Keystone Biology Syllabus
Capital Area School for the Arts
Mrs. Cole
dcole@casa-arts.org
717-732-8450 ext. 7521
Room 233
"Most people say it is intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character." ~Albert Einstein
Course Description:
This course provides a review of the major areas of biology: living things and their classification, functions and
importance of animal systems, plant parts and reproduction, and heredity. Students will investigate the
various forms of life from viruses to the larger, more complex plants and animals that inhabit the earth. Basic
problems use supporting facts, which students must obtain to achieve desired outcomes. This course is to
teach students to appreciate the value of life and how it exists and reproduces in order to be maintained.
Emphasis is on reviewing for the Keystone Biology exam; passing at the proficient level is required for
graduation. As this is a semester-long review course, the class will move at a faster-pace and will provide
many extra review/practice resources which you are encouraged to complete and use.
Units of Study:
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Unit 1:
Unit 2:
Unit 3:
Unit 4:
Unit 5:
Unit 6:
Unit 7:
Unit 8:
Unit 9:
Nature of Science
The Chemical Basis for Life
Basic Biological Principles
Bioenergetics
Homeostasis and Transport
Cell Growth and Reproduction
Genetics
Biological Diversity and Evolution
Ecology
Required Supplies:
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Notebook
Folder or Binder
Pencils, erasers, highlighters
Headphones/earbuds
USB Flashdrive (can be shared with other classes)
Resources:
I will be using Edmodo to manage class files, resources, assignments, and feedback. Parents and
students will receive a code to join my class. Be sure to check Edmodo and the CASA website frequently.
http://www.casa-arts.org
http://www.edmodo.com
Expectations:
It is expected that you come to class prepared and ready to learn. All students must show respect to staff and
fellow students. Everyone in our classroom has a unique set of talents and opinions to share; we should all
take advantage of the opportunity to learn from each other. While we will be using Edmodo for course
management, at any time you need a paper copy or other accommodation, please let me know. I truly believe
each and every one of you can succeed! If at any time you have questions, have an idea, or need help, come
and see me.
Classroom Code of Ethics
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Respect – I will treat others the way I wish to be treated
Integrity – I will strive to do what is right, even when no one is looking
Responsibility – I will be accountable for my own choices and actions
Equality – I will appreciate the worth and rights of others
Compassion – I will show kindness and consideration to everyone
Non-judgmental – I will honor the varying opinions and beliefs of others
Diversity – I will embrace with understanding the changes and differences in all cultures
Discipline Policy
Please be sure to review your student handbook for full information on school policies and procedures.
For classroom-level infractions, the following procedure will be followed:
1. First infraction = warning
2. Second infraction = parent contact & lunch detention with reflection
3. Third infraction = principal referral
Plagiarism and/or cheating will not be tolerated. There are severe consequences for those involved with
academic dishonesty.
Tardy Policy
You must be in class, ready to learn by the required start time. All of your teachers want you to get the
most out of your day with us! If you need to use the restroom between classes, please check in with your next
period teacher first. The tardy policy will be standard across all academic classes. If you arrive late without a
pass, the following will occur:
1. First late offense = warning
2. Second late offense = lunch detention & parent contact
3. Third late offense = principal referral
Attendance Policy
It is very important that students attend every class and participate every day in class discussions and
activities. However, I understand that students may be absent occasionally. If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to get your missing work. Please be sure to check Edmodo or the CASA website to review what
was completed in class, as well as any homework assignments. Please also check in with me to make sure you
are caught up or if you have any questions. If a hands-on lab activity was missed, arrange a time with me to
complete this. You will have the length of your absence to make up the assignments. For example, if you
were absent two days, you will have two days to complete your work.
Technology Policy
Each student will have access to a computer in my classroom. When on the computer, students should
be on task. Students are permitted to use personal devices ONLY when instructed. Unless being used for an
assigned activity, personal student devices should be face down and in the off/silent setting during class.
Students who are misusing personal or school provided electronics will have their electronics confiscated for
the class period. The device(s) will be held by Mrs. Cole and returned at the end of the class period. Your
cooperation is appreciated.
Grading
Students will be graded based upon two different types of assessments/activities: formative
assessments and summative assessments. Grades will be updated frequently in Power School – be sure to
check for your grades there.
I do not expect students to know all material at a 100% level the first time; everyone, at some point, may
need extra practice or review. Formative assessments are used for students to practice concepts and skills.
These will be used to track student progress and allow students to learn and grow without fear of negatively
impacting grades. Formative assessments give the student, parents, and teacher feedback.
Formative Assessment Grading:
Outstanding ( O ) = All information is correct and applied to a high level.
Satisfactory ( S ) = Minor errors that do not interfere with understanding the main concepts.
Unsatisfactory (U ) = Concept is missed/not understood. Ask questions/reteaching/redo.
Summative assessments are the graded items upon which your grade is calculated. You will be given a
summative assessment after practice with the formative assessments. Both types of assessments are equally
important!
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 0 – 59%
Dear Parent and/or Guardian,
My goal this year is to work closely with students and parents/guardians to help every student reach
his/her potential in the semester-long Keystone biology review class. Please review the course syllabus and
expectations which your son/daughter has received.
Grades will be updated frequently on PowerSchool and assignments will be posted on my course page
on the CASA website. For course management of files, resources, and assignments, I will use Edmodo. Many
Keystone Biology resources, practice assessments, and reviews will be provided to students. Please encourage
your son/daughter to use these frequently in preparation for the Keystone Exam at the end of the semester.
Edmodo is a great, free tool for teachers, parents, and students to work together toward success.
Every student will be creating an Edmodo and each parent will also receive a parent code from me at the
beginning of school; feel free to sign up and monitor your child’s work in this system. It is not required to have
a parent account, but it is encouraged if you can do so. http://www.edmodo.com
I look forward to working with all of you toward a successful school year at CASA! If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact me at dcole@casa-arts.org , or at 717-732-8450 ext. 7521.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Diana Cole
http://www.casa-arts.org
Please print and sign below, indicating you have read and understand the Biology syllabus and expectations.
Return this signed, bottom portion to Mrs. Cole by August 28th, 2014.
Student’s Name _________________________________________________
Student’s Signature _________________________________________________
Period __________
Date______________
Email Address (student) _______________________________________________________
Parent’s or Guardian’s Signature ________________________________________ Date______________
Home Phone __________________________
Cell Phone ______________________________________
Email Address (parent) ________________________________________________________