Honors MYP Biology Syllabus
Teacher: Mr. Charles Yu Phone: 410-266-5240 Ext: 256
E-mail: xyu@aacps.org Planning periods: A Day: 2nd Period Time: 9:00 – 10:30
B Day: 1st Period Time: 7:17 – 8:55
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young
people who help to create a better more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and
respect.
This International Baccalaureate Middle Years (IB MYP) course covers the AACPS curriculum
and is taught and assessed using IB methodology. The IB’s student-centered philosophy, with its
focus on inquiry, action and reflection, empowers students for a lifetime of learning, both
independently and in collaboration with others. An IB education centers on learners, develops
effective approaches to teaching and learning, and explores significant content within global
contexts.
Course Overview
Biology, as the science of life, will challenge students to examine and appreciate the living and non-living
things on our world.
IB MYP Course Aims
Course Objectives
Aims: The aims of the teaching and study of
MYP sciences are to encourage and enable
students to:
A. Knowing and understanding
Students develop scientific knowledge (facts, ideas,
concepts, processes, laws, principles, models and
theories) and apply it to solve problems and express
scientifically supported judgments.
B. Inquiring and designing
Intellectual and practical skills are developed through
designing, analysing and performing scientific
investigations. Although the scientific method
involves a wide variety of approaches, the MYP
emphasizes experimental work and scientific inquiry.
C. Processing and evaluating
Students collect, process and interpret qualitative
and/or quantitative data, and explain conclusions that
have been appropriately reached. MYP sciences helps
students to develop analytical thinking skills, which
they can use to evaluate the method and discuss
possible improvements or extensions.
D. Reflecting on the impacts of science
Students gain global understanding of science by
evaluating the implications of scientific developments
and their applications to a specific problem or issue.
Varied scientific language will be applied in order to
demonstrate understanding. Students are expected to
become aware of the importance of documenting the
work of others when communicating in science.
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understand and appreciate science and its
implications
consider science as a human endeavor
with benefits and limitations
cultivate analytical, inquiring and flexible
minds that pose questions, solve problems,
construct explanations and judge
arguments
develop skills to design and perform
investigations, evaluate evidence and
reach conclusions
build an awareness of the need to
effectively collaborate and communicate
apply language skills and knowledge in a
variety of real-life contexts
develop sensitivity towards the living and
non-living environments
reflect on learning experiences and make
informed choices.
Assessment
Students will be informally assessed throughout each unit, and formally assessed at the end of each unit.
Students will be assessed through various assignments, including laboratory reports, projects, science
research connections (SRC), quizzes, and tests. These assignments will be graded using the four MYP
science criteria. Not every assignment will be assessed using all four criteria. Students will know the
specific criteria being assessed prior to beginning an assignment.
In MYP Honors Biology, students are assessed using the following criteria:
Criterion A: Knowing and understanding
i. explain scientific knowledge
ii. apply scientific knowledge and understanding to solve problems set in familiar and unfamiliar situations
iii. analyse and evaluate information to make scientifically supported judgments.
Criterion B: Inquiring and designing
i. explain a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation
ii. formulate a testable hypothesis and explain it using scientific reasoning
iii. explain how to manipulate the variables and explain how data will be collected
iv. design scientific investigations.
Criterion C: Processing and evaluating
i. present collected and transformed data
ii. interpret data and explain results using scientific reasoning
iii. evaluate the validity of a hypothesis based on the outcome of the scientific investigation
iv. evaluate the validity of the method
v. explain improvements or extensions to the method.
Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science
i. explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
ii. discuss and evaluate the various implications of using science and its application to solve a specific problem
or issue
iii. apply scientific language effectively
iv. document the work of others and sources of information used.
Required materials
Students are expected to bring the following materials to every class every day.
1. 3” Binder (with dividers)
2. Lined Paper
3. Pencil and/or Pen
4. Agenda (given out on Day 1, kept in binder)
5. Compostion Book
Textbooks and Resources
Students have the option of taking home a textbook or accessing the textbook online.
Miller, Kenneth R., and Joseph S. Levine. Biology. Pearson, 2011.
Online textbook: This link can be found here, or on the school webpage under our class page.
https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com/snpapp/login/PsnLandingPage.jsp?showLandingPage=true
Username: AHighPanther
Password: Annapolis1
Grading/Assessment:
A (89.5-100%) - Outstanding level of achievement
B (80-89%) - High level of achievement
C (70-79%) - Satisfactory level of achievement
D (60-69%) - Low level of achievement
E (59% -50)- Failure
0 – If student does not attempt the work
Grades will be assessed in the following weighted categories:
60%--Tests/Quizzes
25%--Laboratory Reports
15%--Homework (includes SRCs, unit projects, science fair project, and other assigned homework)
Minimum: A minimum grade of 50% will be given for all assignments or assessments for which the
student made a good faith effort, as determined by the teacher. If a student does no work on an
assignment or assessment, the teacher shall assign a grade of zero.
Approximate expectations for assignments and assessments:
Homework- daily
Classwork- every other day
Major Projects- once per unit (every two weeks)
Major Unit Tests- once per unit (every two-three weeks)
Parent Notification:
Parents will be notified at least three weeks prior to the end of a marking period if a student is currently
earning a failing grade. At any time, parents may check parentconnect.aacps.org to see their student’s
grade. Please contact the guidance office if you do not already have a login.
Late Work/Redo’s:
Please endeavor to turn all work in when due. If you have a reason that the work must be late please meet
with me.
Redo’s:
Students shall have ONE additional chance to improve their score on a major test or assessment (as
designated by the teacher). In order for this to happen the student MUST have submitted the original
assignment ON TIME and set up a time with the teacher for re-teaching within 5 days of getting the
graded assignment back. After the re-teaching, the student will have 10 days to resubmit the assignment.
The higher grade will be the grade of record.
Work that will be reassessed includes:
Unit Tests, Quizzes, Lab Reports
Work that will not be reassessed includes:
Unit Projects, AACPS Benchmarks, Science Fair Project, SRCs, other Homework
All student re-teaching will take place after school on Tuesdays or by appointment. Please try to schedule
this meeting in advance so that we both are prepared.
Attendance/Tardiness:
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IF YOU ARE ABSENT, PLEASE CONTACT me at xyu@aacps.org or check the school
webpage to receive your make up work.
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All effort will be made to facilitate students when absent. Please make prior arrangements, if
possible, to collect work from the instructor for days that are to be missed.
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It is the Annapolis High School expectation that all students will be on time. The policies for the
tardy table will be followed.
Academic Integrity:
In order to promote the pursuit of academic excellence and learning, Anne Arundel County Public
Schools expects its students to conform to specific standards of academic integrity. Academic integrity is
an integral part of promoting self-respect, trust, student achievement, and positive relationships among all
stakeholders in our school community. Academic integrity means exhibiting honesty in all academic
exercises and assignments. Academic dishonesty refers to any form of misconduct that occurs in relation
to all formal academic exercises.
Cell Phone Expectations:
It is the expectation that cell phones and other electronic devices will not be present in the classroom.
Exceptions will be made when the lesson plan dictates that the electronic device will be used for an
academic purpose. There will be a red/green sign in the classroom that will let the students know when
cell phone / electronic device usage is appropriate.
Behavioral Expectations:
Annapolis High School students, staff, and visitors will make a pledge and commitment to their school
and its mission. In doing so, students show respect for themselves, learning, others, and property.
Self
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Others
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Be prepared
Use appropriate school language
Have respect for yourself
Try your best!
Have a “Can Do” Attitude!
Listen when others are talking
Participate in class activities
Use language appropriate for school
Avoid conflict in class
Offer and accept constructive criticism
Learning
 Come to class daily and on time
 Bring all required materials
 Participate in class
 Study for tests and quizzes by doing
practice problems
 Ask for help when needed
 Follow instructions and stay on task
 Complete all assignments on time
Property
 Keep an organized notebook complete
with quality notes
 Keep your space clean
 Stay in your seat and keep the desk
clean
We have read the course syllabus for Honors Biology and understand the expectations and
policies.
Teacher Signature: ______________________________
Student Name:__________________________________Date:______________
Student Signature:_______________________________
Parent/Guardian Name:___________________________________Date:_____________
Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________
Phone number: ___________________________
Email: ___________________________________
If applicable, please include a second parent/guardian’s contact information:
Name:__________________________________
Phone number: ___________________________
Email: ___________________________________
Is there any particular information that would be helpful for me to know as we begin the
year to support your student’s success this semester?
Do you have any questions or comments?