Biology 2011-12
Rachel Taylor
Rachel.taylor@casey.kyschools.us
Biology, a required class, covers a wide range of topics. A tentative sequence to the units we will be doing in
this class is as follows:
 Unit 1: Science
 Unit 2: The Chemistry of Life
 Unit 3: The Cell
 Unit 4: Cellular Energy
 Unit 5: cellular Reproduction
 Fall Semester Exam
 Unit 6: Genetics
 Unit 7: The Genetic Code
 Unit 8: Ecology
 Unit 9: Evolution
 EOC (End of Course Assessment)- Up to 20% of Overall Grade!
 Dissections: These are mandatory dissections that will count has test grades!
 Spring Semester Project
One of our goals at Casey County High School is to prepare students for success after high school. Therefore, I
require a high degree of personal responsibility to be shown in my classroom. This includes respect for self and
others. Classroom rules and expectations are listed on the back. If you have questions about the rules or the
consequences of breaking those rules, please talk to me.
I encourage students to ask questions during class. I am available both before and after school to provide
additional help when needed.
Homework and class supplies must be brought to class every day, including a composition notebook to be used
exclusively for this class. Students will need to show responsibility during class. Self-motivation is essential to
completing long-term assignments.
Supplies Needed
Composition Notebook (Provided by school)
Glue Sticks
Highlighter
Pack of pencils
Blue or Black Ink Pens ONLY
Hall Passes
Hall passes are to be avoided. I allow you to use 3 hall passes per 6 weeks if you have your own agenda book;
however, you will receive 3 bonus points for each one you do not use. Please use these wisely.
Grading Policy
Your six weeks’ grade will be determined by your performance on the following:
Tests, formal lab reports, and portfolio entries ~ 50%
Unit assessments, worth 100 points each, will be announced about one week in advance. Since some units are
rather long, there may be more than one unit assessment given/unit. A Vocabulary Review quiz (20 points) will
be administered most Fridays from a list given in class on Mondays. Other quizzes may or may not be
announced prior to administration. There will be a minimum of two/6 weeks. One formal lab report (100 points)
will be required each 6 weeks. A research project/portfolio piece will be completed once per semester.
Daily work, bell ringers, notebook, & homework ~50%
Bellringers, individual and group projects will be done in class and make up the majority of this category. In
addition, homework may consist of writing assignments, text work and worksheets.
Determining Final Grade (Definite grading policy should be set by end of 1st 6wks)
Grading Policy (Estimated-will change when EOC % is determined by Site Base-up to 20%)
Remember: COURSE GRADES APPEAR ON YOUR PERMANENT TRANSCRIPT!
CLASSROOM RULES & EXPECTATIONS
The most important rule is to respect yourself and others. This means “DON’T DO ANYTHING THAT
PREVENTS YOU OR ANYONE ELSE FROM LEARNING!” This means no talking during lectures, no passing
notes, no sleeping or laying head on desk, no throwing objects, no sharpening pencils or trash disposal when
others are discussing the lesson.
The Code of Conduct will be enforced in this class.
1. Bring all class supplies with you. Do not ask to go to your locker after the bell rings. All personal business is
to be taken care of between classes. Unused hall passes = bonus points
2. IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE ON TIME! You should have an excuse if you’ve been delayed in your last class,
been to the office or had any other necessary business.
3. All work will be done in pencil or blue or black ink. Colored ink is prohibited. Assignments done in colors
will not be graded.
4. No late homework, assignments, or tests can be made up for full credit without an excused absence. IT IS
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU MISSED!
5. Backpacks/purse are NOT allowed on desk tops! Hands must remain visible at all times—above the desk!
PLEASE COMPLETE & RETURN TO MS. TAYLOR
Please Print
Student Name: _____________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name ___________________________________________
Email Address: __________________________________________________________
Phone Number #1: ________________________
Phone Number #2: ________________________
Preferred method of contact: _________________________________________
I have read and understand the requirements and the expectations for receiving a credit/grade for Biology.
______________________________________
___________________________________
Student Signature
Parent Signature
I have read the attached Safety in the Science Classroom document regarding investigations, activities and field
experiences, and I agree to follow them during any science course, investigation, activity or field experience. I
realize these rules are developed to prevent accidents and to ensure my own safety and the safety of my fellow
students. I understand that the teacher may give additional safety instructions and procedures in certain
situations, and I will follow them also. I understand that I may ask the teacher at any time about the rules and
regulations if they are not clear to me. I am aware that my failure to follow these procedures may result in
discipline including, but not limited to, detention, removal from the laboratory, alternate assignments on later
labs, and other discipline as decided by the administration.
___________________________________________
Student Signature
_______________
Date
I have read the Safety in the Science Classroom document and discussed it with my child. He/she realizes that
violation of any of these rules will result in consequences ranging from detention to removal from the laboratory
to alternate assignments on later labs, or other discipline as decided by the administration.
____________________________________________ ________________
Parent Signature
Date