Syllabus+and+Procedures


 * Biology Classroom Policies 2011-2012 **



The biology science curriculum covers the content of cell structure and function, genetics, human body systems, and environmental science. Emphasis is placed on understanding content (through classroom activities, labs and homework), organization, independent thinking, technology integration, and time management.
 * Course overview: **

**Materials**
 * You must bring these things with you every day: **
 * Pen, pencil
 * Notebook/Binder
 * Notes/Assignments/labs are to be kept in order.
 * Your notes/assignments and labs are to prepare you for the test.
 * These will be your study guides for the chapter/unit tests.
 * Textbook or __**computer access**__ – Online Textbook Link
 * Earbuds or Headphones
 * ﻿Cell phone. Not Kidding.


 * Policies **
 * **__I do not accept late homework in High School; Any assignment not turned in or presented at the beginning of the class period will be counted as a zero__**
 * Your passport is your hallway pass; without it you do NOT leave.
 * No food or drink; except for water bottles…do not ask to leave to fill your bottle. Plan accordingly and have it ready prior to class.
 * I DO NOT take papers from students – all papers are put in the In Box
 * I have extra office supplies on the shelves – help yourself – no need to ask.


 * Absences[[image:http://www.clipartguide.com/_named_clipart_images/0511-1001-2706-2218_Boy_Sleeping_in_Class_with_a_Bully_and_the_Teachers_Pet_clipart_image.jpg width="313" height="73"]] **
 * ** You need to be in class. **
 * It is **__YOUR RESPONSIBILITY__** to get make-up work. If you know you are going to be gone. BE Proactive. Get the work done before you leave.
 * I usually keep copies for you; if I forget or I have a sub - Ck with me and pick everything up in the “Extras” folder.
 * See the Homework page or the wiki class page to print off any documents needed.
 * The day you return to school, you need to pick up your make-up work and see me for any clarification of what you missed. You get **one day for every day absent to complete assignments.**
 * Turn in any work that was due and collected while you were gone. **You do not get extra days to complete work that was due the day you were gone.**
 * If you are absent the day of a test…You will be expected to make up the **missed test in class the day you return to school**. No excuses. All test schedules are known well in advance.
 * Please review the policy on excessive absenteeism on page 12 of the Parent/Student handbook: []


 * [[image:http://www.scienceresourceworld.com/images/laboratory_equipment_supplies.jpg width="62" height="93"]]Labs **
 * We perform labs in the classroom to see how to apply the concepts we are learning. When you miss a lab, you will be expected to make-up the lab on your own time after school. For any lab missed, check with me regarding making up the time.

** Grades **
 * ** Grades are weighted as follows: **
 * Tests / End of Unit Projects 60%
 * Labs/In Class Activities 20%
 * Homework / Notes 20%

Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a ZERO on any test, quiz, lab, or homework assignment for both parties involved (THIS INCLUDES COPYING SOMEONE ELSE’S WORK AND PLAGIARISM.) For further clarification, please review the Cheating and Plagiarism policy on page 26: []


 * GRADING SCALE: **
 * < A ||= 95-100 ||
 * < A- ||= 91-94 ||
 * < B+ ||= 87-90 ||
 * < B ||= 84-86 ||
 * < B- ||= 81-83 ||
 * < C+ ||= 77-80 ||
 * < C ||= 74-76 ||
 * < C- ||= 71-73 ||
 * < D+ ||= 67-70 ||
 * < D ||= 64-66 ||
 * < D- ||= 60-63 ||
 * < F ||= Below 60 ||

The final exam will be worth 20% of your final semester grade.

The Administration determines if students will be allowed to "Opt Out" of Semester Exams. Previous criteria to be allowed to Opt Out - Any student who obtained an class grade of A- or higher prior to the exam.

As of today - I do not know if this policy will be extended to this school year. As soon as I know - I will pass the information on to you.

= Taking notes over the Textbook =

Biology Online Username: remsenunionbiology Password: rockets

First: read a section of your textbook chapter
Read just enough to keep an understanding of the material.

Do not take notes, but rather focus on understanding the material. It is tempting to take notes as you are reading the first time, but this is not an efficient technique: you are likely to take down too much information and simply copy without understanding

Second: Review the material
Locate the main ideas, as well as important sub-points >> Putting the textbook information in your own words forces you to become actively involved with the material
 * Set the book aside
 * Paraphrase this information:

Third: write the paraphrased ideas as your notes

 * Do not copy information directly from the textbook
 * Add only enough detail to understand
 * Abbreviate - Do not use complete sentences.