Biology Syllabus
Room 213
770-748-0490
Mrs. J. Cox
Mrs. S. Turner
jdcox@polk.k12.ga.us
sturner@polk.k12.ga.us
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course introduces the student to basic biological principles
and processes using cellular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution theory, classification and
basic chemical/energy processes.
TEXT: McDougal Littell Biology (Nowicki), 2008 (classroom set),
Coach: Passing the Biology EOCT, various online resources will be provided.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: All students are required to participate in laboratory
activities, classroom discussions, skills practice, and small group activities. Student notes
will be on-line, but students are required to participate in discussions and add to the notes
in class. Printing notes, if desired, will be the responsibility of the student.
MATERIALS NEEDED: Pencils and pens, 2-inch, 3-ringed binder, scientific calculator, and
loose leaf paper are required. Bring your charged ipad daily. Juniors and seniors taking this
class may bring tablets from home.
TECHNOLOGY: Students are expected to bring their charged ipads to class every day.
Students will not be allowed to charge them in class. This class will strongly require the
use of technology. Warm ups, notes, articles, assignments, and assessments will all require
the use of the ipads. Occasionally, this class will be “flipped”, meaning the lesson will be
delivered as a video or assignment the student should watch or complete for homework and
a discussion or practice will be the class work the following day. It will probably be very
different for the students (and me), but I hope it will be fun for us all. I believe it is very
important for students of this generation to be proficient with technology.
Notes and assignments can be located and turned in using Edmodo. Our schedule will be
updated on my PSD website. Students should check both of these daily. Students may
occasionally be allowed to demonstrate mastery through video, music, art, and photography
apps.
GRADING:
60% Tests (Unit tests, benchmark tests, and projects)
20% Daily (homework, class work, quizzes, and labs)
20% EOCT
RETESTING POLICY: Students will be allowed to retake failed tests for a maximum
grade of 70. The PSD policy requires a completed Re-Test Request form with appropriate
signatures. Retesting must be completed within 2 weeks after the failed test.
MAKE UP WORK:
 Students whose absences are excused shall be permitted to make-up work missed.
It shall be the responsibility of the student to arrange with the teacher for making
the work up.
 Make up work will be posted on Edmodo. It is the student’s responsibility to
remember to submit it within 5 days. Labs, tests, and other assignments that
cannot be completed online, will need to be made up after school.
CLASS POLICIES/RULES: All policies of the Polk School District Board of Education and
the student handbook will be enforced.
HOMEWORK POLICY: Students are to complete homework when it is assigned and be
prepared to turn in completed assignments when requested. If it is not turned in on time,
a zero will be given for the assignment. On the third failure to turn in homework, after
school detention will be assigned. Failure to serve the detention will result in referral to an
administrator for discipline. If you are absent the day a homework assignment is taken
up, be ready to turn it in immediately on returning to class the following day.
PARENT CONTACT: Please visit the following website and complete the on-line form. I
will use your email to contact you throughout the year, as well as the first few weeks of
school to give you the opportunity to join several on-line communication outlets that I use
with the students, such as:
 Remind 101- I will give you a code to text to a phone number. This will put you on
the remind 101 list, where you will receive reminder texts. No specific phone
numbers will be exchanged.
 Teacher web site (PSD)- My personal web site will include a calendar, upcoming
events and projects, some class notes, etc.
 Edmodo—This is the primary outlet that I use with the students. I attach notes,
videos, worksheets, assignments, etc. to this site. It can also be used to give tests.
If your child needs help with the class, be sure to visit Edmodo with him or her.
Each class has a code that will be used to access Edmodo.
 Parent Info Form: http://goo.gl/yDt9S2
 Powerschool: Be sure to check your child’s grades often using PowerSchool. Your
access code can be obtained from the front office.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS/PROCEDURES:
1. All students are expected to keep a binder and paper. Date and label all
assignments, labs, class notes, etc. Bring a writing utensil daily.
2. Start warm up activities BEFORE class begins. There will be a warm up
daily.
3. Students are expected to work bell to bell. Do not put your books up
unless you are given permission. Sometimes time will be allowed to begin
homework, but it must be used for this purpose.
4. Raise your hand to ask questions. Do not blurt out.
5. Students are expected to learn and adhere to appropriate lab procedures
and safety rules when conducting lab experiments. If students do not
abide by rules, a zero may be given for the assignment or points may be
deducted from the lab grade. No handling of lab equipment or supplies
without permission.
6. Be on time every day. The tardy policy will be strictly enforced.
7. Go to the locker and use the restroom between classes.
Bathroom/water/locker passes will be limited.
8. Clean up around work area/desk at the end of the period.
9. All PSD and CHS rules will be enforced.
EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS:
1. Make sure your child completes homework assignments and studies for
tests.
2. Help your child with material when possible.
3. Make sure your child sees me for extra help if needed, and encourage
him/her to ask questions when necessary.
4. Make sure your child misses class only when ABSOLUTELY necessary.
What is missed in class cannot be truly replaced with makeup work.
5. Make sure your child makes up labs, tests, and assignments when absent.
6. Check your child’s grades on PowerSchool often (weekly). Upcoming tests
and assignments are often posted ahead of time. Contact me by email
with any questions as often as you feel necessary.
2013-2014 Biology Pacing Guide
Unit
Number of
Days
Text
Chapter
Topic(s)
Organization
6
8/23-8/30
1
9
9/3-9/13
7
9/16-9/24
3
Introduction, Equipment and
Safety, Microscopes, Themes in
Biology, Characteristics of Living
Things
Cell-Theory, Cell Structure &
Function
Evolution & History of Life
SB5a-c
17-18
Classification of Kingdoms, Viruses
SB3b-d
13.1-13.2,
15.3-15.5
2
Ecosystem Structure, Biomes
SB4a
Biochemistry, Enzymes and Water
SB1b-d
Photosynthesis/Cellular
Respiration & Cycles of Matter
Energy Flow and Food Chains &
Food Webs
Asexual & Sexual Reproduction,
Cell Growth (Mitosis/Meiosis)
DNA & RNA Structure & Processes
SB3a, SB4b
10.1, 10.410.5,12
Standard(s)
SB1a
(9/20-Homecoming)
Energy
Transformation
Growth &
Heredity
Equilibrium
6
9/25-10/2
7
10/3-10/11
8
10/21-10/30
7
10/31-11/8
5
11/11-11/15
15
11/18-12/13
5
12/16-12/20
15
1/6-1/28
4, 13.5
13.3-13.4
5, 6.1-6.2
8
6,7,8.7
SB4b
SB2c&e, SB1a
SB2a-b
Mendelian Genetics, Punnett
Squares, Inheritance Patterns,
Mutations
Genetic Engineering, DNA
Technology, Biological Resistance,
Bioethics
Cell Transport, Homeostasis
SB2f, SB5e
Natural Selection
SB5d
Plant Adaptations & Animal
Adaptations and Behavior
SB4e-f
14
Population Genetics, Succession
SB4c
16
Human Impact on Environment
SB4d
Coach Book
EOCT Review
13
1/29-2/14
9
8
2/19-2/28
5
3/3-3/7
3.5
3/17-3/21
3.3-3.5
10.2-10.3,
11
22.5, 27
SB2d
SB1a & d
(3/20 & 3/21 Intercession)
10
3/24-4/4
10
4/7-4/18
(4/21-4/25 Spring Break)
4/28-5/16
5/19-5/23
EOCT