Science with Mrs. McKenna
Biology Syllabus
Fall 2019
Course Description:
Biology is the study of life or living matter in all its forms and phenomena, especially with reference to origin, growth, reproduction, structure, and behavior. This course is an inquiry based science class in which, students will study biochemistry, cells, genetics, evolution and classification, ecology, and the diversity of life.
Materials:
Computer
Notebook Paper
Binder or folder with prongs
Pencil and Pen
Classroom Expectations:
Always BE:
Prompt – Please enter class on time and ready to learn.
Prepared – Bring ALL materials necessary to complete daily assignments.
Productive – Maximize learning time by staying on task, following directions, and asking questions.
Polite – Be respectful to yourself, your classmates, your teacher, and your classroom.
Patient – Wait respectfully and calmly for your turn – EVERYONE will have an opportunity to participate in class.
The following describes each conduct level:
Satisfactory: At this level, the student has turned in all assignments on time and is fully participating in class.
Needs Improving: At this level, the student has missed an assignment or turned an assignment in late. This student participates some in class. This will result in a student's parent being notified and meeting with his or her adviser.
Unsatisfactory: At this level, the student has missed 3 assignments or failed to turn in 3 assignments on time during a quarter. This will result in a student being put on "lock down".
Lab Safety Rules:
When we conduct labs you will also need to follow lab safety rules. We will discuss lab rules before beginning our first actual lab exercise. All students will need to pass a lab safety quiz before participating in any labs.
Grading Policy:
What is Standards Based Grading (SBG)?
SBG is a grading system that measures students’ mastery of clearly defined course objectives. The goal of SBG is to give students accurate feedback about which skills or concepts they have mastered, and which still need work. Too often grades can be interpreted as a final judgment but SBG allows students the opportunity to continue working, without penalty, until they are able to demonstrate mastery of the standards.
Why is Standards Based Grading (SBG) good for students?
- SBG allows students a clear understanding of the standards/learning targets they have mastered or need to continue to work on as opposed to a traditional numeric grade.
- SBG does not penalize students who do not demonstrate mastery on the first assessment.
- SBG requires students to reflect on their progress of the expected learning targets in order to improve their mastery of the content.
- SBG allows students to have an active role in mastery of the course.
For each unit, key learning targets (standards) will be provided to the students. The learning targets will be written in student friendly terms based on the North Carolina Essential Standards for Biology. The learning targets are designed to give students chunks of knowledge and skills that they can focus on clearly. This practice will allow students to focus on the standards or goals for each unit and will provide a framework towards mastering the Biology content. Students will follow the grading scale below:
Students will participate and complete assignments and projects which enhance their understanding of the content for the course assessments. Students will be evaluated on mastery of content through assessments such as a quiz, activity, or project.
Re-Assessments
Students will have the opportunity to complete an additional assessment, or re-assessments, on any of the learning targets they have not yet demonstrated mastery. Re-assessments will only cover standards not yet mastered and must be initiated by the student. Upon completion of the reassessment, if a student demonstrates mastery of standards not previously mastered their grade will improve without penalty for the delay in mastery. To qualify for a re-assessment, a student will need to complete additional study/practice given by the teacher such as an EOC practice. Reassessments for any of the learning targets will need to be completed prior to the date of the next unit assessment. No reassessments during the last week of all quarters.
Personal Devices:
Cell phones should remain in your bag during class and may only be used when the teacher allows for their use.
Late Work Policy:
This is an honors course and I hold students at a higher expectation. To be successful in this course, students must study the material each day and turn in ALL assignments on time. Failure to do so will result in a deduction of a student's conduct grade as well as a deduction of five points per day on the student's assignment grade. ECA has a Zero Tolerance policy, therefore, all work will be completed and on a timely basis.
Final Exam:
Students will be taking a NC EOC for Biology. For more information on this assessment, please consult either your child’s teacher or the NC Public Schools website.
Homework:
Students are expected to study vocabulary and notes on a nightly basis. In science, vocabulary is a vital part of not only understanding the content but also applying the content during science labs, projects, and activities.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]