Integrated Biology
Mrs. Amy Thomas
GlenOak High School
Contact Information
Mrs. Amy Thomas
Email: thomasa@plainlocal.org (this is best way to contact me)
Phone: 330-491-3800
Course Description
Biology is the study of the life of organisms and their interaction with the
environment around them. All around us there are organisms that deal with life's
obstacles with creative and diverse adaptations. The goal of this class is to help you
understand living things and the systems that help them sustain their lives in the ever
changing and dynamic world we all share.
Instructional Philosophy
Students are given information via notes, lectures, and classroom discussions.
Students will apply this information to worksheets, labs, cooperative groups, projects,
and various types of assessments.
Course Goals
1. Exposure to the basic knowledge of biology and its various disciplines.
2. Raise awareness of the application of biological science in everyday life.
3. Increased appreciation for living things and the environment in which they live.
4. Challenge students to become critical consumers and thinkers in and out of the
classroom.
5. Exposure to possible career choices in science and related fields.
6. Preparation to pass the Ohio Graduation Test in Science.
Coursework
Students will complete assignments in the following formats:
 Written notes and vocabulary
 Cooperative group and individual projects
 Class assignments, including homework
 Lab activities
 Written tests and quizzes
Course Credit
Students that successfully complete the course are awarded one science credit
towards graduation.
Assessment Plan
Students will be assessed according to the following evaluation instruments:
 Oral questioning
 Class participation
 Completion of coursework
 Performance on various assessments
 Completion of projects according to specific criteria/rubrics
Grading
Students are responsible for monitoring their grades on-line. Make sure you keep
all your assignments in the correct order in your portfolio. Please bring any questions or
errors to my attention, and I will be more than willing to fix the problem. Please see me
as soon as you are having any problems because I want to make sure that you are
working at your greatest potential.
GlenOak Grading Scale: 100 – 92 A, 91 – 82 B, 81 – 70 C, 69 – 60 D, 59 – 0 F
Assignments
Assignments will not be accepted as late, except in specific rare circumstances. In
situations where a special circumstance arises, notify me and we can work together on a
plan. Absent/make-up work is to be turned in per school policy (see handbook). If you
are absent the day of a test or quiz be prepared to take the assessment the first day back,
and you must take the initiative of setting up a time.
Participation
Learning is a process that requires intriguing questions and creative answers. The
more each of us participates the more exciting and engaging the process of learning
science can be. Participation is an important aspect of any science class.
Student Expectations
1. Students are to bring a pencil, pen, three ring binder with folder pockets, paper,
and their class assignments each day.
2. Students are responsible for completing and turning in all class assignments in
on-time.
3. Students are responsible for all make-up work
4. Students must use class time effectively in a hard working manner.
5. Students are to complete their own work unless otherwise informed by the
teacher, any indication of cheating, copying, or plagiarism will result in an
automatic failure of the assignment(s).
Procedures
Starting – You will need to be in your seat, quiet, and have you assignments ready at
the ring of the late bell.
Tardiness – Will be strictly enforced by school policy.
Leaving during class – You must have a signed planner or pass to leave class or arrive
late.
End of class – You are to remain seated until you are dismissed. If I am talking after
the bell remain seated until dismissed.
Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior
1st Offense – Verbal Reprimand
2nd Offense – Call home
3rd Offense – Detention and call home
4th Offense – Referral to the office
Electronic devices
These can be used for educational purposes. I will tell students when the devices
can be used in the classroom. Any other use of electronic devices will be a discipline
issue and will be dealt with according to GlenOak High School policy.
Class Topics
Biology topics are as follows: The Cell, Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis,
Cell Division, Classical Genetics, Modern Genetics (DNA), Evolution, Population and
Community Ecology, Ecosystems and Conservation, Bacteria and Viruses, Survey of
Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy, Immune System, and General Chemistry. The online
textbook and other resources will require the following information.
Site
User Name
biology.com
studyisland.com
quizlet.com
biostudent1
(biostudent2, biostudent3, etc)
Search “GOHS”
Biology Topics
Ch 34: The Biosphere
Ch 35: Populations and Community Ecology
Ch 36: Ecosystems
Ch 6: The Cell
Ch 7: Cell Respiration
Ch 8: Photosynthesis
Ch 9: Mitosis/Meiosis
Ch 10/12: Classical Genetics
Ch 11: Modern Genetics
Ch 14: Microevolution
Ch 15: Macroevolution
Ch 16: Prokaryotes/Viruses
Ch 31: Immune System
Password
for any pertaining chapters
eagles
Supplies
Three Ring Binder
Pencils and Pens
Paper
Tabs
Extra-Credit Materials (3 pts each, up to 15 pts per grading period)
Colored Pencils
Crayons
Kleenex