Biology – 9th Grade
Levels 1 & 2
Course Description – The objective of the course is to develop a basic literacy in the
underlying themes in the study of life; that is, form fits function, genetic continuity,
cellular basis of life, emergence, DNA as the basic unit of heredity, hierarchy of
structure, taxonomic organization of life, interaction with the environment, six
kingdoms, and evolution. Laboratory and fieldwork are used to introduce and develop
these topics within a context of experiential learning.
Text – Holt Biology. Johnson, G.B. & Raven, P.H.; ©2004
Course Objectives –
Students will:
1. Work in cooperative teams for the purposes of performing the required
investigations, and acquiring knowledge and information needed to address the
chapter activities.
2. Reflect on the results of inquiry activities and relate them to larger concepts.
3. Investigate new situations and be challenged to either explain observed phenomena
using established constructs or develop new constructs that more adequately explain
the phenomena.
4. Use graphs as a way of representing ideas symbolically and recognize its usefulness
in exploring and understanding the world around them.
5. Solve problems related to technological applications and related issues. Read and
comprehend informational materials to develop understanding and expertise and
produce written or oral work that:
 restates or summarizes information
 relates new information to new experience or prior knowledge
 extends ideas
 makes connections to related topics of information
6. Participate in group meetings for the purpose of making decisions, peer editing, and
obtaining responses.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of rules of the English language in every written or
oral communication throughout the course.
8. Develop knowledge of the chemistry of important molecules and the function of
these molecules within living systems.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the cellular basis of life and be able to describe
cellular processes.
10. Interpret experimental data and apply it to related living systems.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of genetics and the laws of heredity on both a molecular
and organism level.
12. Describe the theories of evolution and their implications in speciation and
biodiversity.
13. Explain and compare the structure and function of animal and plant systems and
their adaptations.
Course Schedule – This class meets every school day for one semester (approx. 90 days)
Materials Needed – The daily activities of this class may vary considerably, so students need
to be prepared. Items that should be brought to class every day include pen & pencils, a
3-ring notebook, and your textbook.
Notebook – A notebook should include all of the paperwork that is used in this class. This
includes handouts, class notes, quizzes, tests, lab reports, homework, field / safari
journals, and project work. It is your responsibility to keep this notebook organized and
up to date. Notebooks may be collected and graded periodically for completeness &
organization.
Assignments – Assignments usually fall in to one of the following categories. All assignments
are to be completed to the best of your ability.
 Homework: Specific assignments are given almost every day and checked the following
class. Reading assignments in the text or otherwise will be frequent and will be checked
through note checks and / or quizzes. It is the general expectation that even if no specific
assignment is given, students will spend time reviewing notes and other material covered
in class.
 Labs: Throughout the course, activities and labs will be conducted in order to strengthen
understanding and develop inquiry skills. Labs may be directed with specific instructions
or open-ended allowing students to develop their own procedures. Both formal and
informal write-ups may be required at the conclusion of the lab.
 Quizzes: Quizzes will be used frequently to assess progress. These short assessments
may be announced or unannounced. Often, quizzes will be used at the beginning of a class
to check homework or at the end of a lesson to check understanding.
 Tests: Tests will always be announced and usually occur at the end of a unit. Formats of
tests vary depending on the material. Tests may be retaken if special arrangements are
made with the instructor. Retaking tests are not meant to be a do-over, but as a way to
improve your understanding of material. Grades may or may not be improved by retaking
tests.
 Projects: Many units will include various larger projects that are designed to deepen
understanding of the content, as well as developing applied skills.
 Field / Safari Journal: Students will be expected to keep a detailed log of their
observations and questions that occur while working in the field.
 Blackboard: Students will be expected to participate in an online student network.
Assignments may be given through this tool and certain assignments will be expected to
be handed in electronically.
Plagiarism & Cheating – It is the expectation of all students that any work handed in is
completely the work of the student. If outside sources are used, they should be properly
cited using APA format. Any cases of plagiarism or cheating will be dealt with
according to school rules. This includes a zero on the assignment, parent notification,
in-school suspension, a parent conference, and the possibility for other academic
privileges to be taken away.
Grading – Each assignment will be given a numerical value. Larger assignments will be worth
more points. At the end of each quarter, grades will be calculated by determining the
percentage of points earned from the total possible. Each quarter is worth 40% of the
final grade and the final exam / project is worth 20%.
Absences – Students are responsible for making up any missed work. All missed work should
be completed and turned in a timely manner upon the students return. In some cases
time will need to be scheduled after school to make up a labs or other class work. If
students know they will miss class in advance, they should ask the instructor for work
before the absence.
Contact Information & Extra Help– The best method of contacting me is e-mail at
mchilton@palisadessd.org. I can also be contacted by phone through voicemail only at
610-847-5131 ext. 2338. I am available most days after school, but please check in
advance to be sure. Important information can also be found on my district website.
Class Rules & Expectations – All school policies apply. We will develop our own class rules
together and adjust them as needed. Generally speaking, everyone should respect each
other, respect the physical environment, and respect the learning process.
Portfolio Development – Students may wish to document their improvement in science by
including certain activities in their portfolio. These activities include lab reports,
diagrams and models, group projects and scientific writing.
Safety Considerations – Science classrooms can be dangerous and it is vital that students
listen to and follow all safety instructions. Students not paying attention to directions
put themselves and their classmates at risk. This will not be tolerated.
Outline of Course Content – The content of the course will be tied to nine underlying themes
of biology which will be infused into each unit. These themes include: Science as a
way of thinking; Form fits function; Hierarchy of structure; Living things require
energy; The cell is the unit of structure for life; Living things interact with their
environment; DNA is the building block of heredity: Unity and diversity: and the core
theme, Change through Time. The themes of the course are linked to the content
outlined below:
 Microbiology
o Biochemistry
o Cell structure
 Cell Processes
o Photosynthesis & Respiration
o Cell replication (Mitosis & Meiosis)
 Evolution
o Evidence of Natural Selection
o History of Life on Earth
 Genetics
o Patterns of Inheritance
o Structure & Function of DNA
o Biotechnology
 Ecology
o Ecosystems
o Ecological Relationships
o Human Impacts on Ecosystems
***Please that the course content may vary to fit the needs
of a particular group of students.