Download BIOLOGY SYLLABUS

BIOLOGY EXPECTATIONS
Mrs. Sutton
School Phone: 364-7778 ext.7365
E-mail: [email protected]
Class Webpage: http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/suttonbio
Philosophy: Biology is a hands-on standards based course designed to give
students knowledge of the living world and provide a strong understanding of
living systems. This course builds on the idea that science knowledge is
acquired through inquiry and process. Students are taught the importance
of process skills and how scientists use them. Through the observation,
measurement, organization of data, classification, predicting, experimenting,
analysis of data, and communication of information, the students will gain an
understanding of the importance of the living world around them. Coupled
with real-world applications for the concepts, Biology sets the stage for
lifelong learning.
Text: Biggs, A., Hagins, W.C., Kapicka, C., Lundgren, L., Rillero, P., Tallman,
K.G., Zike, D & The National Geographic Society. (2004). Biology:
The Dynamics of Life. Glencoe Science.
Supplies: Students will be expected to bring with them to each class:
 A covered book; if a book is lost the student is responsible for
covering the cost of that book.
 A pen or pencil.
 A 3-ring binder is recommended with the following sections: 1) Notes
and homework, 2) Handouts 3) tests and quizzes, 4) lab reports and
projects, and 5) journal*
*A bound writing pad or single subject notebook to be used as a journal.
Absences: If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to see me the next
day you are in school to get any assignments/notes you may have missed or
to schedule make-up time after school. This means that even though we
meet every other day, you may have to see me on a day when class does not
meet. When you are out, it is expected any assignments missed are made up
within the allotted time period. (Refer to student handbook for the school
policy).
* All class assignments, applicable notes and important dates will be
posted on a daily basis to the class webpage at
http://www.chariho.k12.ri.us/suttonbio.
Class Rules: The school provides students with a handbook that serves to
explain the conduct and attendance expectations of Chariho Students. The
handbook can also be used to organize their assignments. It is the intention
of this class to follow the school’s mission statement and student
expectations in words, deeds, actions and thoughts. Two essential and
central concepts to the success of a productive learning environment are
quality work and respect for others. The safety contract must be signed
and returned before participation in any lab activity.
Course Outline and Objectives:
The Science of Life
Objectives: Students will learn and understand the processes scientists use
to study the natural world. Students will discover the characteristics of
life.
 Characteristics of Life (Chapter 1)
 Scientific Method (Chapter 1)
Ecology
Objectives: Students will describe and analyze the components of the
Water, Carbon, and Nitrogen cycles. Students will describe the flow of
energy through an ecosystem. Students will identify and describe the
effects of destruction of habitats, pollution, urbanization, and natural
disasters have on populations.
 Earth cycles (Chapter 2)
 Equilibrium in an Ecosystem (Chapter 3)
 Food Pyramids and Biomass (Chapter 2)
 Energy Transfer (Chapter 2)
 Human impact on Ecosystems (Chapters 4 and 5)
Quarter 1 Major Course Assessment
Cells
Objectives: Students will describe the properties of elements and their
role in living systems. They will describe the role of water processes of
osmosis, diffusion, Turgor Pressure, and universal solvents within cells.
Students will describe the structure of the cell membrane and understand
its role in transport. They will identify the role of each organelle in
maintaining homeostasis in the cell. They will describe complex interactions
among different types of molecules that cause distinct cycles of activities
such as growth and division. Students will compare energy transfer within
cells. Students will compare and contrast body system organization within
and among major animal and plant phylums.
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Homeostasis (Chapter 6)
Membrane Structure (Chapter 7)
Enzymes (Chapters 6 and 9)
Membrane Transport (Chapter 8)
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes (Chapter 7)
Organelles (Chapter 7)
Cell specialization (Chapter 7)
Tissues
Organs and Organ systems
Cell Division (Chapter 8)
Quarter 2 Major Course Assessment
DNA and Genetics
Objectives: Students will demonstrate understanding the structure and
function of DNA and its role in heredity. Students will learn about the
process of gene combination and the outcomes that come with changes to
those combinations. Students will gain insight into human genetics including
physical expression of traits, effects of mutations and identify many
common disorders.
 Genes (Chapter 11)
 Alleles (Chapters 10)
 Phenotypes (Chapter 10)
 Punnett squares (Chapter 12)
 Genetic engineering (Chapter 13)
 Structure of DNA (Chapter 11)
 Ribosomes and Protein synthesis (Chapter 11)
 Mutations (Chapter 11)
Quarter 3 Major Course Assessment
Evolution and Classification
Objectives: Students will compare and contrast various theories of
evolution, defining such processes as adaptations, natural selection, and
speciation. Students will familiarize themselves with classification
techniques and will apply this information to describe evolutionary trends in
major body systems.
 Theory of Evolution (Chapter 15)
 Natural selection (Chapter 15)
 Effects of environmental pressures (Chapter 15)
 Adaptations (Chapter 15)
 Evidence of evolution (Chapter 15)
 Microevolution vs. macroevolution
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Relationships between organisms for classification (Chapter 17)
Use of classification schemes as basis for evolution trends (Chapter
17)
Quarter 4 Major Course Assessment
Graduation Portfolio: As part of the requirements for graduation and your
portfolio, you must complete 4 formal lab reports, two of which will come
from this class. You will have 2 opportunities, one per semester, to meet
proficiency on these tasks. It is important to take these labs seriously and
keep in mind that they have serious impacts towards your future beyond the
end of this course.
Help Night: Help night is held Mondays after school or other days by
request.
This course has been aligned with the new Chariho High School Science
Curriculum. This document is available online through the school’s website:
www.chariho.k12.ri.us.
Please sign and return with your student for the next class meeting:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Name of Student:______________________________
Name of Parent/ Guardian:________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:____________________________
Parent/Guardian Email: _______________________________
Parent/Guardian Phone #: _____________________________
This verifies that at least one parent/guardian has read the Biology
Expectations document and has viewed the grading policy.