Name of Course: biology                            

Name of Teacher: Calypso Harmon     

E-Mail Address: charmon@aptoshs.net   

Voice Mail #   637

Room #  D207

Preparation Period:      2nd period

 

I

 

 

 

Course Description

         This class meets one year of the University of California Lab Science requirement. It also satisfies the Aptos High School graduation requirement for life science. This is a college prep course with frequent homework assignments and regular exams and lab activities. Students should be prepared to commit time and individual responsibility for their own progress. Research and study skills, working effectively with others, and following directions are all necessary for your success.

             

II

Materials Required

  • 8½ X 11 spiral bound notebook  (not 8 X 10½)  
  • 2 pens & 2 pencils
  • 1 large or 2 small glue sticks

III

Goals (with specific reference to Expected Schoolwide Learning Results)

1.Scientific processes are based on observation and evidence, and are open to review and revision to incorporate new information. Students will be able to:

              a.select and use appropriate technology to perform tests , collect data and analyze

                 relationships

              b.identify sources of experimental error

              c.formulate explanations using logic and evidence

              d.distinguish between hypothesis and theory 

              e.solve scientific problems

              f.recognize the use and limits of models to describe reality

              g.investigate a science-based societal issue and communicate their findings.

              h.explain the cumulative nature of scientific evidence 

                 (ESLR’s A,B,C,D,E)

 Specific content areas to be investigated include the following from CA. Science Content standards.  ESLR’s A,B,C,D,E are involved in these explorations. Some with a special emphasis are so indicated:

 2. Fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that  are carried out in specialized areas of the organism’s cells.

 

3. Sexual reproduction and mutation lead to genetic variation in a population.

 

4.A multicellular organism develops from a single zygote, and its phenotype depends on its genotype, which is established at fertilization.

 

5. Genes are a set of instructions, encoded in the DNA sequence of each organism that specify the sequence of amino acids in proteins characteristic of that organism.

 

6. The genetic composition of cells can be altered by the incorporation of biotechnology.

 

7.Stability in an ecosystem is a balance between competing effects. Human activity may affect biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. (ESLR D)

 

8.The frequency of an allele in a gene pool of a population depends on many factors, and may be stable or unstable over time.

 

9.Evolution is a result of genetic changes that occur in constantly changing environments. 

 

10.As a result of the coordinated structures and functions of organs systems, the internal environment of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite changes in the outside environment. Major body systems are complementary in their activities.

 

11.Organisms have a wide variety of mechanisms to combat disease. By our choices and behavior we can greatly affect our health and well being. (ESLR E)

 

12.There is both diversity and unity of pattern in life on Earth. Systems of classification reflect our cumulative knowledge and analysis, and as such, are subject to change. (ESLR C)

 

IV

Units of Study

              1.Science as a way of knowing: rules of evidence and the scientific method

              2.Ecosystems and Population dynamics

              3.Cells and Bioenergetics

              4.Survey of the Five Kingdoms: diversities and similarities/ classification methods

              5.Evolution of Life on Earth

              6.Reproduction and Development

              7.Genetics and Heredity

              8.Biotechnology and Bioethics

              9.Global Ecology: Humans in the Biosphere

             10.Human body systems

 

 

 

 

 

V

Methods of Assessment

                                                  percentage of quarter grade     

tests                                             40 %

homework assignments               30 %

class work and notebook            30 %

 

                                                    percentage of semester grade

quarter                                          40%

quarter                                          40%

final exam                                    20 %

 

Student Notebook

For this class, students will be keeping a notebook. It is spiral bound, and most class assignments will be completed in it. Students will glue many assignments and handouts into the notebook.  The notebook is designed to help students stay organized and assist them in studying for tests.       

Notebooks will be collected periodically and graded for completeness, about every 4 to 6 weeks. All class notes and notebook assignments should be included, even for the days students were absent. An important part of the notebook is its visual appearance. The notebook should be neat. Each entry should be titled and dated. The student’s artistic touch should be visible throughout the notebook.

If you are absent, it is your responsibility to obtain notebook assignments from either a homework partner or the teacher. If you lose your notebook, you must re-do the work since the last time they were collected. DO NOT LOSE YOUR NOTEBOOK!

 

VI

Class Procedures

Late Work

Late work will NOT be accepted. If you forgot to do your homework, you may come in the same day it is due, and complete it during lunch.

 

Make Up Work

If you were absent, you will have as many days as you were absent to turn in missing work without losing points. After that, it is considered late work. It is your responsibility to come to your teacher (me) to find out what assignments you missed. I prefer you to ask me about make up work during break, lunch, before school or after school, so I can give you my full attention.

 

VII

Behavioral Expectations

I expect students to                                                            

I expect students to come to class ready to succeed.

­­Bring your materials to class everyday.

 

I expect students to do their best on every assignment.

 Listen to the directions. Do your best work. Do you own work. Cheating will result in a zero for that assignment.

 

I expect students to stay focused on class.

Stay in your assigned seat. Keep your comments on topic and appropriate. Do not put on make-up or look in a mirror during class. Do not listen to music players during class. Go to the bathroom before you come to class.

 

I expect students to show respect for the teacher.

Come to class on time. If you are late, come into class quietly and start working as quickly as you can. When you have a question, raise your hand and wait to be called on. Give the teacher your full attention when she gives directions. Do not whine or complain when the teacher gives an assignment. Use appropriate language in class: do not swear.

 

 I expect students to show respect for their classmates.

Ask before you use other people’s things. Do not laugh when a classmate makes a mistake. Remind classmates of the rules if they are not behaving appropriately. Listen when a classmate is talking. Do not make fun of people or call people names. I will not allow racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks.

 

Consequences for disruptive Behavior-

 

        *conference with student                       *letter or phone call to parents

        *changing student’s seat                        *detention at lunch

        *behavior action plan                             *referral

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIII

 

Grading policy:

Points will be given for graded assignments. Tests will be 40% of the quarter grade, homework will be 30% and class work will be 30%. The final exam is 20% of the semester grade.

 

A = 100-90%   B = 89-80%     C = 79-70%     D = 69-60%     F = 59% or lower

 

**Students, remember you EARN your grade, it is NOT given to you.**

 

 

 

 

student’s name_________________________________________

 

Period________

I have read & understand the “Course Syllabus” for biology

 

 

___________________________________________________                         Date:______________

Parent/Guardian Signature

 

 

___________________________________________________

Student Signature