My Child and I Have Read and Discussed the Classroom Syllabus

BIOLOGY Syllabus

James Clemens High School Teacher: Mrs. Lynn Owens 11306 County Line Road Madison, AL 35756 Email: [email protected]

Phone: 256-216-5313 ext. 95056

I. Course This course focuses on the vast diversity of organisms and the characteristics that Description: define life. Units include biodiversity, cells, interdependence, genetics, and evolution. Inquiry based laboratory work is required.

II. Course  When students complete this course they will have a solid foundation of life Objectives: science concepts and have had practice in important life skills. As students learn more about living things they will practice strategies and apply concepts in order to develop skills needed for further study in science as well as for careers they may pursue down the road – measuring, reading, researching, communicating coherently in writing and speaking using basic scientific terminology, thinking critically and working cooperatively.

III. Classroom 1.Be on time. Tardy means that you are not totally in the room when the bell rings. Expectations: JCHS policy governs the consequences for tardiness. 2.Practice courtesy and mutual respect. This means follow the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. 3.Come prepared for class—mentally and with proper materials.

Accommodations: Requests for accommodations for this course or any school event are welcomed from students and parents.

Concerning laptop utilization: 1. Student laptops should not be hard wired to the network or have print capabilities. 2. Use of discs, flash drives, jump drives, or other USB devices will not be allowed on Madison City computers. 3. Neither the teacher, nor the school is responsible for broken, stolen, or lost laptops. 4. Laptops and other electronic devices will be used at the individual discretion of the teacher.

IV. Grading Policy: Test grades will account for 70% of the 9-weeks grade, with the remaining 30% being determined by quiz/daily grades. The grading scale is as follows: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (65-69), and F (below 65). Grades will be a reflection of mastery of the standards. Make sure all absences are excused as class work can be made up and graded for excused absences only. The Final Exam counts for 1/5 of final grade.

V. Make-up Test Make-up tests are only allowed for excused absences. Make-up test day is Thu. at Policy: 7:15 in H102. A student has two chances to make up a test. Students are responsible for obtaining a pass from the teacher the day before the morning make-up date.

VI. Text and Other Text: Biology; Prentice Hall Required Reading:

I. Materials and Science folder/binder section, notebook paper, writing utensil, Biology Book and a Supplies roll of paper towels Needed:

18 – WEEK PLAN Week Scientific Method and Laboratory Techniques 1 Week Chemistry of Life – including reactants and products associated with photosynthesis 2 and cellular respiration Week Cell Structure and processes 3 Week Cell Structure and processes 4  Week Cell Reproduction 5  Week Genetics 6 Week Genetics 7  Week Theory of Evolution and Classification Systems 8 Week Bacteria, Protists, and Fungi – distinguishing based on characteristics 9  Week Bacteria, Protists, and Fungi – distinguishing based on characteristics 10 Week Plants 11 Week Plants 12 Week Animals – including classification of invertebrates according to characteristics 13 Week Animals - including classification of vertebrates according to type of skeletal 14 structure, method of fertilization and reproduction, body symmetry, body coverings, and locomotion Week Ecology -including protective adaptations of animals, including mimicry, camouflage, 15 beak type, migration, and hibernation and the flow of energy as it decreases through the trophic levels from producers to the quaternary level in food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids.

BIOLOGY Syllabus

James Clemens High School Teacher: Mrs. Lynn Owens 11306 County Line Road Madison, AL 35756 Email: [email protected]

Phone: 256-216-5313 ext. 95056

Week Ecology - including biogeochemical cycles through the environment, including water, 16 carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen and biomes based on environmental factors and native organisms. Week Ecology – including density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors that 17 affect populations in an ecosystem Week Review and Final Exam 18 * The syllabus serves as a guide for both the teacher and student; however, during the term it may become necessary to make additions, deletions, or substitutions. Adequate notice will be provided to students of any necessary changes.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I look forward to having a great year! I feel fortunate to have your son/daughter in my class this semester and hope that you will contact me should you have any concerns about the progress of your son/daughter or any aspect of the instruction. With your son/daughter, please read the attached policies, then sign and date this signature page and have your son/daughter return this form. Please provide a current email address and phone number at which I can contact you should the need arise. Please contact me at school with any concerns.

Thank you,

My child and I have read and discussed the classroom syllabus.

Student Name (Print) ______Date______

Student Signature______Date______

Parent/Guardian Name (Print)______Date______

Parent/Guardian Signature______Date______

Email address______(w) ______(h)

Phone number______(w) ______(h) ______(c)

I incorporate an online site for Chemistry. Students are expected to print class notes from the Edmodo site each unit and complete assignments as required. Is there any reason your child cannot access the internet outside of school hours to complete assignments?

_____ YES my child will be able to access the internet outside of school hours to complete online assignments.

_____ NO my child cannot access the internet outside of school hours to complete online assignments.

Students are encouraged to bring their own electronic device to school.