WELCOME BACK! BIOLOGY MRS. RAMOS B-22

Course Description Biology focuses on the theme of “function”. This course in designed so that students may become science literate. Students are expected to explain ideas or concepts in their own words, relate them to other topics, and apply them in a new context.

Biology: An Overview What is Biology? What is Biology? Ecology Ecology Cells Cells Heredity Heredity DNA and Genetics DNA and Genetics Change thru Time (Evolution) Change thru Time (Evolution) Biodiversity Biodiversity Plants Plants Invertebrates Invertebrates Vertebrate Vertebrate

You will do… Science Fair Project (Feb 7) Science Fair Project (Feb 7) Field Trips???? Field Trips???? Dissections Dissections

TEXTBOOK Glencoe Biology: The Dynamics of Life is the basic text used in the biology courses. A book can be checked out for the whole year, but a classroom set is available. If the book is lost, or damaged in any way the student is responsible to pay a $55 fee.

Class Rules 1) Respect yourself, others, and the classroom 2) Be prepared 3) Follow all school rules 4) Follow instructions 5) Be nice to the teacher.

Materials Your Brain! Your Brain! Writing utensil (no red, pink, or fluorescent pens). Writing utensil (no red, pink, or fluorescent pens). Science Journal Science Journal 3-prong Folder w/ paper 3-prong Folder w/ paper A GOOD ATTITUDE! A GOOD ATTITUDE! Pens, pencils, folders, and paper are available for 25¢ each. Pens, pencils, folders, and paper are available for 25¢ each. DO NOT FORGET ANY OF THESE! YOUR GRADE DEPENDS ON IT!!!!!

Science Journal Will Write Journal entry everyday in paper provided. Will Write Journal entry everyday in paper provided. All hand-out given in class should be hole- punched and kept in journal All hand-out given in class should be hole- punched and kept in journal Class notes, lab reports, or any other class activity should be stored in the journal. Class notes, lab reports, or any other class activity should be stored in the journal. Keep it in the classroom or take it home. Keep it in the classroom or take it home.

ATTENDANCE BE HERE! BE HERE! You are expected to be in your seats and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. You’re considered tardy if you are not in your seats with your Science Journal, ready to start class. Attendance is crucial to the success of the student!

ASSINGNMENTS In this class assignments will take a variety of forms. They may be given as homework or in class. Students will be required to keep a Science Journal for this class. Students will keep ALL WORK in their science journal. It is imperative that the students bring their journal every day to class.

ASSIGNMENTS cont. Assignments should be kept in their Science Journals. Assignments are corrected every two weeks when the science journals are collected. Assignment are due on the day stated. Papers that are one day late have a 50% grade reduction. Papers that are late by more than one day will not be accepted. A massive attempt at “catching up” by handing in a ton of late work at the last minute is unacceptable.

ASSINGNMENTS cont. If you are going to be absent for activities you know about in advance, you should request the work for the classes you are going to miss before the activity, and then hand in this work upon your return to class. The student is responsible to find out the work he or she missed during an absence. Students have to hand in their work the day after they come back from their absence. If the absence is for more than two days the student should make arrangements with the teacher. Mrs. Ramos Website has all your work and Daily Journal entries. No excuses not to get your work done. Mrs. Ramos Website

ASSINGNMENTS cont. Papers that are folded, sloppy, and/or unreadable will not be accepted. (Papers can be made up at a 50% reduction in value point)

LAB FEE All students will be assessed an $10.00 lab fee per year. This will be collected in class (or the office) and will be used for classroom supplies.

EXTRA CREDIT Extra Credit will be available for every unit. Students are allowed to do one science TV program write up and two science articles write-ups each unit. Other special extra credit opportunities might be announced as they come up.

TEST/QUIZZES Most of the units will end with some kind of assessment although they will not always be paper/pencil tests. Students should expect a quiz at any time. Students will have 1 week to make-up any tests or quizzes missed. It is the students responsibility to make the arrangements to make-up a test.

GRADES Grading for this course will emphasize assignments done in groups or individually (50%). Tests, quizzes, journal writing, and labs will make up the remainder of the grade. The grade break is as follows: % A 79-77% C % D % A % C 59-0% Fail 87-89% B % C % B 69-67% D % B % D

PLEASE RETURN FORM BY AUGUST 30TH WITH THE $10.00 LAB FEE AND RECEIVE 50 POINTS EXTRA CREDIT.

Looking for a Good T.A. Any period 1-6 Any period 1-6 Able to follow instructions Able to follow instructions Two teacher recommendations Two teacher recommendations At least a 2.0 GPA, and a 3.0 CPA At least a 2.0 GPA, and a 3.0 CPA As Mrs. Ramos for more details As Mrs. Ramos for more details