Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional High School Course Syllabus

Teacher: Mrs. Adams Room 10 [email protected]

Course Description: Biology (Academic) 5262 Credits: 6 Grade: 9-10

Students are introduced to the unique properties of living organisms that set them apart from non-living ones. Molecular and cellular biology provide a background for concepts of reproduction and genetics. Microbiology, multicellular plants, invertebrate animal life, the vertebrate animals, and human biology follow in logical sequence. Critical thinking involves students in utilizing the steps of the scientific method in the completion of laboratory reports and projects.

Textbook: Each student will have access to a textbook during class. In addition to the textbook, students are also encouraged to visit my website for notes, study guides and other resources.

Laboratory Experience: Biology class has a double lab period once a week. This gives us 84 minutes to conduct more in depth labs, take tests and complete tasks that may take longer than one class period. Pens and a lab notebook are needed for each lab in order to complete the required lab report.

Topics to be covered: Marking Period 1 - Human Impact, Molecular Biology and Microbiology  Chapter 1 - The Science of Biology  Chapter 2 - Chemistry of Life  Chapter 7 Sections 1 & 2 - Cell Structure and function  Chapter 7 Sections 3 & 4 - Cell transport PROJECT: 3-D Cell Model

Marking Period 2- Cell Processes and Intro to Genetics  Chapter 8 - Photosynthesis  Chapter 9 - Cell respiration  Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 Section 4 - Cell growth and division / mitosis and meiosis  Chapter 11 Sections 1, 2 & 3 - Mendelian Genetics PROJECT: Cellular Energy Project

Marking Period 3 - Genetics, Evolution and Classification  Chapter 14 Section 1 & 2 - Human Chromosomes and Disorders  Chapter 12 - DNA and Replication  Chapter 13 - RNA and Protein Synthesis  Chapter 14 Section 3 and Chapter 15 - Genetic Engineering  Chapter 16 - Evolution - Darwin, history of evolution, Darwin’s theory, evidence of evolution PROJECT: Genetic Disease Pamphlet Project

Marking Period 4 - Kingdoms of Living Things  Chapters 3 Sections 1 & 3, Chapter 5 Section 1 and Chapter 6 - Ecology  Chapter 18 - Classification  Chapter 19 Section 3 - History of Life on Earth  Chapter 20 - Viruses and Prokaryotes (Bacteria)  Chapter 21 - Protists and Fungi  Chapter 22 - Introduction to Plants  Chapter 25 - Intro to Animals - characteristics of animals, body plan  Chapter 27/28 - Animal systems 1 & 2  Visual guide to the Diversity of Life (for animals) - pgs. 1064-1098 – characteristics of all major animal phyla PROJECT: Insect/Tree Leaf Classification Project

Grading System and Assessment of Student Performance: Student performance will be assessed as follows- Tests/Projects-50% Quizzes/Labs-30% Classwork/Homework-20%

Yearly Average (As determined by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District): 1st Marking Period- 25% 3rd Marking Period- 25% 2nd Marking Period- 25% 4th marking Period- 25%

Grading Scale (As determined by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District): A (93-100) B (84-92) C (77-83) D (70-76) F (below 70)

New Jersey Biology Competency Test: This is a State test that all students taking Biology will be given in May. Students will be given more information closer to test time and will have access to review materials.

Supplies needed:  3 ring binder, preferable 1 – 2 inches  Paper, pens and pencils  Dividers  Lab books will be provided   After school Science Labs: Science Lab will be held once a week for assistance with assignments, review for tests and quizzes and to make-up missed labs. Missed labs must be made up at the NEXT after school Science Lab session. Please make arrangements. Information about the day and location of the lab will be posted in Room 10.   Test/Retest Policy:  Student must have all assignments completed for the subject tested prior to the first test, to be eligible for the retest.  Student must successfully complete an additional assignment given by the teacher, such as a review.  Student must meet with their science teacher outside of class time or attend a science lab prior to the retest test.  Students will be given one opportunity for re-take per assessment.  The make-up test must be completed in 1 week from the date the assessment was put into power school.