Teacher: Dr. Cadence Spearman
Email Address: cspearman@altanta.k12.ga.us
Phone Number: (404) 802-3001
Tutorial: Monday 3:20-4:30 pm, or by appointment.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course involves the study of living organisms ranging from the molecular to that of the biosphere. The approach and method of study will be varied with an emphasis on investigation, discovery, and experimentation. Core topics will include the study of cells, the chemistry of life, genetics, ecology and evolution. Students will take the state’s End of Course Test on Tuesday, April
24, 2012. This exam is worth 20% of the second semester final grade.
PRIMARY RESOURCES:
Georgia Department of Education ( www.georgiastandards.org
)
Atlanta Public Schools Student Edition ( www.apskids.org
)
COURSE TEXT:
The text for the course is Holt Biology. The replacement cost of the text is $86.00 if you lose or damage it.
CONTENT ORGANIZATION:
Topic
Process skills
/Inquiry
Cellular structure and function
Genetics
Organisms-
Relationships
Organismsclassification
Ecosystems
Evolution
GPS Alignment
SCSh2: Students will identify and investigate problems scientifically
SB1. Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells.
SB2.
Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations.
SB3: Students will derive the relationship between singlecelled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems
SB4: Students will assess the dependence of all organisms o one another and the flow of energy & matter in their ecosystems
SB4 “”
SB5: Students will evaluate the role of natural selection in the development of the theory of evolution
Timeline
Review-2 days
4 Weeks
5 Weeks
5 Weeks
5 Weeks
5 Weeks
4 Weeks
COURSE FORMAT:
Instructional methods will include a combination of direct instruction, readings, discussion, experimental and observational laboratory investigations, field study, audiovisual presentations, cooperative learning situations, computer simulations, role-playing, and problem solving.
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CLASS WEBSITE:
This website was designed to offer optimal information about what is current in BSEA Biology . It contains all handouts distributed during class, upcoming exam/project dates, homework etc. The website will serve as a way for students to be held responsible for their work. The website address is https://sites.google.com/site/drspearman/
MATERIALS:
Textbook: Glencoe Biology
Supplies:
Students must have the following ●
3-ring binder ● 5 notebook dividers with tabs ●
Lined paper● Graph paper ● Pencils, Pens, Colored Pencils ●Quadrille Lab Notebook●
Composition Notebook● Calculator
One of each of the following: Kleenex, Sanitizer, Liquid Hand Soap, Disposable gloves-Please bring and leave for classroom
EVALUATION:
Grades will be based on the APS Scale: A(100-90), B(89-80), C(79-70), F(69-0)
30% Test:
15% Quizzes :
Unit tests will be given during the semester and cover major concepts at the completion of each unit. Test will be announced in advance. A cumulative End of Course Test will be given at the end of the semester.
Quizzes will be given on a regular basis between testing periods and will cover only a few concepts. Quizzes may or may not be announced. Notebook checks will count as a quiz grade.
25% Classwork: Tasks will include group and individual work as well as labs.
10% Homework: Homework is assigned almost daily and will be collected the following class period. Homework will be graded on completion,
20% Project: accuracy, or a combination of both.
Science Fair Project in the Fall and a choice of projects in the Spring are assigned for a duration of the class period and will require time outside the classroom as well as participation in the school, district, state, and international fair.
MAKE-UP WORK: Make-up work is allowed for excused absences only. It is the student’s responsibility to turn in missing assignments and/or to reschedule a make-up quiz or test with the teacher. Failure to make-up assignments, quizzes or test within the allotted time of two weeks will result in a zero. Absences due to school-initiated activities in which the student chooses to participate do not excuse the student from work assigned or concepts taught during the absence.
Re-do Policy: Students will be able to re-take assessments when a score of less than 70% is earned.
Unless otherwise directed, the student must attend a tutorial in order to be eligible for the re-take.
The score received on the re-take will be averaged in with the first test score, and the new score be apportioned. If it is observed that the majority of students score less than 70%, (highly unlikely) the lesson will be re-taught during class time and the class will be re-assessed.
BINDER SETUP: In order to keep track of notes, class work, labs etc, it is imperative to have an organized binder. Students’ binders should have 5 dividers. Your binder must contain the following sections labeled- Daily Board, Notes, Classwork/Homework, Labs, & Misc. (This section will hold
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your tests, quizzes, and all paperwork that I give to you). This way, you will be able to keep track of your grades. This will also give you the ability to dispute any discrepancies concerning your grades.
Notebooks will be checked periodically for a class work grade.
LAB EXPECTATIONS: All labs will be conducted in a manner consistent with the lab safety rules that are distributed and signed at the beginning of the semester. These rules will be reemphasized at the beginning of each lab. Students are expected to follow all safety rules when in the lab, especially proper cleaning ad disposing of materials. NOTE : A two page, typed research paper must be written for any missed lab (specific rubric addressing format will be given).
HALL PASSES: Each student will receive five hall passes for the semester. Unused hall passes may be turned in at the end of the semester for extra credit points (2 per pass) towards the final exam! Students will only be allowed to use the restroom with the originally issued hall passes.
LATE WORK: Student work is expected to be turned in on time. Work is due at the
BEGINNING of class. Only timely work will be accepted for full credit. Late work can be turned in for 50% credit, and it is the student’s responsibility to obtain late work after school.
TARDY POLICY: If a student is late for class he/she will be referred to the attendance office and receive detention. Students will only be admitted to class with a note from the attendance office.
The student is responsible for any and all missed work due to being tardy.
ATTENDANCE: It is important that students attend class regularly. Because the class is taught on the block schedule, we cover a large amount of material each day. Students may never miss class to be with another teacher without prior written approval from me. No class is more important than the other.
TUTORIAL: Tutorial is a time for students to get their questions answered in a smaller group or one-on-one setting. Students should come prepared with material to work on and questions to ask!
STUDYING: Biology can be a very challenging course. Nightly studying will improve your grades. I suggest at least 30 minutes each night , more before tests/quizzes
 SCIENCE FAIR: ALL BSEA BIOLOGY STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO
COMPLETE A SCIENCE PROJECT BASED ON ANY TOPIC RELATED TO
TECHNOLOGY AND BIOLOGY. THIS PROJECT WILL BE DUE ON
OCTOER 17-21, 2011. STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION
IN CLASS AND THE WEBSITE.
 LATE PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS : All students in the Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
Academy are expected to pay the dues to join either HOSA or TSA for the year.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: While it is expected that students will discuss homework and class work assignments, a student should never submit another person’s work or ideas as their own. Quizzes, tests, and exams are always individual assignments and are never collaborative.
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If a student submits another’s work or ideas as their own, a grade of “0” will be assigned, his/her parents will be contacted. Any suspicion of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Student Honor Council.
In addition, if a student is seen copying work from another student’s paper for any other class, the work will be confiscated and reported to that teacher for disciplinary action.
*Depending on a student’s behavior, Dr. Spearman reserves the right to determine and execute an appropriate consequence given the circumstances.
CLASS POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS:
All students are expected to adhere to all policies and procedures as mandated by Grady High
School and Atlanta Public Schools student handbook (Descriptor Code: JCDA~E).
General Classroom Expectations
L ook, listen, and follow directions
E nter class prepared and on time
A lways use class time for class activities
R espect yourself and others
N ever give up
Possible Classroom Consequences*
Verbal warning/redirection
Teacher-Student Conference
Teacher Detention (held Wednesdays 3:30-4:00)
Teacher-Parent Conference
Referral to Administrator
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE?
1) Keep a well-organized NOTE-BOOK. The notebook has to be a three ring binder, but you can also write notes on a spiral notebook, and later on add checked papers to the binder. All assignments must be BOUND and organized in a CHRONOLOGICAL
ORDER.
2) READ in the TEXTBOOK as much as possible. Take notes frequently.
3) Turn in assignments ON TIME, COMPLETE and LEGIBLY WRITTEN.
When absent – make up work is your responsibility!
4) Follow all teacher’s instructions, respect the behavioral guidelines.
Check your Grade On-Line through Infinite Campus. Parents can receive passwords from Mr. Brian Montero at bmontero@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Class Entry : a.
Enter the classroom only when you are ready to work and learn, even when you arrive early. b.
Check for given handouts at the service table. c.
Check for the sponge activity: on the white board, and / or on the monitor. d.
Place your bagpack/purses off the table, leaving only instruction materials on the desk.
End of Period : a.
Return to your seat. Do not leave the class even after the bell rings, unless the teacher clearly dismissed the class. Any failure to do so will result in the delay of the entire class beyond the dismissal bell. b.
You are held accountable for leaving your desk area clean above and under the desk.
Class work / conduct points will be deducted for leaving debris and messy lab stations. c.
Make sure to return all class materials to their place.
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Irrelevant belongings : a.
Food is not allowed at any time in the classroom. Water is allowed, as long as bottles are not left behind. b.
Irrelevant belongings such as cell phones, CD/MP3 players, headphones, make-up, magazines, games etc. will be confiscated without warning if seen by the teacher (even when turned off). They will be brought to the Academy Leader/Discipline Office at the end of the day, and may be picked up at 3:30 pm by a parent.
Participation : a.
Keep quiet while the teacher or another student is addressing the class. b.
You are encouraged to participate in class discussions, ask for clarification or adding relevant comments. Raise your hand to get the teacher’s permission to talk. c.
Collaborative group tasks are a critical part of our course. Your contribution to your groups’ success is extremely important.
Forbidden areas in the class : a.
Teacher’s Area is absolutely out of your reach at any time, including during labs. b.
Storage/Preparation Room – forbidden access at any time for any purpose. c.
Computers, unless they are clearly part of the lesson.
NOTE TO PARENTS:
It is my experience that parental involvement increases a child’s achievement. Parents are encouraged to contact me if they have any questions concerning their child’s progress. I am available before and after school as well as through email. Be sure to include your child’s name in the subject line. Please visit the website if you need information in regards to your child’s work or feel free to email me.
* This syllabus may be amended as necessary. Students and parents will receive written notification of any changes.
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