Welcome to Biology

Who am I? Northern Burlington Grad C/O Graduate of Trenton State College (The College of New Jersey). Double major: Biology/Secondary Education, Minor: psychology 13 th Year teaching at BTHS Proud Mom to Jadyn and Daniel

Who are you? Front of Card: 1.Name you want to be called (first and last) 2.Previous science classes, teachers, grade 3.Do you have internet access at home? 1. Address – if you answered “yes” to #3 4.What are you most interested in, in this class? 5.What grade do you hope to earn in this class?

How does this class work? Homework and Classwork (10%) –Homework and classwork is usually checked at the beginning of class. –Late homework and classwork is accepted, but will result in a 50% loss of credit. –You are responsible for finding out what homework you missed. –You will automatically receive a 0% for any missed grade, regardless of reason, until it is made up. –After the 6 th day of unexcused absence, I cannot accept it or give you a grade.

How does this class work? Quizzes (30%) –Weekly quizzes on stuff you’ve learned (usually on Friday). –I will drop at least the lowest quiz grade. –No makeup quizzes will be given, but I will give back points if you do better on that part of the test. –You will automatically receive a 0% for any missed quiz grade, regardless of reason, until it is made up. –After the 6 th day of unexcused absence, I cannot accept it or give you a grade.

How does this class work? Tests (60%) –The usual...Multiple Choice, T/F, Matching, Short Answer & Essay. –You will automatically receive a 0% for any missed test, regardless of reason, until it is made up. –After the 6 th day of unexcused absence, I cannot accept it or give you a grade.

Retest Policy –There are retakes allowed on tests, but you must make 2 appointments with me – one for study, one for a different test. –In order to be eligible for a retest, you must show to me, or Mr. Bartie, a completed review sheet or have prepared flash cards with the relevant material before taking the original test. Failure to do so will result in you forfeiting your chance to retest. Showing up for a study session the day of the test does not count as preparation.

How does this class work? Projects –Research project –Various group projects –May count as 1 quiz, multiple quizzes or a test.

What is Biology? Biology is the study of life!!

Next question is… If Biology is the study of life, what characteristics define something as being alive?

What are the Characteristics of Life? ATOM MOLECULE ORGANELLE CELL TISSUE ORGAN ORGAN SYSTEM ORGANISM 1. Biological Organization – Smallest level of classification of life is the cell Smallest Largest

What are the Characteristics of Life? Acquire materials and energy… Metabolism - biochemical reactions that acquire & use energy. Why do organisms need energy? How do organisms obtain energy?

Energy and Materials through: Photosynthesis and Respiration

What are the Characteristics of Life? Reproduction, Growth & Development Asexual reproduction - involves a single parent; progeny are genetically identical to the parent. Sexual reproduction - involves 2 parents; progeny are genetically diverse. Is it essential for an individual to reproduce?

What are the Characteristics of Life? Response to stimuli

What are the Characteristics of Life? Maintenance of Homeostasis Homeostasis - the ability of an organism to maintain its internal environment despite conditions in the external environment. Human body temperature is……… F if body temperature rises, you sweat. F if body temperature lowers, you shiver.

What are the Characteristics of Life Adapt Adaptation - an inherited behavior or characteristic that enables an organism to survive & reproduce. Over time, adaptations are modified by natural selection.