Syllabus

 Chanda Davis    

 

Biology Syllabus                   

2010-2011

cdavis@hsv.k12.al.us                      

www.chandadavis.net

256-428-8050 ext.162

 Course Description

Biology is the study of living things from the smallest bacterium to the largest tree.

Science is a human endeavor that relies on reasoning, insight, skill, and creativity. A parallel reliance on scientific habits of mind such as intellectual honesty, tolerance of ambiguity, skepticism, and openness to new ideas is crucial to the advancement of science and technology. Students need to learn how to maintain and improve the quality of life. In order to accomplish this, students need to understand the connection between oneself and the world around them.

 Textbook/Resources

 Alabama State Course of Study for Science in Biology, Alabama High School Graduation Exam Objectives for Science, Modern Biology: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Science in Motion, United Streaming, State National Objective Guidelines, Laying the Foundation through Experimental Design, ALEX and www.chandadavis.net.

Objectives

Students will have an understanding of the following concepts upon completion of this class:

      Laboratory safety, laboratory procedures, scientific method, SI units                       

      Cell processes, plant and animal cells, surface area, fluid pressure

      Reactants and products in photosynthesis, cell theory, technologies

      Mitotic and meiotic divisions, ploidy, sexual and asexual reproduction

      Mendel’s Laws, phenotypes and genotypes, inheritance patterns

      DNA, RNA, genes, chromosomes, biotechnology, genetic inheritance

      Six-kingdom classification system, dichotomous key, binomial nomenclature

      Monocots, dicots, angiosperms, gymnosperms, adaptations of plants

      Classification of animals according to structure, method of fertilization

      Protective adaptations of animals, natural selection, survival of the fittest

      Energy flow, biotic and abiotic factors, autotrophs, and decomposers

      Biogeochemical cycles, natural disasters, ecological succession

      Biomes, density-dependent, density-independent, symbiotic relationships

Supplies

3-ring binder, 6-notebook dividers, composition notebook, pens, pencils, and coloring pencils, textbook, graph paper, biological drawing paper, Huntsville High Student Planner

Grading Policy

 50%                Tests, quizzes and projects                 

 25%                Class assignments and Laboratory assignments

 15%                  Projects

 10%                   Homework

Assignment Policy

Each week you will be required to submit four homework assignments on the class website: www.chandadavis.net.

You may donate two non-perishable food items a week to earn a pass on one of the internet assignments. I will post assignments on the website no later than Monday night and all assignments must be completed on the due date by 8:00 p.m., except blogs, which are due before 10:00 a.m. each Saturday.

The weekly assignments are as follows:

1.) Five blogs will be posted under the blog section and you must respond to three of them.

2.) You are required to provide a one paragraph summary of any scientific article posted under the news section.

3) You are required to define the selected biology terms and write sentences in the class work section.

4.) You are required to complete chapter questions posted under the homework section.

You may complete the assignments any time during the week. Your information will not be posted until after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.  

Non-perishable items must be placed in the donation box on or before the assignment due date.  You  must sign your name in the binder for your class period and select the assignment that will be excused.  You may elect to turn in assignments completed on loose-leaf paper on or before the due date of each week in the student-assignment box.  It is your responsibility to copy blogs, completion questions, and vocabulary terms from the website. There will be magazines available in class for article summaries. Staple your summary to the article before turning the assignment in.

Grades will be posted the following week and no late assignments will be accepted unless you have an excused absence. In the case of excused absences, you have up to two weeks to clear up zeros resulting from missed assignments.    

Lab Contract and Fees

Please read and sign the lab contract. Students will not be allowed in the lab without a parent(s) and student signature. Safety is of extreme importance and students must follow instructions at all times.

Biology students are required to do many hands-on assignments. Some of these assignments are costly. Therefore, each student is asked to donate $23.00 for lab experimentation supplies and goggles.  Please make checks payable to Huntsville High School.

Class Expectations

Students are expected to:

      Be on time and ready to begin class when the tardy bell rings.

      Be prepared and follow instructions at all times

      Show respect to self and others

      Bring all material to class daily

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