Welcome to Biology!

Your Teacher! Ms. Kelley Breeze BA, Per-vetereinary Medicine and History; NC State MBA and MAT; NC State 2002 Graduate of DSA!

The hard truth… If you are willing to do the work, then you will enjoy the class and you will pass. It’s that simple. Really. If you do not keep up with the work, you will get behind very quickly. Once you’re behind, it is extremely difficult to catch up. So… DON’T GET BEHIND!!

NOTES Notes are a reality in any upper level academic class. Accept this and do not whine about it. You are not in middle school any more. You are expected to take neat, careful notes and keep them organized in a 3- ring binder. There will be unannounced notebook quizzes throughout the year. yay, notes!

How to take notes No talking during notes!!! (unless prompted by me) Write the title of notes in BIG BOLD LETTERS Write the date at the top of the page Write neatly and stay organized Use bullet points when necessary Write questions you have in the margins When I tell you to star or underline something, this means it’s important and will be on the test Answer all questions and fill in the blanks (if I give you guided notes)

Notebook Organization I prefer that you keep your notebooks in chronological order. What does this mean? That way, all the notes, homework, class work, and activities for each unit are all in one place, in the order we talked about them! (See how convenient that is??) If you have another way of keeping your papers organized, please see me for approval.

Biology in North Carolina This class is based on the new “Essential Standards” for Biology. You will be expected to master the material in the state curriculum by the end of the year. All students must pass the End-of-Course Exam (EOC). The test will be in May and is worth 25% of your final grade.

Syllabus Scientific method/Characteristics of life Ecology Cells DNA Genetics Evolution Taxonomy Plants Animals

Homework Homework is a must. I try to limit homework to a reasonable amount. Homework helps you practice what we’ve already discussed or prepares you for what’s next. Homework will be graded MOST days that it is assigned. I.E. don’t freak out when I decide NOT to collect something!

Labs To assist you in learning biology there will be laboratory experiments throughout the year. Labs must be completed and put in your laboratory folder. They will be a part of your grade. Lab folders are on the way! They’ll go in purple and green drawers Safety is very important during labs. What sorts of safety rules can you think of?

Questions????

Two Truths and a Lie Pair up with someone next to you Share with each other 2 truths and 1 lie about yourself Can be general or extravagant Be unique with your truth! See if your partner can guess which is a truth and which is a lie! Present your PARTNER’S name and a truth about them to the class!