Cheney High School
Instructor:
Shannon Root
E-mail address:
sroot@cheneysd.org
Telephone Number: 559 – 4070
“A Commitment to Excellence”
2014-2015
Course Textbook: Insights in Biology, Journey of Discovery 2nd edition, Kendall / Hunt
Description of Course: This full year (three trimesters) lab class uses a hands on inquiry approach to cover
the 3 big ideas in Life Science; ecosystems, structures and functions of living organisms, and biological
evolution. General Biology is a required lab science which meets the high school graduation requirements.
Emphasis in this course will be placed upon Four Washington State Essential Academic Learning
Requirements in Science.
Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements
EALR 1- Systems
EALR 2- Inquiry
EALR 3- Application
EALR 4- The Domains of Science
The students will then have the opportunity to apply their biology knowledge on the required Washington
State Biology End of Course Assessment in the spring (May 21- June 8, 2012).
Scientific Concepts:






Scientific Method & Experimental Design
Ecology and Energy Flow
Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Cellular Reproduction
Biotechnology






Photosynthesis
Cellular Metabolism
Genetics
Biological Evolution
Human Body Systems
Science Careers
Student supplies: 1 subject composition notebook (70 sheets or more), highlighter, glue stick, tabs, sticky
notes, and a tab in a 3-ring binder (this may be the same binder used for other classes).
Class Expectations: My classroom will operate under three general principles which will shape individual
behavior.
1. Be ready- bring your materials with you every day prepared to work, ask questions, and engage your
mind in scientific discourse
2. Be responsible- you are responsible for your own actions and will be held accountable as such. If we
are all responsible for ourselves we can create a safe and inviting classroom environment
3. Be respectful- demonstrating respect to your classmates, teacher, supplies and most importantly self
will ensure that you are shown the same qualities in return. Remember the golden rule – “treat others
the way you would have them treat you!”

Cell phone use in class will result in the phone will be taken for the day and given to the appropriate
administrator.
Specific questions of conduct and behavior should be referred to the Student Blackhawk Planner.
Lab Safety:
1. During labs and field work, anyone who puts themselves, others, or property in danger by not
following instructions or conducting unauthorized experimentation will be removed from the lab.
2. If an unsafe incident occurs purposefully or repeatedly, you will be deemed a biological hazard and
be done with labs and field work.
3. You are responsible for cleaning up your lab area, equipment, or any mess you make.
Assessment of Student Learning:
Scale:
A
92-100%
A-
90-91.9%
B+
88-89.9%
B
82-87.9%
B-
80-81.9%
C+
78-79.9%
C
72-77.9%
C-
70-71.9%
D+
68-69.9%
D
60-67.9%
F
0-59.9%
Weighted %'s:
10% Notebook, Daily work and Homework: Will primarily be graded for
completion.
30% Labs/Projects: Larger Projects and Labs will be graded for content and will
receive feedback for students to consider as revisions.




Biodiversity conclusion
Eco-column write up
Biogeochemical cycles project
Friendly Warning
60% Exams and Quizzes: Exams and Quizzes are your opportunity to prove what
you have learned in previous work and will accordingly make up the largest portion
of the grade.





Ecosystems exam
Biogeochemical cycles exam
Populations quiz
Populations Exam
Fall Trimester Comprehensive final
Makeup Work Policy: All work missed is the responsibility of the student. The student will need to check
with the teacher to get the assignment and necessary directions before school, after school or at lunch. Full
credit will only be given for excused absences. For every day of class missed, you will be given the same
amount of days to make up the work. Some labs may not be able to be made up.
Late Work Policy: Late work will not be accepted on daily assignments. There will be a 10% loss of credit
for each school day a Lab/Project remains missing.
Revisions/Test Corrections: All work other than daily work are subject to revisions. Students can earn an
additional 10% toward their score on an assessment. (i.e. if you earned 50% the first time you can earn up to
60% after revisions). This is an opportunity for students to improve their understanding and grade prior to the
unit assessment
“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.”
~Edwin Powell Hubble, The Nature of Science, 1954~