Download Biology I syllabus - Firelands Local Schools

BIOLOGY I: 2016-2017
FIRELANDS HIGH SCHOOL
Mr. KEARNS: 440-965-4255 ext.4226
[email protected]
I.
Topics – The class will prepare you for the End of Year Test required by the State
Dept. of Education. Some of the major areas of study this year in Biology 1 include:
(the order may vary). Scientific Inquiry; Ecology; Biochemistry; Cell Structure/Function;
Membrane Transport; DNA Structure/Function; Protein Synthesis/Gene Mutations; Cell
Reproduction (Mitosis/Meiosis); Heredity/Genetics; Biological Evolution/Charles Darwin’s
Theory of Evolution; Classification; Photosynthesis/Cellular Respiration
II.
TEXTBOOK & NOTES
We will use the Modern Biology textbook in class, published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. You
assume responsibility for any damages or loss of the textbook during the loan period.
All classroom notes are given through reading and writing assignments and lecture. The notes are
important for discussions, assignments, tests, quizzes, vocabulary, projects, etc… YOU are
responsible to write class notes in your notebook. In addition there may be supplemental
information (handouts) provided that you will be responsible for.
At times throughout the school year, we may use other textbooks/reference books. If necessary,
these will be used only on a nightly basis and returned the next day. They are expected to be
returned in the same condition that they are given to you or fines may be assessed.
III.
MATERIALS
You will need a few extra items for this course. They include the following:
1. 3 ring binder with pockets
2. plenty of loose leaf paper/pencils and pens
3. colored pencils are helpful, some will be provided
IV.
HOMEWORK & CLASSWORK & PARTNERS / GROUPWORK
Homework/classwork will be assigned and a completion date given. Some assignments will be
completed with a partner or in small groups. When provided, group work answer sheets will be
used and each of you will attach your contribution to it individually. If a student is not contributing to
the completion of the assignment this needs to be brought to my attention. Students who do not
contribute will not receive the same grade as the other group members, and will be marked
down accordingly and possibly receive a zero.
All work not turned in by the completion date will be late and considered a zero. Usually I will
make an exception and accept it for ½ credit only, up to a given point of the quarter.
Classwork/homework should be neat and easy to read. Your name and class period should be on
every page. Work turned in without a name will be not be graded & eventually disposed of.
(Over)
Reading assignments may be given as classwork/homework. It is essential that these
assignments be treated like any other assignments. Concepts in the reading assignments will be
expected to be known for the exam.
V.
GRADES
You will be evaluated on classwork/homework, participation, projects, labs, quizzes, and tests.
The value of each of these will vary. Scores will be added together and a percentage will be found
by dividing that number into the total number of points.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59-0
VI.
A
B
C
D
F
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones are not to be out in class without my permission. Tablets, electronic
notebooks, slates, etc… for note taking are acceptable and may be used. NO INTERNET,
NO WI-FI DURING CLASS WITHOUT PERMISSION.
VII.
EXPECTATIONS - Most of the expectations are listed in a separate document however
the following are always expected: You shall behave properly throughout class!
You should be paying attention when the teacher is conducting class. This means NO
talking, doing other homework, etc...
VIII.
DETENTIONS - Detentions served with Mr. Kearns will be held in room 226 (sometimes
you will serve them in the main office). If you are unable to attend, your name will be
forwarded to the main office.
IX.
EXTRA HELP/MAKE UP WORK - If you are in need of any assistance/make up work in
the subject feel free to contact me during FAST period, or before/after school.