IB BIOLOGY SL 2009 - 2010
Baltimore City College
Ms. Strittmatter, Room 350
Coach Class: Wed 3:15 – 4:15
Email: slstrittmatter@bcps.k12.md.us
Science Department Head: Mr. Cameron
School Phone #: (410) 396 – 6557
Course Title/Description: International Baccalaureate Biology Standard Level (IB Bio SL) is a full
year course for senior students who successfully completed the Junior year course and are prepared to
complete the final year of this advanced studies course. It is designed to review the content of the Junior
year, complete content in Genetics, Human Physiology and Evolution in preparation of the IB Bio SL
examination in May of 2010. The course will explore biology concepts through discussion , laboratory
problems and critical thinking. Students will read selected texts and articles, maintain a journal notebook
of notes on important concepts, practicing examination skills and reflecting on the validity of biological
theories. By covering important human body structures, functions and medical problems and/or
treatments, this course should be a great course for all high school students. For those interested in the
health field, this class will give the student a head start to future science courses and possible careers. For
athletes interested in getting more knowledge about how to fine-tune sports performance, we will discuss
injuries and peak conditioning. And, for all students, the course will leave students with a better idea of
how to live healthy and understand medical conditions.
Course Text:Campbell, Biology, (4th, 5th or 6th Ed.) Addison and Wesley
Martini, Fundamentals. of Anatomy & Physiology, (7th Ed.) Prentice - Hall.
Grading Criteria: The grading criteria for each quarter will be based on:
50% Tests and Quizzes
20% Homework – Objectives, Drawings, Review Sheets and other Mapping
Activities
20% Participation- Drills, Class Activities, Labs, Presentations & Attendance
10% Effort spent in completing assignments, learning content thoroughly and
being an active participant in the class activities
Course Schedule:
First Semester:
Unit
Estimate of Unit
Length
1
Aug 30– Sept 25
2
3
4
5
***
Sept 28 – Oct 22
Oct 25– Nov 20
Nov 28 – Dec 18
Dec 19 -23
Jan 3 – Jan 12th
Second Semester:
Topics
Review of Biology & Chemistry, Molecular and
Theoretical Genetics, Ecology and Review of IA Lab #1
Genetic Technologies and Lab #1
Evolution
Introduction to the Human Body and dissection
Class Service Project Planning
Review of Fall Topics
Midterm Exams
Unit
Estimate of Unit
Length
Topics
***
6
Jan 25 – Jan 29
Feb 1 – Feb 19
7
8
***
Mar 22 – April 3
Apr 6 - 21
April 25 – 1
Planning Phase 2 of Service Project and Trip
BLAH – Blood, Arteries, Heart and Lungs plus
filtration part of Lymphatic System
Digestive and Endocrine
Reproductive
Review Course and Practice Test
NOTE: During the course there will be opportunity to share personal or family connections to our
study of biology and health issues. I encourage you to share questions/comments about those you
know based on own family histories or to have your parents call or email me if they work in a
related field of science for the benefit of all class members.
How the Family Can Help: As a parent or other family member of a student in IB Bio SL, you can
help by:
 Encouraging the development of good time management – diligence to completing assignments
timely and attendance:
 Anticipating absences so missed work can be assigned beforehand and completed timely:
 Providing a quiet work environment for homework and projects; and
 Encouraging your child to attend coach class after school to get help with content, to make up
missed work and to complete laboratory responsibilities in a timely fashion.
Course Expectations for Student Success: Students will study the methods biologists use to
investigate and communicate to solve biological questions using the “scientific method” to:
 Pose questions and develop experimental approaches;
 Complete scientific investigations to analyze data and draw conclusions;
 Communicate information effectively both orally and in writing;
 Apply biology concepts to everyday problems; and
 Develop and strengthen study skills needed for success in college.
Expectations of the Students: To meet course expectations, it is expected students will:





Report to class on time with proper supplies. – Bring to class daily your journal, unit notes, folder,
any homework, paper, pencil, and pen (black or blue only ).
Attend class regularly. - In the event of an excused absence, students are expected to collect work from
the teacher after school on the day of returning to class with makeup work due according to class and
school rules. Missed Tests or Labs should be made up during the next scheduled coach class, or as
arranged with the teacher. Schoolwork or tests missed without excuse will not be given credit.
Participate fully in all classroom activities – labs, presentations & discussions.
Hand in all assignments on time. I will assign objectives, mapping and concept drawings,
labs/activities for every unit. During 1st Semester all assignments must be turned in within 48 hours of
the due date, with 10% lost credit for each day late.
Maintain a journal notebook with complete set of objectives for all units & a folder with a
set of relevant drawings and concept maps all units. I require one composition notebook for all
terms & one folder with 3 ring attachments for all drawings (drawings need to be attached when
folders are turned in !).
Parent Acknowledgement of Course Expectancy Sheet & Comments
Parent/Guardian & /Student Acknowledgements: We have read the Course Expectancy sheet and agree
with the expectations & goals of this course:
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian
Date
____________________________________
Student
Date
Based on the Expectancy Sheet I/ we have the following comments, concerns and or questions:
Comments of Parent/Guardian:
Comments of Student:
As a teacher who has a limited budget for school supplies, the following materials/help would be
appreciated from students and their families:
Wish list for 2008 Anatomy Classes:
Kleenix
Nonlatex surgical gloves for dissections
Poster Paper (white) for Team Review of Units for exam***
Student Assistants needed for:
Fall open houses
Anatomy Art Projects (Service or CAS hours)
IB BIOLOGY HL 2009 - 2010
Baltimore City College
Ms. Strittmatter, Room 350
Coach Class: Wed: 3:15 – 4:15
Email: slstrittmatter@bcps.k12.md.us
Science Department Head: Mr. Cameron
School Phone #: (410) 396 – 6557
Course Title/Description: International Baccalaureate Biology Higher Level (IB Bio HL) is a full
year course for senior students who successfully completed the Junior year course and are prepared to
complete the final year of this advanced studies course. It is designed to review the content of the Junior
year and a core of additional topics, complete content in Plants, Genetics, Human Physiology and
Evolution in preparation of the IB Bio HL examination in May of 2010. The course will explore biology
concepts through discussion, laboratory problems and critical thinking. Students will read selected texts
and articles, maintain a journal notebook of notes on important concepts, practicing examination skills
and reflecting on the validity of biological theories. By covering important human body structures,
functions and medical problems and/or treatments, this course should be a great course for all high school
students. For those interested in the health field, this class will give the student a head start to future
science courses and possible careers. For athletes interested in getting more knowledge about how to finetune sports performance, we will discuss injuries and peak conditioning. And, for all students, the course
will leave students with a better idea of how to live healthy and understand medical conditions.
Course Text:Campbell, Biology, (4th, 5th or 6th Ed.) Addison and Wesley
Martini, Fundamentals. of Anatomy & Physiology, (7th Ed.) Prentice - Hall.
Grading Criteria: The grading criteria for each quarter will be based on:
50% Tests and Quizzes
20% Homework – Objectives, Drawings, Review Sheets and other Mapping
Activities
20% Participation- Drills, Class Activities, Labs, Presentations & Attendance
10% Effort spent in completing assignments, learning content thoroughly and
being an active participant in the class activities
Course Schedule:
First Semester:
Unit
Estimate of Unit
Length
1
Aug 30– Sept 15
2
3
4
5
6
***
Sept 18 – 25
Sept 28 – Oct 22
Oct 25– Nov 20
Nov 28 – Dec 18
Dec 19 -23
Jan 3 – Jan 12th
Topics
Review of Biology & Chemistry, Molecular and
Theoretical Genetics, Ecology and Review of IA Lab #1
Plants
Genetic Technologies and Lab #1
Evolution
Introduction to the Human Body and dissection
Class Service Project Planning
Review of Fall Topics
Midterm Exams
Second Semester:
Unit
Estimate of Unit
Length
Topics
***
7
Jan 25 – Jan 29
Feb 1 – Feb 19
8
9
***
Mar 22 – April 3
Apr 6 - 21
April 25 – 1
Planning Phase 2 of Service Project and Trip
BLAH – Blood, Arteries, Heart and Lungs plus
filtration part of Lymphatic System
Digestive and Endocrine
Reproductive
Review Course and Practice Test
NOTE: During the course there will be opportunity to share personal or family connections to our
study of biology and health issues. I encourage you to share questions/comments about those you
know based on own family histories or to have your parents call or email me if they work in a
related field of science for the benefit of all class members.
How the Family Can Help: As a parent or other family member of a student in IB Bio SL, you can
help by:
 Encouraging the development of good time management – diligence to completing assignments
timely and attendance:
 Anticipating absences so missed work can be assigned beforehand and completed timely:
 Providing a quiet work environment for homework and projects; and
 Encouraging your child to attend coach class after school to get help with content, to make up
missed work and to complete laboratory responsibilities in a timely fashion.
Course Expectations for Student Success: Students will study the methods biologists use to
investigate and communicate to solve biological questions using the “scientific method” to:
 Pose questions and develop experimental approaches;
 Complete scientific investigations to analyze data and draw conclusions;
 Communicate information effectively both orally and in writing;
 Apply biology concepts to everyday problems; and
 Develop and strengthen study skills needed for success in college.
Expectations of the Students: To meet course expectations, it is expected students will:





Report to class on time with proper supplies. – Bring to class daily your journal, unit notes, folder,
any homework, paper, pencil, and pen (black or blue only ).
Attend class regularly. - In the event of an excused absence, students are expected to collect work from
the teacher after school on the day of returning to class with makeup work due according to class and
school rules. Missed Tests or Labs should be made up during the next scheduled coach class, or as
arranged with the teacher. Schoolwork or tests missed without excuse will not be given credit.
Participate fully in all classroom activities – labs, presentations & discussions.
Hand in all assignments on time. I will assign objectives, mapping and concept drawings,
labs/activities for every unit. During 1st Semester all assignments must be turned in within 48 hours of
the due date, with 10% lost credit for each day late.
Maintain a journal notebook with complete set of objectives for all units & a folder with a
set of relevant drawings and concept maps all units. I require one composition notebook for all
terms & one folder with 3 ring attachments for all drawings (drawings need to be attached when
folders are turned in !).
Parent Acknowledgement of Course Expectancy Sheet & Comments
Parent/Guardian & /Student Acknowledgements: We have read the Course Expectancy sheet and agree
with the expectations & goals of this course:
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian
Date
____________________________________
Student
Date
Based on the Expectancy Sheet I/ we have the following comments, concerns and or questions:
Comments of Parent/Guardian:
Comments of Student:
As a teacher who has a limited budget for school supplies, the following materials/help would be
appreciated from students and their families:
Wish list for 2008 Anatomy Classes:
Kleenix
Nonlatex surgical gloves for dissections
Poster Paper (white) for Team Review of Units for exam***
Student Assistants needed for:
Fall open houses
Anatomy Art Projects (Service or CAS hours)
IB Course Administration Addendum:
Advanced Studies courses provide students with a challenging & rewarding academic opportunity. City
College has made a significant financial investment in being able to provide the highest quality education
to its students by agreeing to cover testing fees and provide additional resources and material for IB
students. Students who join these courses are expected to show a high level of commitment, and are in
turn rewarded with additional weighting to class grades and school ranking. To maintain this weighting,
students must fully complete the course, including: completing all internal assessment pieces, seriously
preparing for the exam, and sitting for the final external exam. Students who fail to meet these
requirements will have credit weighting reduced and transcripts revised to show standard level credit. In
addition, failure to complete any internal assessment pieces will result in a serious impact upon class
grades and may result in course failure.
Tear off for Return to teacher
Acknowledgements of Course/Program Expectations:
By signing below, I agree that:
 I have read and understand the policies of this course including teacher expectations.
 I have read and understand the administrative policy about participation in Advanced Studies
courses.
______________________________
Student
Date
Comments:
_____________________________
Parent/Guardian
Date