Biology 1 Course Policies
Science Hill High School
Mrs. Michelle Durham
Course Description: We will be exploring the living world around us through the perspective of science. We will study
such concepts as measurement and graphing, cellular structure and organization, cellular reproduction and the
transmittance of genetic information, biodiversity, natural selection, and energy flow through ecosystems. One of our
primary goals is to further our understanding of how matter and energy interact and their cycles and flow through the
environment.
Classroom Expectations: So that all students can learn, and so that the teacher can teach, we will use the following
discipline plan to ensure that we maintain a safe, orderly and productive classroom. In addition to these guidelines, the
regulations and rules governing student behavior from the Johnson City Schools Code of Conduct and SHHS student
handbook will be in effect at all times.
Required Materials: The students should bring to class EVERY day…
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Issued copy of the student edition of the Prentice Hall textbook, Biology
Issued copy of student workbook
Loose leaf notebook paper in a 3-ring binder
Blue or Black ink pens, pencil and red pen. ALL work must be done in pencil to get proper credit, unless
otherwise noted.
Optional Materials:
1. USB drive to transport digital files, reports or presentations
2. Zipper pouch with 3-ring holes to hold pens, calculator in your binder
Grading:
Term 1: your first term grade will be calculated as
follows:
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35% exams
20% Homework and Class work
20% Labs and Projects
15% Quizzes
10% Participation
Term 2:
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25% EOC
26% Exams
11% Quizzes
15% Homework and Class Work
15% Labs and Projects
8% Participation
Attendance and Effort: Being in class every day is important in order to not miss important instruction. We will move
quickly and certain class activities such as guided practice, demonstrations and labs are not possible to make up. Every
day the student should be in class taking notes. Every week, at least Monday – Thursday each student should spend a
minimum of 30 minutes study time on this course doing one of the following activities as needed to master the learning
objectives and prepare for upcoming exams:
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Complete homework assignments such as worksheets and lab reports
Review class notes and example problems
Read textbook sections related to the current topic
Complete related practice problems in the textbook that are similar to class problems
Answer review questions at the end of the sections and chapters in textbook
Make-up Work: When absences are excused or school-related, makeup for graded work is possible under the following
guidelines:
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Assignments given PRIOR to the students absence are still due upon return
Ask for makeup work PRIOR to school-related absences
Ask for makeup work upon return for all other EXCUSED absences if unable to ask prior to the absence
Complete makeup work within 4 class days upon return or the grade becomes a zero.
Simulated date will be provided to allow a student to makeup a missed lab, but 5 points will be deducted.
Attendance is necessary to receive full credit for labs. School related activities and absences with doctor’s notes
are exempt from this penalty.
Tests and quizzes missed by a one day absence are taken IMMEDIATELY upon return the following day
A student who is present but fails to complete and turn in assignments when they are due will receive a zero grade.
Lab Safety: Always the highest priority for any lab activity is that the student follows safety precautions. Specific issues
are reviewed prior to each lab activity. Failure to observe the safety regulations (yes, this includes wearing goggles) and
teacher instruction during lab will have the following consequences: a five-point deductions from lab grade (1/8 total
grade) and possible removal from the lab area to assigned desk.
Questions: Please ask questions during instruction when you do not understand; just raise your hand to be
acknowledged by the teacher before you ask! And, if you have concerns or questions about your work, grade or this
class, please feel free to communicate with me at the end of the class period. Parents are encouraged to email me at
durhamm@jcschools.org or phone SHHS at 423-232-2190 between 11:05 and 1:00 p.m. to check on their student’s
progress. Grades will be updated weekly and can be accessed by both students and parents through the Gradebook
portal.
Notes can be accessed at www.prezi.com . Click on the explore tab and type in Michelle Durham in the search box. All
Prezi’s will be listed, just look for the correct title.
Students can keep informed about the class assignments, standards and goals through my class website at
www.mldurham.wordpress.com