Central Gwinnett High School

Central Gwinnett High School HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE...... HONORS/ GIFTED BIOLOGY TERM...... FALL 2013 TEACHER...... Brad Callahan ROOM #...... 8207

Email Address [email protected] Teacher Web Page www.centralgwinnett.net Teacher Support Tuesday and Thursday PM.(before and after swim season). In class remediation for test scores below 85% (Help sessions etc.) will be held after each unit exam. The Parent Center is available as a resource for students and parents. COURSE DESCRIPTION Concepts for this two-semester course include interdependence of organisms; the relationship of matter, energy, and organization in living systems; the behavior of organisms; and biological evolution. Students will investigate biological concepts through experience in laboratories and field work using the processes of inquiry and completing a science fair project that may be placed in the school wide science fair.

*For a listing of specific course related skills, please refer to the Gwinnett County Public Schools Academic Knowledge and Skills handbook or on the World Wide Web at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/ COURSE CURRICULUM CONTENT The entire list of Academic, Knowledge and Skills for each of the following curriculum strands in this course can be accessed through the district web address at www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us AKS STRANDS UNITS/TOPICS A. Characteristics of Science AKS 1-7 1. Introduction to Biology- science safety, scientific method, process skills 2. Ecology (9 weeks) - energy flow, relationships among organisms, nutrient cycles, succession, human impact on the environment, plant and animal adaptations. 3. Cells- (9 weeks)- organelles and functions, cell B. Academic Knowledge AKS 8, 11 theory, , homeostasis, transport, factors affecting cell transport, organic molecules, enzymes, cell energy (respiration/photosynthesis), cell cycle, cell reproduction

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES Published Materials Instructional Supplies Online access to the textbook will be made available during 1) Spiral Notebook (100 pages)- sturdy cover is the first week of class through www.classzone.com. preferable 2) Glue Sticks or clear tape Online resources that accompany textbook can be accessed Pens/Pencils through www.classzone.com 3) 4) Colored Pencils McDougall Littell- Biology (2008) Cost: $ 96.90 5) Highlighters ISBN# 978-0-618-59658-4 6) Loose leaf paper 7) 2 pocket folder

EVALUATION AND GRADING Assignments Grade Weights Grading Scale Class assessment : class work, homework, Class Assessments 20% A: 90 and above lab reports, quizzes Quizzes/Notebook Check 15% B: 80 – 89 Summative Assessment 40% C: 74 – 79 Summative assessment: unit tests, major Final Exam 15% D: 70 – 73 assignments/projects, performance County Interim 5% F: 69 or below assessment, county post test Performance Assessment 5%

County Interim Assessment

Biology Course Syllabus – Page 1 of 3 BIOLOGY CLASS RULES:

PLEASE do all that you can to help keep our room clean!! Basic rule of thumb -- leave it as clean if not CLEANER than you found it!!!

1. Be on time for class. See school’s tardy policy for consequences. 2. Have your book, notebook, writing utensils, and all needed materials ready to begin class. Work that is due that day must be turned in promptly at the BEGINNING of class – see board for specific directions daily. 3. All work assigned is expected to be completed by the due date. LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED. WORK NOT HANDED IN ON TIME WILL RECEIVE A GRADE OF ZERO. Tests that are missed will be made up the afternoon of your return – plan accordingly! Others have to wait for papers to be returned when you are absent – try to be here if at ALL possible! 4. All papers should have your name, date and period in the upper right hand corner. Papers without a name will be placed in the no-name bin, but no credit will be awarded until the student claims the paper and turns it in to Mr. Callahan. 5. There will be an academic penalty for cheating or allowing others to cheat from your work -- you will receive a zero, and you will be reported to the curriculum office for academic dishonesty. Your work should be YOUR WORK – some collaboration is expected, but answers should be in your own words…. 6. You are expected to show respect to all others in the class setting at all times. Classroom disturbances of any kind will not be tolerated. Please do not ask to leave the room except for emergencies. Take care of personal needs on your own time, and do not ask to leave class unless there is an emergency. 7. The following are NOT allowed in this classroom: food of ANY kind, drinks (except water), hats, iPods, cell phones and other items as stated by the administration in the student handbook. 8. Please check your work area each day. Place all trash in the trash cans and/or recycling bins. Any lab equipment should be cleaned and returned to the proper location before you leave. 9. Pay careful attention to safety rules at all times. Failure to follow lab safety rules will result in disciplinary action. 10. Students are EXPECTED to access Mr. Callahan’s CGHS webpage to check classwork, homework, links, handouts, notes, and other announcements. If you do not have access to the internet from home, there are student computers in each classroom and in the media center. Printing out assignments should occur AT HOME OR IN THE MEDIA CENTER prior to class – if not turned in on time, the assignments are late and not accepted for credit.

The syllabus may be updated as needed throughout the semester.

Biology Course Syllabus – Page 2 of 3 Biology Credit Recovery Opportunity

Upon completion of each unit test, students will be given an opportunity for enrichment or remediation. All students must complete credit recovery requirements in order to improve their test grade for each unit test and ensure mastery of content. All students will complete credit recovery and redo all missed questions with valid explanations of correct answers from the unit test. These explanations will be evaluated and correct responses will be awarded half credit per question.

 Students that score 85% or above on the unit test will complete credit recovery of missed questions, and an enrichment activity that might provide an opportunity to receive a coupon for extra points on a non-test assignment that may be used anytime throughout the semester.

 Students that score below 85% will complete credit recovery of missed questions and have an opportunity to retake the exam. Students will receive either their credit recovery points or the test retake grade (whichever is higher).

The first test grade entered into the teacher’s grade book for a unit test will not affect their class grade. The second test grade entered into the grade book will reflect their credit recovery or test retake efforts on the unit test. The final test grade will not be entered into the grade book until the credit recovery requirements are completed.

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Student Name: (Print)______Class Period:______

Please take a moment to read and sign the statement regarding this credit recovery opportunity along with having a parents/guardian read and sign this policy.

I have read and understand the credit recovery opportunity and requirements to improve my grade throughout this semester.

Student Signature:______

I have read and understand my child’s credit recovery opportunity and requirements to improve their grade throughout this semester.

Parent Signature:______

Return the bottom portion of this form to your Biology teacher and place the top portion in your interactive notebook with your syllabus.

Biology Course Syllabus – Page 3 of 3