I. Course Title: Pre-AP Biology
II. Course Description/Objectives:
This course provides enrichment and acceleration for ninth grade honor students with special interests in science and math. Students are guided through comprehensive studies of the cell, genetics, and systems. A survey of the six kingdoms includes representative dissections. Students receive opportunities to participate in guided laboratory activities as well as independent studies to increase their critical thinking skills and laboratory techniques. This course will prepare students for Chemistry I Honors, AP Biology and Algebra II. Prerequisite: Geometry.
III. Grading Procedure: Six-week grades will be calculated as follows:
|
Daily Work/Pop Tests |
30% |
|
Major Exams |
30% |
|
Labs |
40% |
|
Six Week Grade |
100% |
Semester grades will be calculated in accordance to district policy. Each six-week grade for the semester will be counted twice and the semester exam will count once.
Unless otherwise specified, all homework and labs are due at the beginning of class unless otherwise stated by the instructor. I will accept late work, but will take 15 points off for every class the work is late. At the three-week period when progress reports are due, any zeros prior to that date will remain zeros unless the student has an excused absence for that zero. All make up exams regardless of reason for absence will be either essay or oral exams as determined by instructor.
For every 100 on a daily assignment or pop test, the student will receive a VIP coupon with their name on it good for 2 points on any major exam. VIP coupons cannot be used on the semester exams, end of course exams or district/state mandated exams. The VIP coupons must be used in the semester they are earned. Once a student’s exam has been graded, they must immediately decide if they will use a coupon. Students may use more than one coupon per major exam. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP UP WITH THEIR COUPONS! I will not replace lost or stole coupons.
Plagiarism and/or copying of other student’s assignments will result in a zero for the assignment and a letter grade deduction for citizenship for all students involved. This rule includes all lab work, as the only portion of a lab which may be the same between students is the raw data obtained in during experiment. All other sections are to be the student’s original work.
IV. General Supplies Needed:
Student provides and brings to class every day:
Pens, pencils and Colored pencils (Map pencils)
Hard cover lab book with sewn binding, preferably with graph paper instead of
lined.
Textbook provided as reference:
Miller, K. R. Ph.D., and Levine, J.L. Ph. (2004) Prentice Hall Biology,
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.
V. Classroom Rules (other rules will be added as needed):
1. Respect is expected at all times to me as your teacher, the other students and to school property.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given. If you are asked to stop inappropriate or disruptive behavior, you will STOP IMMEDIATELY. If you are asked a second time, you will be removed from the classroom. Sleeping in class is not tolerated. Even if you put your head down, your eyes are open and state you are listening, you will still be considered sleeping in class.
3. Food and drinks are not allowed in my classroom. I will take these items up and throw them away! DO NOT BRING FOOD OR DRINK INTO THE CLASSROOM!
4. Stereo's (Walkman's, etc.), headsets, pagers, mobile phones (cell phones), laser pointers, Gameboys or other electronic devices (except approved calculators) are not allowed in my classroom or in the building. This includes “ear buds.” I WILL TAKE THESE ITEMS UP AND SEND THEM TO THE ASSISSTANT PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE AFTER SCHOOL.
5. Come to class prepared with all materials. This includes pen or pencil, paper, lab composition book, map pencils and assigned work. NO PERSONAL GROOMING. Personal grooming is to be done at home or during passing period, NOT during class time.
6. Be in your assigned seat and quite when the bell rings. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise. Each tardy will result in 1/3 A LETTER GRADE being deducted from your citizenship grade.
7. Hall passes will not be issued. Students are expected to prepare for this class in advance. Going to the bathroom or locker is to be done during passing period, not during class time.
8. All students are required to keep track of their own grade and assignments. IT IS YOUR GRADE AND IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW WHERE YOU STAND AT ALL TIMES.
9. Follow all rules found in the "Student Code of Conduct" and "Student Handbook."
10. Other rules maybe added as needed. See addendum for Internet Usage.
CONSEQUENCES:
First Time: Verbal warning 1/3 a letter grade off citizenship grade
Second Time: 10 minutes D-hall 1/3 a letter grade off citizenship grade, possible removal
from classroom and call to parents.
Third Time: 20 minutes D-hall 1/3 a letter grade off citizenship grade, Call to parents,
Removal from classroom
Fourth Time: Referral to the office, a full letter grade off citizenship grade, Removal from classroom
Repetitive non-compliance will warrant a referral to the office.
Automatic trip (referral) to the office:
1. Violation of dress code.
2. Cursing or writing curse words
3. Refusing to follow instructions
4. Willful destruction of property – This includes writing on the desk!
5. Willfully hurting other and/or self (fighting)
6. All violations outlined in the "Student Code of Conduct" and "Student Handbook" that warrant immediate referral to the office.