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SYLMAR HIGH SCHOOL “Building on Excellence” Biology A FALL Ms. McKenzie It is a pleasure to assist you in the education of your student. The emphasis of biology is to provide the basic experiences in the basic principles of the life sciences, the requirements of plants and animals in the environment, the variety of life in our surroundings, cell theory, heredity, environmental concerns and personal group behavior. This year stress is on active student participation in laboratory investigations. The development of critical thinking and effective communication skills will be emphasized through the California State Standards and the Expected School-wide Learning Results. Biology is a year long course and counts toward credit for high school graduation as well as fulfilling the university requirement for lab science. At the beginning of the semester, I teach and review my standards, expectations and operating and grading procedures. Please review these classroom expectations with your son or daughter. Reviewing these standards will help you to understand what is requires to be successful in this course. I look forward to this semester. I hope your son or daughter will be more actively involved in his/her learning, have fun with science, and grow intellectually. If you would like to talk with me, please call the school and leave a message and I will gladly return your call, or feel free to email me. Course Syllabus Representative California Standards Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting careful investigations. The fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend greatly on a variety of chemical reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism’s cells. Genes are a set of instructions encoded in the DNA sequence of each organism that specify the sequence of amino acids in the proteins characteristic of that organism. Unit Investigation and Experimentation Cell Biology DNA The genetic composition of cells can be altered by incorporation of exogenous DNA into the cells. A multi-cellular organism develops from a single zygote and its phenotype depends on its genotype, which is established at fertilization. Genetics Instructional Focus Laboratory experimentation Cumulative Unit Project Vocabulary Building Writing Laboratory Reports Microscope Activities Laboratory Investigations Vocabulary Building and Spelling Direct Instruction Cumulative Unit Project Multimedia Visuals Direct Instruction Laboratory Experimentation Vocabulary Building and Spelling Cumulative Unit Project Reciprocal Teaching Current Events Audio/Visual Presentations Direct Instruction Laboratory Experimentation Vocabulary Building and Spelling Supplemental Readings Reciprocal Teaching Pedigree Project Biology A Fall Ms. McKenzie Grading: Each assignment may be assessed on one or more standards using the following scale; 4(Advanced), 3(Proficient), 2(Basic), 1(Below Basic), 0(Far Below Basic). Report card grades are calculated as an average of scored standards achievement using the following scale: 100 __ 90 % B= 89 — 80 % C= 79 — 70 % 69 — 60 % 59% & Below A= D= F= Late/Missing Work & Exams: If for any reason the student is absent or misses an assignment, they are responsible for making up that assignment. Each assignment loses one point for every day that it is late. Therefore, once the assignment is no longer worth points, it cannot be turned in. If the student is absent on the day an exam is given, the exam must be taken upon return (lunch/after school). If not taken on the day of return, the student will lose this make up opportunity. School Policies: All school policies regarding student attendance and behavior apply to this class. Students are expected to behave in a manner conducive to learning. Students are required to adhere to the school dress code. Students found cheating on tests or assignments will be subject to the school’s cheating policy. Students are expected to be in class daily and on time. Students are expected to bring necessary learning materials (notebooks, pens, paper, etc.), and any assigned textbooks to class each day. Textbooks must be covered and maintained in the condition in which they were issued. Required textbook: Holt; “Biology: Visualizing Life.” Student Materials: Each student is expected to come to class daily with materials for that day. I require that each student have a bound notebook where they can write out lecture notes. Typically, each student should carry a threeringed notebook with dividers and paper. A writing utensil (pencil or pen) is always required. How to help your child succeed: Help your child set a consistent block of time aside each day to work on homework and other class assignments. Provide a quiet study area in which your child can study uninterrupted. Encourage him or her to form study partners or study groups with other students in his or her classes. Should your child fall behind in one or more of his or her classes, encourage your child to attend the after school tutoring that is available in the Sylmar School Library. Please feel free to contact the school or instructor should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s educational progress or learning needs. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - I have read this Course Content Letter ______________________________(Student Signature) ______________________________ (Parent Signature) When necessary, Please call me at: ______________________________ (Phone Number)