Science Department Mission Statement

2016-2017 Biology Huntsville High School www.huntsville-isd.org Teacher: Lynn Hodges Email: [email protected] Room Number: 2601 Phone: 936.435.6100 ext. 2601 Conference period: 6th Period

Science Department Mission Statement:

The mission of the HHS Science Department is to produce confident and successful students capable of solving problems by generating inquiries and applying science methods, exploring through investigations, drawing reasonable conclusions through inferences and deductions thereby developing scientific thinkers and lifelong learners.

Biology Course Description:

In Biology, students will conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem solving. Students will study a variety of topics that include: structures and functions of cells and viruses, growth and development of organisms, cells, tissues, and organs, nucleic acids and genetics, biological evolution, taxonomy, metabolism and energy transfers in living organisms, living systems, homeostasis, and ecosystems and the environment.

Technology is an important part of this course. Students are expected to use appropriate technology in the pursuit of the learning outcomes as outlined in this document. Microsoft Office applications and web 2.0 tools will be the primary software applications used. Students are encouraged to bring their own devices to class (smart phones, iPads, lap tops, etc.) and use them in accordance with the district guidelines and my instructions. Adequate computer resources are also available throughout the school for use outside of class time. Computers are available for student use before school and after school in our library and available at the Huntsville Public Library outside of school hours.

Required Materials:

 Pens and pencils  Composition Notebook  1 Inch Binder  Dividers  Colored pencils

Additional Suggested Materials:

 Glue Sticks  Tape  Scissors  Colored Printer Paper  Kleenex  Hand Sanitizer  Liquid Soap  Flash Drive

Grading Guidelines:

In accordance with district policy, Academic Achievement grades (major grades) will account for 60% of the 6 weeks average, and Academic Practice (daily grades) will account for 40%. Academic Achievement grades can include exams, projects, formal lab reports, etc. Academic Practice grades will include class work, homework, lab investigations, quizzes, etc.

Late work:

Late work is NOT acceptable! However, district policy mandates that all students will be allowed to turn in assignments late with immediate grade penalty deductions. The late work penalty is minus 10 points per school day. Once Academic Achievement (test, project, etc) has been administered for that given segment of content, the academic practice assignment will no longer be accepted. Students who are missing an assignment must attend mandatory tutorials within 3 school days. Academic Achievement grades will also be accepted with a penalty of minus 10 pts per school day. All work must be turned in before the end of the grading period. Remember, the class work, projects and lab reports assigned serve to reinforce the current topics of study and must be completed by the assigned due dates in order to be effective. Failure to turn-in assignments on time impedes class progression and interrupts the education process.

Tests:

Tests are any formal assessment where students are given advanced notice to study. If a student earns below a 75 on a test, he/she will be allowed the option to retest for a maximum grade of 75 as per district policy. Students will be allowed to retake any assessment given by the teacher.

In order to retake a test, the student must follow these steps: 1. Attend at least one mandatory tutorial session prior to the retest. 2. Schedule a time with the instructor no later than 3 class days after receiving the test grade. 3. The student must show-up to retake the test.

Absenteeism

 If an assignment is scheduled BEFORE an absence occurs, the assignment is due on its original due date, or whenever the student returns to class (whichever comes first).  It is the student’s responsibility to get the assignments that were missed. I will give missing work out after class or before or after school. Please do not interrupt class to ask for missing assignments.  It is a great idea to check my website for missing assignments.

Behavior Requirements:

Immaturity will not be tolerated. Act like the mature young adult you are and respect those around you.

Corrective Consequences:  Verbal warning/private conference with student  Written Warning & parent phone call or email  Mandatory tutorials & parent phone call or email  Office referral & Removal from lab

Timeline (subject to change, as necessary, without notice):

Fall Semester

1st 6 weeks: Unit 01: Science Safety and Evidence-Based Thinking Unit 02: Ecology Unit 03: Biochemistry

2nd 6 weeks: Unit 03: Biochemistry (continued) Unit 04: Cells Unit 05: Cellular Processes: Photosynthesis and Respiration

3rd 6 weeks: Unit 06: Cellular Processes: Cell Cycle Unit 07: Cellular Processes: Protein Synthesis

Final exams (20% of semester average)

Spring Semester

4th 6 weeks: Unit 08: Genetics and Heredity Unit 09: Evolution

5th 6 weeks: Unit 09: Evolution (continued) Unit 10: Classification Unit 11: Viruses and Bacteria Unit 12: Plant Structures and Adaptations

6th 6 weeks: Unit 13: Body Systems Unit 14: Experimental Design

Final Exams (20% of semester average) Classroom and Lab Expectations:

 Students will obey all safety regulations and codes  No abusive language, foul language or inappropriate gestures  Absolutely NO food or drink in the classroom/lab  Students will get along with each other and function as a collaborative team  Think and act like a scientist  All school and HISD rules/policies will be enforced

HISD is excited to have a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) policy. This is an exciting time in education, and technology can be a wonderful tool in the classroom to promote student engagement and learning. I plan to utilize BYOT in my classroom as much as possible when applicable. In my classroom phones are to be turned off, unless told otherwise. On test day all electronics will be placed in a basket on my desk. If student is caught with a device out when it should not be, they will be given a verbal warning. The next offense is referred to their Assistant Principal.

Tutorial Schedule:

Dates will be announced. If the dates provided do not work with your schedule, I will do my best to arrange a time to give you the help you need.

***It is important that I have a valid email address and phone number for all parents/guardians. The best thing to do is email me your information at [email protected]. If you do not have email access, please send the info back with your child or call me at 936.435.6100 ext. 2601. Thank you 

I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Go Hornets!! * BE SAFE * BE RESPONSIBLE * BE RESPECTFUL *