having an electronic device out, and allowing other students to see his or her paper will be considered cheating which will result in a zero for that grade. Repeated offenses will be dealt with more strictly. Students under suspicion of cheating may be subjected to an investigation including, but not limited to, questioning of parties involved and an oral or written re-test based on the same material. The students involved may be given a zero pending the outcome of the investigation.

NOTE: There is no extra credit at the end of the marking period!

5 Guidelines and Procedures For Ms. Livres’ Class

Classroom Rules – 5 P’s

1. Be Prompt – Be in your assigned seat before the bell rings. Meet deadlines. You should be ready to copy and answer the “Do Now” by the time the bell rings.

2. Be Prepared – Bring necessary materials, including homework and take them with you when you leave. Study for tests.

3. Be Polite – Respect school property and those around you. Discipline yourself so others don’t have to! Follow all procedures and policies as outlined in the Woodbridge High School and Woodbridge Board of Education handbooks. Treat each (everyone) person in this room with respect and dignity. That includes not talking over each other and the teacher. In addition, no cursing, name calling, and destroying property. Raise your hand to speak. DO NOT be rude and talk while someone else is talking. You might miss something important.

4. Be Productive – Participate arduously in all class activities. Follow instructions. Use your time and energy wisely. Finish all work. We will work efficiently and minimize distractions. Everything has its time!

5. Be Positive – My expectations for you are to: set high academic and personal goals, be a problem solver, help others, and ask for help when necessary. This also means to keep a classroom clean and neat.

Consequences Any behavior that disrupts learning will be dealt with in an appropriate manner. You are young adults and need to take responsibility for your own actions. Possibilities include discussion with teacher, parental contact, removal from class, and other manners as deemed appropriate. However if: Any student who uses profanity, fights, damages school property (this includes the property of the teacher and other students), or is disrespectful (as defined by the teacher) will be sent out of the classroom IMMEDIATELY.

Classroom Procedures Entering  Have a seat and take out your materials for class. • Review and write down the objectives with the date. • Begin the “Do Now” assignment.

When you are tardy: Excused or unexcused  Place the excuse pass on my desk if you have one.  Enter quietly and hand in homework.  Get any handouts and take a seat quietly.  I will mark you down for being late to my class. I will give you a warning when you get to three unexcused tardies.  Have a seat and take out your materials for class.

Absent from school: CANNOT BE AFFORDED. Numerous ongoing projects/lab activities are planned in this class and absences will jeopardize your success. It is your responsibility to find out about missing work. ASK a classmate or the me before or after class. Do not interrupt class time.

6 Scheduled check out: • Please let me know as you enter the classroom. – I will be at the door • Quietly raise your hand to get my attention. • Pack your materials and leave at the scheduled time.

Moving around the room:  Please ask permission before you move. Do not move your seat unless you ask.

Class Dismissal:  The teacher dismisses you, not the bell. • Do not start packing up prior to the bell. • Wait until the teacher finishes and officially dismisses you.

Helpful tips BIOLOGY IS CHALLENGEING and REQUIRES SOME TIME AND EFFORT. I expect you to make a good effort to learn the class material and to do the best job you can. Below are some helpful studying tips to help you pass Biology. If you follow them, you will do well in this class.

Study Tips:

1. A Biology textbook cannot be read the way you would read a novel! Begin by pre-reading the chapter, glance at the section headings, charts, and tables in order to organize the material in your mind and stimulate your curiosity. This will make it easier to read the chapter and extract more information from it. 2. Be an active, not passive reader, by stopping frequently and consider what you have just read. What is the concept being discussed? Put it in your own words (out loud or by writing it down); by doing so you are reprocessing and using the information presented in the text. Place a few keynotes in your notebook; make sure your notes include all new terms and illustrative examples. 3. Become a note taker and not a note copier! Simply writing down what is written on the board is passive learning. To get the most out of taking lecture notes, do it is a systematic manner. Before class, read the test material to be covered in lecture. You will then use class time more efficiently because you will learn more from the lecture. During lecture do not attempt to write down every word that is said; that approach is futile and unnecessary. Instead, focus on the major ideas. Summarizing information will allow you to rehearse and test yourself on the material. 4. Review over your notes each night for 20 minutes. For some making notecards help.

5. Study frequently and in small doses. Cramming does not foster long term understanding that will stick with you!

7 Biology Syllabus and Rules Contract

I, ______, have read the Biology syllabus and rules contract on SchoolWire and I agree to abide by the rules and consequences set by Miss. Livres and Woodbridge High School. I acknowledge my responsibilities in this course. I am aware of the testing, grading and make-up/late policies for this course.

______

Student signature Date

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Parent/Guardian signature Date

Computer, internet, and smartphone access:

Computer, internet, and Smartphone access is an important portion of this class. Please inform me if you have access to these types of technology. Please circle the appropriate response.

Can the student access the Internet from home? Yes or No

Can the student access the computer from home? Yes or No

Does the student have access to a smartphone with internet? Yes or No

______

Parent/Guardian signature Date