Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional High School
Course Syllabus
Teacher: Mrs. Adams
Room 10
adams.a@woodstown.org
Course Description: Biology (A) 5262 Credits: 6 Grade: 9-10
Students are introduced to the unique properties of living organisms that set them apart
from non-living ones. Molecular and cellular biology provide a background for concepts of
reproduction and genetics. Microbiology, multicellular plants, invertebrate animal life, the
vertebrate animals, and human biology follow in logical sequence. Critical thinking involves
students in utilizing the steps of the scientific method in the completion of laboratory
reports and projects.
Online Textbook: Each student will have access to a textbook in class with an online
textbook for use at home. Students will create a username and password in order to use the
online text using an access code provided in class. Please keep your username and password
in a location where it can be easily accessed.
Website: http://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com
In addition to the textbook, students are also encouraged to visit my website for notes, study
guides and other resources.
Laboratory Experience: Biology class has a double lab period once a week. This gives us 84
minutes to conduct more in depth labs, take tests and complete tasks that may take longer
than one class period. Pencils and a lab notebook are needed for each lab in order to
complete the required lab report. Lab groups will be assigned. Horseplay in the lab is not
tolerated and will result in discipline and may require after school make-up.
Topics to be covered:
Marking Period 1 - Human Impact, Molecular Biology and Microbiology
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Chapter 1 - The Science of Biology
Chapter 2 - Chemistry of Life
Chapter 7 Sections 1 & 2 - Cell Structure and function
Chapter 7 Sections 3 & 4 - Cell transport
PROJECT: 3-D Cell Model
Marking Period 2- Cell Processes and Intro to Genetics
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Chapter 8 - Photosynthesis
Chapter 9 - Cell respiration
Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 Section 4 - Cell growth and division / mitosis and meiosis
PROJECT: Cellular Energy Project
Marking Period 3 - Genetics, Evolution and Classification
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Chapter 11 Sections 1, 2 & 3 - Mendelian Genetics
Chapter 14 Section 1 & 2 - Human Chromosomes and Disorders
Chapter 12 - DNA and Replication
Chapter 13 - RNA and Protein Synthesis
Chapter 14 Section 3 and Chapter 15 - Genetic Engineering
Chapter 16 - Evolution - Darwin, history of evolution, Darwin’s theory, evidence of
evolution
PROJECT: Genetic Disease Pamphlet Project
Marking Period 4 - Kingdoms of Living Things
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Chapters 3 Sections 1 & 3, Chapter 5 Section 1 and Chapter 6 - Ecology
Chapter 18 - Classification
Chapter 19 Section 3 - History of Life on Earth
Chapter 20 - Viruses and Prokaryotes (Bacteria)
Chapter 21 - Protists and Fungi
Chapter 22 - Introduction to Plants
Chapter 25 - Intro to Animals - characteristics of animals, body plan
Chapter 27/28 - Animal systems 1 & 2
Visual guide to the Diversity of Life (for animals) - pgs. 1064-1098 – characteristics of
all major animal phyla
PROJECT: Insect/Tree Leaf Classification Project
Grading System and Assessment of Student Performance:
Student performance will be assessed as followsTests/Projects-50%
Quizzes/Labs-30%
Classwork/Homework-20%
Yearly Average (As determined by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School
District):
1st Marking period- 20%
2nd Marking Period- 20%
Midterm Exam- 10% (covers material from the 1st and 2nd marking periods)
3rd Marking Period- 20%
4th marking Period- 20%
Final Exam- 10% (covers material from the 3rd and 4th marking periods)
Grading Scale (As determined by the Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District):
A (93-100)
B (84-92)
C (77-83)
D (70-76)
F (below 70)
New Jersey Biology Competency Test: This is a State test that all students taking Biology
will be given in May. Students will be given more information closer to test time and will
have access to review materials.
Supplies needed:
 3 ring binder, preferable 1 – 2 inches
 Dividers (8 tab)
 Paper, pens and pencils (for labs)
 Lab books will be provided
After school Science Labs: Science Lab will be held once a week for assistance with
assignments, review for tests and quizzes and to make-up missed labs. Missed labs must be
made up at the NEXT after school Science Lab session. Please make arrangements.
Information about the day and location of the lab will be posted in Room 10.
I can also be available after school for extra help. Please check with me to make sure that I
am available on the day that you plan on coming.
Class Policies:
 Respect for all (students, teachers and guests)!
 Responsibility (for your work and your actions)!
 Please respect all school policies and procedures as outlined in the school agenda and
Safety Contract!
 When the bell sounds at the beginning of the period, please be seated in your
assigned seat, prepared with the necessary materials and ready for class to begin.
 At the end of the period please be in your assigned seat before class is dismissed.
 If you wish to get a drink or use the restroom, simply fill out your agenda and quietly
get it signed. There is no need to request permission and interrupt class. A signed,
completed pass in your agenda is required every time you leave the classroom. I will
sign the pass but you must fill it out completely!
 If you do not have your agenda, you may use my classroom agenda.
 Food and drinks are not permitted in the classroom except under health-related
circumstances.
 Clean up your lab station and/or desk area at the end of labs or activities.
 Keep notebooks organized as instructed.
 The use of cell phones, iPods, iPads, etc. are not allowed during class unless told
otherwise. Usage of these devices during class without permission will result in
disciplinary action.
Class Procedures:
 Upon entering the room, students should do the following:
o take out materials
o begin the daily warm up
o record homework from the board in your agenda
o prepare a science buck for the end of class
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Grab a science buck daily and a new warm up sheet every Monday!
Absentee Policy/Assignments:
 Students are responsible for finding out what work needs to be completed upon their
return to school.
o Check the daily checklist for what was done in class each day that you missed.
o Check the daily folders for any papers needed to complete missed work.
o Notes must be copied from another student in class on your own time. On
occasion, you may be able to copy notes from a note key as homework and
return the key the following day.
o If there is nothing in the folders it does not mean that you do not owe me
anything or that you did not miss anything.
o Check with a classmate.
o If you have additional questions you may ask me during down time in class.
o If you know you are going to be missing class please let me know in person or
via email in advance.
 If you are absent for a quiz or a test we will agree on a make-up date.
 Although, if you are present the day before a quiz or test date you will be expected to
take the quiz or test the day you return. Please be prepared for this!
 At times, make-up quizzes and tests may be taken during class. Otherwise, they will
need to be taken in the morning or after school. If a test or quiz is made up during
class, you are responsible for any missed classwork.
 Missed labs must be made up afterschool in the next Science Lab!
Missed Assignments:
 The expectation for all assignments is that they will be handed in on time, without
exception! When an assignment is not turned in, a phone call will be made home that
day and the student will be referred to the office and receive an Academic Detention.
Test/Retest Policy:
 Student must have all assignments completed for the subject tested prior to the first
test, to be eligible for the retest.
 Student must successfully complete an additional assignment given by the teacher,
such as a review.
 Student must meet with their science teacher outside of class time or attend a science
lab prior to the retest test.
 Students will be given one opportunity for re-take per assessment.
 The make-up test must be completed in 1 week from the date the assessment was put
into power school.