Syllabus
Chanda Davis 
2010-2011
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
