Welcome to Mrs. Brock’s and Mrs. Wood’s Biology Class Ah, there’s nothing more exciting than science. You get all the fun of sitting still, being quiet, writing down numbers, paying attention. – Science has it all! 1

A little about me… Angela Brock Graduated from MHS in ’88 17 th year of teaching at MHS Children: Ty – 12, Jacob - 9 B.S. Shorter College M.Ed. Berry College Ed.S. Lincoln Memorial U I watch WAY too much TV, love to travel, camp, bicycle, walk, kayak, play tennis and watch my boys play baseball! 2

Mrs. Wood... oBeen at Model 6 years oGraduated from Coosa High School oBachelors degree from Shorter oMasters from Jacksonville State oJUST GOT MARRIED!! oHave a dog named Buddy oLike to garden, play on the lake, ride bikes, run, and read 3

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Our expectations... “I can’t” is the acronym for “I Completely Admit I’m Not Trying” Anything is possible when you try! 5

What Are Procedures? Procedures are put in place for our classroom so you will know what is expected of you on a daily basis. This will allow us to focus all of our attention on the wonderful world of BIOLOGY! 6

Entering Class Procedures The Big, Red “M” Is Your Friend! The “M” on the board represents the Materials you will need for class. Beneath you will find our lesson for the day. Please have these items and be in your seat working on your “Bell Ringer” by the time the tardy bell rings each day. M Agenda Textbook Pencil Paper Folder Newton: May the force be with you! 7

“Whose turn is it to talk?” Procedures We will all have the opportunity to talk. When it is your turn, we will all listen. When it is my turn, we will all listen. When you hear my voice, keep eyes on me, and be ready for instructions. I will have something to say. 8

Syllabus... Please keep this in your notebook You will need to refer back to it from time to time. The dates for the articles are VERY IMPORTANT! 9

Tardies You must be sitting in your desk when the bell rings or you are tardy. You will not be admitted to class late without a note from a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Once you enter the classroom you may not return for a note. Every two tardies results in D-hall. 10

Absence Procedures Do your best never to be absent. I understand sometimes we get sick, but try to always be here. 11

Re-Taking Tests A test may be re-taken with the following guidelines: 1. The test must be re-taken within 5 days of the first attempt. 2. You must come to me to go over and correct the original test. You will not be given the re- take until you meet with me and do corrections. 3. The final grade will be a maximum of a 70 PLUS 10% of the original test grade. 12

Student Information Sheet Please have a parent fill out the information on the Student Information Sheet and return it tomorrow. Syllabi returned tomorrow will receive a grade of 100. Syllabi returned after tomorrow will be reduced 10 points for each successive day until Friday. It WILL NOT be accepted for credit after Friday. 13

Supplies Procedures Please make sure that you have your notebook textbook paper pen or pencil I do not loan out any of these items. 14

What is Biology? Simply put, it is the study of life -- life in all of its grandeur. From the very small algae to the very large elephant, life has a certain wonder about it. With that in mind, how do we know if something is living? Is a virus alive or dead? What are the characteristics of life? These are all very important questions with equally important answers. 15

Basic Principles of Biology The foundation of biology as it exists today is based on five basic principles. They are the cell theory, gene theory, evolution, homeostasis, and laws of thermodynamics. 16

all living organisms are composed of cells. The cell is the basic unit of life. Cell Theory 17

Gene Theory traits are inherited through gene transmission. Genes are located on chromosomes and consist of DNA. 18

Evolution any genetic change in a population that is inherited over several generations. These changes may be small or large, noticeable or not so noticeable. 19

Homeostasis ability to maintain a constant internal environment in response to environmental changes. 20

Thermodynamics energy is constant and energy transformation is not completely efficient. 21