Student Biology Concerns:
Amount and Pace of Content
• We do not go so fast that you cannot keep up
• We encourage students to ask us to slow down or repeat information for
understanding
• Third quarter is generally the most challenging
• We teach information with student friendly language for better understanding
Homework – Understanding and Completion
• 1 -2 worksheets – Should take about 10 minutes each to complete
• We go over entire homework when handing it out and provide helpful hints –
SO LISTEN CAREFULLY!!!!!
• Before/After school or during our planning blocks for help with homework –
just let us know you are coming
• Please try homework to reinforce understanding of material
• Better to turn in a block late than not at all
• WARNING: Use class notes to answer questions (also found on Dr. Hensley’s
webpage) DO NOT USE THE TEXTBOOK OR INTERNET FOR ANSWERS
Notes and Studying for Tests:
• Notes created in class are always posted on Dr. Hensley’s webpage with
additional notes from Mrs. Ingram which add helpful pictures, etc. for
understanding
• Completed Learning Targets are a type of study guide for tests/quizzes
• Trade & Grade HW is good study guide/tool
• After school unit test review sessions – announced at least 1 week early;
about 30-45 minutes long and provides helpful ways to remember info.
• Unit test review power point is also uploaded to Dr. Hensley’s webpage
• Power point can be printed and folded in half to create flash cards
• If you need additional study tools, please check with us
• DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE NIGHT BEFORE TO STUDY FOR A UNIT TEST!
Large or Numerous Projects
• One project this year – Cells – you may work with one partner or alone creativity is encouraged
• You will be given one class block to get started
Labs – Group Work
• Sometimes we will pick your lab group
• Sometimes we will let you pick your lab group – must work well together
• Contact us privately – email or in person – if you do not want to work with a
specific individual in the classroom. You may not work alone on labs!
Student Biology Interests :
We do not cover the following topics in Biology:
• Plants – only at high level
• Animals – we just cover cellular level and
classification
• Marine Biology
• Human Body systems
• Dissection – Funding issues prevent us from being
able to do this
• Blood – We do not use any body fluids in biology