Course Information and Expectations

BIOLOGY SYLLABUS COURSE INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS Ms. Abigail Hawkens [email protected] 314-983-5933

Introduction & Welcome: I am delighted to welcome you to biology class for the 2016-2017 academic school year. This year will be challenging and exciting as we delve into a dynamic course of study that examines many of the life processes occurring right under our very noses. I am looking forward to sharing in the learning process with each and every one of you. Whenever you need extra help, please make arrangements to meet with me after school or during Seminar in trailer 1A. Please seek assistance early so that we can all have a successful, productive, and positive year.

Contact Info My e-mail is [email protected], and I check it frequently. My web site is accessible through the school’s website http://www.ladue.k12.mo.us/lhwhs/ (click on High School, Science Department, and Hawkens). The website has a class calendar with daily activities, assignments, due dates, downloadable documents, helpful links, and an on-line access to the textbook. The best way to find assignments, due dates, tests dates, etc. is on the website calendar.

Course Description: Grade Placement: 9 Length of course: 1 year Credit: 1 This course is a detailed study of the structure and function of both plants and animals. Topics include molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, taxonomy, natural selection, human anatomy, genetic engineering and evolution. Laboratory activities using the microscope and microbiological techniques will be included. Students should have a good working knowledge of the scientific method, an understanding of the atomic structure, and basic laboratory experience for success in this course.

Course Outline: May be modified for time at teacher’s discretion First Semester: 1. The Science of Biology/Biology & You 2. Chemistry & Biochemistry 3. Cell Structure & Environment 4. Reproduction of Cells, Plants & Humans 5. Mendel & Heredity 6. DNA Structure & Function

Second Semester: 1. Protein Synthesis 2. Human Genetics/Patterns of Inheritance 3. Gene Technology 4. Evolution Classification 5. Ecology 6. Infectious Diseases/Pathogens/Immune System Course Expectations, Policies, and Procedures:

1. Behavior Expectations: a. Students are expected to follow the guidelines of the student handbook for tardiness and behavior. Failure to do so will result in consequences as outlined in the student handbook. b. Students should review notes daily for preparation of quizzes, test and reinforcement activities. c. Students should show respect to Ms. Hawkens, other students, guests and substitute teachers.

2. Students should bring class binder, writing utensils, book, paper, scientific calculator and a positive attitude to class each day.

3. Students may bring bottled water to class. Other food and drinks are not allowed due to the laboratory component of the class. The first time a student brings these items to class they will be asked to put them away. The second time a student brings food or drink into the classroom these items will be confiscated.

4. Students should prepare themselves with proper attire, food, rest and grooming before they come to class.

5. Electronic devices and phones are not permitted during class time unless they are being utilized as a planner or are part of a class activity. If a cell phone is being utilized inappropriately during class time, the student will be asked to put their cell phone away. If cell phone usage becomes a problem, the cell phone will be confiscated and turned into the principal’s office. A parent phone call will also be made. This class is a no texting zone!

6. iPad Mini Usage: Students are expected to bring their charged iPad and power cord to class each day. iPads can only be used and visible on the student's desk when the teacher has explicitly announced their allowable use. If a student is using their iPad at a time deemed inappropriate by the teacher and/or if the student is not using the device for instructional purposes (i.e. visiting or using apps or sites the teacher has not expressly allowed), students will be disciplined using the three-strike policy:  First strike: student will be given a verbal warning.  Second strike: iPad will be taken for the remainder of the class period and parent/guardian will be notified.  Third strike: iPad will be turned over to the grade level administrator, a referral will be issued, and the administration will provide the necessary discipline.

7. Late work: a. Accepted upon return for full credit with an Excused Absence only b. Accepted one day late with a 15% deduction for unexcused absence. c. Accepted by the unit notebook check for a 50% deduction. Any work submitted after a unit is complete will result in a zero in the grade book.

8. Make-up work: this is the responsibility of the student. A student is not excused from an assignment because they were absent. a. Any absence: A student may refer to the class website to see what assignments they missed and download these assignments (worksheets, journals, and labs) from the website or retrieve them from Ms. Hawkens during Seminar. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain missing lecture notes from the website, a classmate or lab partner. b. Excused absences: The student will have the same number of days to complete the work for full credit as the number of days missed. c. Unexcused absences: The student will not have extra days to complete the work and will receive late credit for the assignment. d. Tests & Labs: are to be made up after school by appointment, in the testing center, or during Seminar. Students have one week to complete the lab or test and must schedule a time with Ms. Hawkens in advance. After the one-week period the missing work will be recorded in the grade book as a zero.

9. Extra Credit: Students have the option of completing test corrections after each unit test for extra credit points. Students are required to write out the missed question and the correct answer on a separate sheet of paper. Each corrected question is worth .5 points.

10. Tardiness & Absenteeism: any student not in the classroom and in their seat when the bell rings is tardy. Excessive tardiness and absenteeism will be documented through infinite campus and can im- pact a student’s citizenship grade, parking privileges, and potentially result in a referral.

Absence & Tardy Policies (per quarter) Type Number Citizenship Consequence Unexcused Absence 1 I Unexcused Absence 2+ U Unexcused Tardy 3 I Unexcused Tardy 4 U Detention Unexcused Tardy 5+ U Detention, Possible Referral Excused Tardy Excessive TBA Referral

11. Hall passes: it is expected that students use passing time for locker, restroom, and water breaks. To leave the room, students must write their own pass with the following information: name, date, time, and teacher’s signature. Students must also sign out on the class clipboard before leaving the classroom. Hall passes will not be given during: a. The first 5 minutes of class. b. The last 5 minutes of class. c. Direct instructional time.

12. Academic Honesty Policy: cheating is defined in the student handbook and will result in zero points for that assignment, an office referral, and a phone call to the parent. Students are not to copy classmates’ work. Working together on assignments is often possible, but each student must submit work in his or her own words.

13. Academic Lab: You will find me trailer 1A for Seminar. Use Seminar time to go over homework, finish labs, receive extra help, check your grades, or complete any makeup work.

Grading Information: Grades are calculated on a cumulative basis for each semester (total points earned divided by total points possible). About one third of the grade comes from the interactive notebook, one third from exams and quizzes, and the final third coming from projects, labs, and the final exam. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative interactive notebook. In the interactive notebook students will keep: • Notebook Checklist/Table of Contents • Homework Assignments • Labs and Lab Questions • Notes & Critical Thinking Questions

Students will use the notebook as: • A place to keep and organize work • A tool to use to study for tests • A place to make corrections and express thoughts/ideas • A portfolio of accomplishments

Notebook Grading: • Students may correct work as assignments are discussed in class. • Individual assignments may be spot checked directly from the notebook. • Some assignments will be collected from the notebook and graded individually. • Notebooks will be collected at the end of each unit, and points will be given based on the work represented in the notebook.

Course Grading Scale: H 97– 100% B+ 87 – 89% C+ 77 – 79% D+ 67 – 69% A 93 – 96 % B 83 – 86% C 73 – 76% D 63 – 66% A- 90 – 92% B- 80 – 82% C- 70 – 72% D- 60 – 62%

Required Materials:  1, 3” binder  Biology Text Book: Miller & Levine Biology  Charged iPad mini with power cord  Plenty of loose leaf paper  Ink pens and pencils  Additional items upon request

Extra Help & Note to Parents: My number one goal is to meet the needs of my students. If a student is struggling or needs clarification, I strongly encourage them to seek my help before or after school or during Seminar. Parents, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am your resource, and together we can ensure that your children are successful in my class this school year!

Sincerely,

Abigail H. Hawkens Please complete the signature page and return to class for a 5-point assignment due on ______.

I have read the syllabus and understand what is expected of me for this class. I have reviewed the syllabus with my parent/guardian and know that they may be in contact with Ms. Hawkens for any reason using the following information: Email address: [email protected]

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______Parent/Guardian name (print) Date

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