Hendrickson High School Biology 2015-2016

HENDRICKSON HIGH SCHOOL 1BIOLOGY 2015-2016

Teacher Name: Alfred Kapa Room Number: B211 Conference Periods: 1A Email: [email protected] Study Hall and Tutoring Time: Mon - Thur from 4:20-5:00 (AM by appointment only)

In Biology, students conduct field and laboratory investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical-thinking and scientific problem-solving. Students in Biology 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; ecosystems; and plants and the environment.

Topics cover the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills) and will prepare students to pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR. Students MUST pass the STAAR Biology End of Course exam in order to graduate.

Science is a way of learning about the natural world. Students should know how science has built a vast body of changing and increasing knowledge described by physical, mathematical, and conceptual models, and also should know that science may not answer all questions.

Required Materials: 3-ring binder + paper 1 blue or black pen 1 red pen Composition notebook Pencils Optional: Highlighters (spirals not acceptable) Set of 5 dividers for binder

Learning Strategies: Class notes/discussions, lab experiments, individual & cooperative group projects, lectures, demonstrations, type III writings, journals, exit tickets and various assessments.

Assignments are often started in class and expected to be finished at home. Turn in all assignments at the beginning of class unless other instructions have been given. Remember: The person who does the work is the one who learns. Copying is considered academic dishonesty and is distinguished by the teacher when assigning grades.

 WORK SUBMITTED LATE IS NOT GIVEN FULL CREDIT.  WORK SUBMITTED LATE MUST BE FULLY COMPLETED OR WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  AN ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT MAY BE GIVEN TO REPLACE MISSING ASSIGNMENTS AT TEACHER DISCRETION.

Lab Expectations: Each unit will have lab activities. During lab time students MUST follow all lab rules to ensure the safety of all students. There can be absolutely NO horseplay during class time. PISD Laboratory Safety Rules will be strictly enforced at all times. (Students will discuss and cover these rules in class and will have to pass a Safety test before they may begin lab activities.) Students will be expected to sit at their assigned lab tables and follow all instructions.

Safety is our first priority. Safety rules & guidelines are covered at the beginning of this course and a safety contract is signed and kept on file. Students should also be respectful, responsible, & resourceful. Grading: Please note that grades are assigned to the categories listed below at the discretion of the teacher.

70% - Major Assessments May include: Unit Tests, Long term projects, or other assessments items determined to be major as determined by the teacher and are announced. 30% -Daily Grades May include: Quizzes – announced or unannounced, Lab Assignments, Notebook checks, homework, warm up checks, exit tickets, grade checks, etc.

Assessments of various types cover each topic. Make ups or retakes, if needed, should be scheduled with your teacher.

 If you miss an assignment or an assessment they will be marked with an “M” (missing) in Focus and count as a zero until completed, scored and posted.  After the 3-week deadline has passed, any remaining “missing” grades will be posted as “0” zero.  Retest on assessments may be taken if the student scores below a 70 and meets ALL retesting criteria. Students will have 5 class days to meet the criteria and retest.  Minor assessment grades may be corrected/redone for a grade up to a 70.

What’s an Assessment of Learning? Quizzes, Tests, Project, Probing questions, Exit ticket, Performance, Presentation, Labs, Warm-up, Homework (depends), ABC Cards, Interactive Clicker, Essays, Worksheet, Type III Writings …Etc.

Semester Grades: Two Nine Weeks Grades = 90% (45% each) Exams (midterm & final) = 10%

Exemption will follow district policy determined for that term. Students must earn at least a 70 OVERALL YEAR AVERAGE in the course to be awarded credit.

Student Progress Parents/guardians will receive a report at least every 3 weeks. It is REQUIRED that every student have on-line access to monitor their grades through Focus. Grades may be accessed through the “Parent” tab from the PISD website.

Please note that students have their own Focus account and this does not alter the parent settings.

Class Guidelines: 1. Students can be marked tardy if not in the room and prepared with class materials AFTER THE INSTRUCTION BELL RINGS, students will be required to get a tardy pass to enter class. 2. Come to class on time prepared with proper materials. 3. Treat others with respect 4. Sit in assigned seat during instruction. 5. NO selling of fund-raisers without permission first...otherwise you will forfeit your goods and have to pick them up from your Principal. 6. Follow HHS policies of personal electronic devices such as phones, cameras, mp3 players. 7. Wearing of ear-buds or headphones inside the class room is not allowed. 8. Follow all instructions given and stay on assigned task. 9. Do every assignment fully and turn it in on time. 10. 11. 12. SUGGESTIONS FOR SUCCESS IN BIOLOGY

1. Do every assignment. Most frequently the people that do poorly in this class do so because they are not doing their homework and assignments. Likewise, those that do every assignment usually do very well in the class.

2. Carry a good attitude. Tenacity and perseverance will most of the time take you further than someone with a high IQ and a sour disposition. Participation, cooperativeness, attitude, responsibility, work habits, promptness, dependability, and enthusiasm can affect your grade.

3. Come in for help if you genuinely do not understand a subject or topic. ANY Biology teacher on this list will be glad to help you as much as possible. Study Hall & Tutoring times are listed below:

Biology Make-up and Study Hall times

Teacher/Room Morning Sessions Afternoon Sessions

Ms. Cunningham D204 Not available By appointment Mon-Tue; Thur.-Fri. Mrs. Chambers B204 By appointment 8:15 – 8:50 Mon-Tue; Thur.-Fri. Mrs. Hotchkin B203 By appointment 8:15 – 8:50 Tue-Thur. Monday through Thursday Ms. Long B207 8:15 – 8:50 4:20 – 5:15pm Mon, Tue, Thur & Fri. Monday through Thursday Mr. Kapa B211 (mornings by appointment) 4:20 – 5:00pm Monday through Friday Mr. Webb B205 Mornings by appointment 4:20 – 5:20pm Tuesday and Thursday Mr. Mikolajczyk B101 Mornings by appointment 4:20 – 5:15pm

I have an open door policy. The mornings are when I have most of my meetings, so tutoring is difficult. However, if I am in my room, students are welcome to come ask for assistance. I reserve the right to move students to another teacher during the mornings if I am called out of my room.

A late bus is provided every Tuesday-Thursday evening @ 5:30 PM for student transportation for those assigned detentions or attending study hall, late night library, or tutorials.