Download biology syllabus - Pregitzersninjascienceclasses

Mr. Pregitzer’s Honors Biology Class
Aloha Students, Parents, and Guardians!
I am excited to welcome you to my Honors Biology Class for the SY
2014-2015! This biology course is aligned with the Hawaii Content
Performance Standards III and requires hard work and dedication. Students
will demonstrate that they meet the standards through a variety of
assessments (labs, tests, projects, etc.) and by completing the state end of
course exam that all Biology students are required to take. Students are
also required to meet the General Learner Outcomes, which include, taking
responsibility for their own learning, working well with others, thinking
critically, producing high quality work, using effective communication, and
using technology effectively and ethically.
I am looking forward to a busy and productive school year. So grab a
hold of your Bunsen burners and prepare to have a blast learning about the
incredible world around you!
About Me: I am a very busy father of two girls with a passion for science.
I am from Kailua and went to college in Colorado and Hawaii. When I'm not
teaching, I enjoy hiking, listenting to music, playing volleyball, camping, and
going to the beach with my family.
I can be reached at school at 808/254-7900 ext. 240 or by email at
[email protected]. If I am unavailable at the time you call, I
will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within a day. I check and
respond to email daily (with few exceptions).
Class Supplies:
o One roll of paper towels, bottle of hand soap, OR box of tissues
o Pencils and pens (blue or black only)
o One 3-ringed binder at least 1.5 inches or larger (I have extras if
needed)
o College ruled paper
o Lab Donation of $5
The Science department has a need to purchase perishable items for
labs that the department is not able to purchase before school begins or
through purchase orders. In Biology, these items include, but are not
limited to, eggs, vinegar, red cabbage, balloons, and food coloring. The
suggested lab donation will be collected during the first two weeks of school
and will be used to fund the labs for this course. Your support is greatly
appreciated!
My philosophy of classroom management:
Success depends on a collaborative effort between students, parents, and
me. It is in your child’s best interest that we work together to provide a
meaningful, productive educational experience that challenges your student
appropriately. The learning environment will allow for individual and group
learning opportunities.
All students have the right to education in a safe environment that
promotes active learning.
My teaching style is firm, but fair.
I model leadership and exercise control over my classroom, while
supporting my student’s needs.
Inappropriate student behavior will not be tolerated or over-looked,
but dealt with in a timely manner.
Discipline will be swift and decisive, in private settings whenever
possible.
Students will strive to correct inappropriate behavior through selfassessment. Meetings will follow up problems not corrected through
student self-assessment with teachers, support staff, and family
members.
Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning,
maximize their potential, and set high, attainable goals.
Students are expected to:
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Arrive to class on-time and be in his/her assigned seat at the
beginning of the class period.
Be prepared with school supplies & completed homework assignments
and readings.
Actively engage in classroom activity.
Demonstrate respect for classmates by raising their hand to talk and
allowing others the opportunity talk without interruption or judgment.
Maintain a safe/drug-free classroom environment.
Demonstrate respect for teaching and support staff, their peers
(other students), school property, and individual personal property.
Comply with all school policies and procedures.
Classroom Rules:
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Adoption of all school policies, dress codes, contraband, Internet &
computer rules.
No food or gum will be eaten or chewed during the class time (water is
okay, except during labs) unless special permission is granted.
No behavior that would create or lead to a hostile unsafe classroom.
No verbal, physical, or sexual abuse &/or harassment.
Maintain an orderly clean classroom at all times.
Consequences to inappropriate behavior/language:
1st offense  Verbal warning to student
2nd offense  Lunch or recess detention
3rd offense  Parent contact and detention
4th offense  Referral to office, parent contact, and possible parent
shadowing
*Any severe disruption will result in: Administrator level discipline or
involvement of law enforcement personnel.
My grading policy is letter based with standard-based reporting practices
applied
 90-99.9%
A
 80-89.9%
B
 70-79.9%
C
 60-69.9%
D
 59.9% and 
F
Grades are calculated as follows:
 Summative Assessments
o Labs, projects, tests, etc
 Formative Assessments
o Classwork, homework, bellwork, etc.
70%
30%
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Grading is done in two semesters. Grading will not “start over” at
Quarter 2 or Quarter 4. Quarter 2 and Semester 1 grades will be
the same. Quarter 4 and Semester 2 grades will be the same. The
year grade is calculated as an average of the two semester grades.
The end of course exam will be 15% of the year grade!
Tutoring is available by appointment (before and after school and
lunch time).
Special review sessions will be scheduled and offered before
quarterly exams.
Extra credit work will be made available periodically.
Work is considered late if it is handed in after it is collected at the
beginning of class on the due date (except for in excused absences).
25% of the total score earned will be deducted the first day the
assignment is late, and 10% every additional day. Late work will not be
accepted after the unit test and work has been handed back.
Grades may be checked online using ‘Jupiter Grades’ by accessing the
school website at http://kalaheohigh.org/ or directly at
http://jupitergrades.com.
PowerPoint notes, assignments, and other information can be found on
my website at pregitzersninjascienceclasses.wikispaces.com
Curriculum
Material Covered
Lab Safety
Scientific Method
Microscopy
Biological Macromolecules
Cells
Osmosis and Diffusion
Photosynthesis
Benchmarks
SC.BS.1.2- Design and safely implement
an experiment, including the appropriate use
of tools and techniques to organize, analyze,
and validate data.
SC.BS. 4.5- Describe the components
and functions of a variety of macromolecules
active in biological systems.
SC.BS.4.1- Describe different cells parts
and their functions.
SC.BS.4.4- Describe how homeostatic
balance occurs in cells and organs.
SC.BS.3.2- Explain the chemical
Cellular Respiration
DNA
DNA Technology
Mitosis
Cloning
Meiosis
Genetics
Evolution
Classification
Comparative Zoology
Body Systems
Ecology
Biogeochemical Cycles
reactions that occur in photosynthesis and
cellular respiration that result in the cycling
of energy.
SC.BS.5.3- Explain the structural
properties of DNA and the role of DNA in
heredity and protein synthesis.
SC.BS.2.2- Compare the risks and benefits
of potential solutions to technological issues.
SC.BS.2.1- Explain how scientific
advancements and emerging technology have
influenced society.
SC.BS.4.3- Differentiate between the
processes of mitosis and meiosis.
SC.BS.5.4- Explain how Mendel’s laws of
heredity can be used to determine traits of
possible offspring.
SC.BS.5.5- Explain chromosomal mutations,
their possible causes, and their effects on
genetic variations.
SC.BS.5.1- Explain the theory of evolution
and describe evidence that supports this
theory.
SC.BS.5.2- Explain the theory of natural
selection.
SC.BS.4.6- Explain the organization of life
using the modern classification system.
SC.BS.4.2- Explain how cells are
specialized into different tissues and
organs.
SC.BS.3.3- Explain how matter and energy
flow through living systems and the physical
environment.
SC.BS.3.4- Explain the dynamic equilibrium
in organisms, populations, and ecosystems.
SC.BS.5.1- Describe the biogeochemical
cycles within ecosystems.
Environmental Issues
SC.BS.1.3- Defend and support conclusion,
explanations, and arguments based on logic,
scientific knowledge, and evidence from
data.
Parents are welcome to visit the classroom at anytime by appointment. I am
looking forward to working with you this year!
Respectfully,
Mr. Micah K Pregitzer
Please sign and return to Mr. Pregitzer by Friday, August 8th, 2014
PLEASE READ AND SIGN
I understand that I will be responsible for my actions in Mr. Pregitzer’s
class and further agree to abide by all applicable school and classroom rules.
___________________________________
Printed Name of Student
____________________________________
Student Signature
_________
Date
I have reviewed the course information for Biology and understand what is
expected of my student.
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______________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
____________________
Parent’s Phone number(s)
________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address
*We may periodically watch curriculum related movies that are PG or PG-13
rated (for example GATTACA). Check one of the following and sign.
_____ My child has permission to view PG and/or PG-13 movies in class.
_____ My child DOES NOT have permission to view PG and/or PG-13 movies
in class.
*
Parent or Guardian Signature