Introduction Scientific Method and Experimentation

Title I

Biology I Syllabus Teacher—Susan Tuckniss Contact: 843-4707 or [email protected]

Introduction—Scientific Method and Experimentation (2 days) Essential Question: How does science really work?

Unit 1: Ecology and Ecosystems (2 weeks) Key Topics: Interactions of Living and Non-living factors, Populations, Biodiversity and Conservation Essential Questions: How do organisms live together in the physical environment? How have humans impacted the environment?

Unit 2: Biochemistry (1 week) Key Topics: Structure and Function of Macromolecules Essential Question: What are life’s chemical elements and how do they get the job done?

Unit 3: The Basic Unit of Life—The Cell (3 weeks) Key Topics: Cell Types, Structure, Function, and Processes; Cell Transport, Cell Growth, and Cell Reproduction--Mitosis Essential Questions: How do different kinds of cells get the job done?

Unit 4: Matter and Energy (3 weeks) Key Topics: Energy Flow Pyramid, Aerobic/Anaerobic Respiration, Photosynthesis/Respiration, Biogeochemical Cycles Essential Question: How does energy flow through the ecosystem?

Unit 5: Genetics—Genes and Heredity (4 weeks) Key Topics: DNA/RNA, Protein Synthesis, Mendel, Punnett Squares, Pedigrees, Meiosis/Genetic Variation, Ethics/Biotechnologies Essential Question: Why are we not exactly like our parents?

Unit 6: Diversity of Organisms (2 weeks) Key Topics: Evolution, Darwin, Classification of Organisms Essential Question: How is all of life related and how do we know?

Class Rules Number One Rule: RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT—for me and each other! Other Number One Rule: COME TO SCHOOL--PREPARED!!! Absences hurt!!! We will discuss some specifics regarding class rules on the first day.

Grading/Expectations Title I

Grading Daily Points (basic stuff): Daily assignments, worksheets, lecture/notes, pictures, essays/reports, labs, videos, quizzes Test Points (bigger stuff): Tests, Projects Mid-Term Test = two test grades End of Course Exam = Final Exam = 25 % of final grade!

Lectures/Notes: You must be quiet and attentive during the lecture; however, questions about the content are welcomed! You must take notes in your notebook. You must show your notes to the teacher to receive points. If you are absent, you are responsible for getting missed notes.

Daily Assignments/Worksheets: You must complete your OWN work even when working in partners or groups. Copying of a classmate’s work will result in a grade of zero. Directions must be followed, and work must be neatly written and turned in at the end of the allotted class time. If you are absent, you are responsible for asking for missed assignments.

Pictures: Drawing should be neat and clear. Everything should be colored and labeled.

Essays/Reports: All writing assignments should be neatly written or typed, using complete sentences and well-constructed paragraphs as indicated by the directions.

Labs: You MUST BE PRESENT to receive credit for a lab and lab report. Directions must be followed, and work must be neatly written and turned in at the end of class. All questions must be answered in complete sentences. If you are absent you may receive a lab report for review. The grade will not count against you if the absence is excused.

Videos: You MUST BE PRESENT to receive credit for watching educational videos and any written assignment associated with it. Videos may be made up during lunch if the absence is excused.

Quizzes: Any material presented in class may appear on a quiz. Please review your class work every day to help you be ready for a quiz at any time; however, MOST quizzes will be announced the day before or at the beginning of class. If you are absent, you must make up the quiz within two school days when you return.

Tests: Any material presented in class may appear on a test. Please review your class work every day to gradually get ready for a test. A study guide will be given before most tests. Notes, all class work, and quizzes should be used to complete study guides. If you are absent, you must make up the test within three school days when you return.

Projects: All projects should carefully follow directions and be neat and orderly. Remember special projects require TIME and PREPARATION. Give projects your best effort!