Mrs. Adams Pre-AP Biology
2013-2014
Course Description:
Biology presents a systematic approach to the basic principles of all living forms in general. Studies of cell biology, genetics, zoology, botany, and human biology are included. The use of scientific method in gathering and processing data is emphasized especially regarding living organisms, their life processes, and their relationship to each other and their environment.
Pre-AP Biology takes these concepts covered in Biology to a higher level. The course is designed to challenge the student to higher levels of acquiring scientific knowledge, resolving open-ended experiments, and mastering application-type tests. Students are expected to be capable of independent work. Outside reading, projects and summaries are required.
Teacher Background:
I am entering my 24th year of teaching at the secondary level. I have a BS degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M
University. I am the Human Anatomy & Physiology and PAP Biology teacher. I am the adviser to the Hutto
National Honor Society Chapter. My goal is to give my students the skills and knowledge that will allow them to be successful in future AP courses, college, and life in general.
Parental Requirements:
Parents need to understand that PAP classes require materials that academic classes may not require. Projects will require the purchase of some supplies. If the purchasing of these supplies is an issue please contact me.
Units of Instruction:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
Science Safety and Evidence-based Thinking
Ecology
Biochemistry
Body Systems & Homeostasis
Cells and Cell Transport
Cell Processes: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
Cell Processes: Cell Cycle
Cell Processes: Protein Synthesis
Genetics & Heredity
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
Evolution
Classification
Viruses and Bacteria
Plant Adaptations and Plant Structures
XIV.
Dissections 
Projects:
1 st six weeks
2 nd six weeks
3 rd six weeks
Scientist Scrapbook
Career Project (PowerPoint/Presentation to class)
Book Study: Hot Zone

4 th six weeks
5 th six weeks
6 th six weeks
Genetic Research Paper
Microbe Pamphlet or Wanted Poster
Texas Wildflower & Tree Leaves Collection
Article Analysis:
1 st six weeks
2 nd six weeks
3 rd six weeks
4 th six weeks
5 th six weeks
6 th six weeks
Grading:
75% Assessments
Topic: Endanger or Extinct Species
Topic: Cancer Research
Topic: DNA /Forensic Technology
Topic: Fungi-Allergens
Topic: Plants-Medicine
Topic: New Discoveries of 2013-14 in Life Science
25% Daily Work
UIL Eligibility Statement: Grades will be submitted in accordance with the UIL Eligibility Calendar
(available online).
Make-Up Work: (PAP Policy)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
It is the responsibility of the student on the day s/he returns to school to contact each teacher regarding make-up work and to appear at the time schedules for any make-up work.
If a student misses more than two consecutive days, s/he will have the same number of days to complete the make-up work as the number of days s/he was absent.
Different test may be administered to students who miss the regularly schedules test.
Written assignments may be requested over and above what was done in class.
At least 24 hours in advance of the event, parents need to contact an administrator for approval of an impending absence for a purpose other than for illness and/or death in the family. Students who miss class for a previously approved absence may be required to submit class work beforehand.
Parents wishing to request make-up assignments due to a student’s absence should contact the attendance office on the second day of the absence. Teachers are allowed 24 hours after the request to provide this make-up work.
Late Work: (PAP Policy)
It is your responsibility to turn in your work on time. Late work will not be accepted.
Redo/Repair Policy: (PAP Policy)

Redeem/Redo Statement: Students will be given 3 days from the time grades are posted on Family/Student
Access to redo/redeem/recover a failing grade (69% or below). The teachers shall choose one of the following methods for the student to demonstrate mastery:
 providing an alternative assignment
 allowing for corrections to the assignment
 allowing the student to redo the original assignment
It is the responsibility of the teacher to communicate their redo/redeem/recover methods to the student and parent through their course syllabus, website, email, or direct communication.
Grades will be updated every Tuesday; therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to seek the opportunity to redo/redeem/recover upon notification of a failing grade. And it is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that grades are updated per campus policy.
Failing grades not recovered within the 3 days will be recorded as the final grade earned. Recovered grades are eligible to receive a maximum grade of 70%.
Attendance Statement:
Attendance Statement: A student shall not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance
90 percent of the days the class is offered. This restriction does not affect a student’s right to excused absences to observe religious holy days. A student who is in attendance for at least 75 percent but less than 90 percent of the days a class is offered may be given credit if the student completes a plan approved by the school’s principal that provides for the student to meet the instructional requirements of the class. However, a student under the jurisdiction of a court in a criminal or juvenile justice proceeding may not receive credit without the consent of the judge presiding over the student’s case.
Tardy Statement: Students are not permitted to enter classrooms after the bell has rung without a tardy pass. A student who is tardy to class will be assigned to detention. Repeated instances of tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary action, including but not limited to Saturday School, ISS, or suspension.
Students are expected to be in class, on time. Students tardy to class more than 5 minutes will be given a partial day unexcused absence.
Academic Integrity Statement:
Academic Integrity Statement: A student found to have engaged in academic dishonesty shall be subject to grade penalties on assignments or tests and disciplinary penalties in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes cheating or copying the work of another student, plagiarism, and unauthorized communication between students during an examination. The determination that a student has engaged in academic dishonesty shall be based on the judgment of the classroom teacher or another supervising professional employee, taking into consideration written materials, observation, or information from students. All incidents of academic dishonesty will result in a disciplinary referral, parental contact, and a penalty of a zero on the assignment/test/project. Student may redo the assignment/test/project for a maximum grade of 70%.
Leaving Class:

Each student will be given two coupons each six weeks that will allow them to leave class when needed. If students do not use the coupons they can be turned in at the end of the six weeks for extra credit points. Once these are used then you will not be allowed to leave class. Use them wisely!
Student Supplies: pens and pencils paper
Classroom supplies:
Tissue (Last name A-M)
Tutoring: binder dividers Color pencils
Paper Towels (Last name N-Z)
Morning Tutoring:
Lunch Tutoring:
Afternoon Tutoring: Wednesday till 5pm
*Tutoring is also available by appointment. Students may schedule an appointment for tutoring when not able to come into scheduled times.
Classroom Rules:
Be prompt, Be productive, Be polite, Be prepared, Be positive
Consequences if rules disregarded:
1.
Warning
2.
Teacher/Student Conference
3.
Parent contact
4.
Referral to the office
*severe disregard for class or school rules will result in immediate referral to the office
Mrs. Adams Contact Information:
Email denise.adams@hutto.txed.net
Phone 759-4700 x
Mrs. Adams website is available on school website under staff directory.
Please sign and return the bottom of this paper to verify that you have read and understand the rules and expectations of Mrs.
Adams class.

Student signature ___________________________________________________________________________
Parent signature ____________________________________________________________________________