RL II BIOLOGY SYLLABUS
Ms. Reed - A122
2009-2010
General Information:
Phone number: (610) 627-6297
Textbook: Modern Biology
Homework hotline: 1474
Holt, Rinehart, Winston (2002 edition)
(call 610-627-6100, then 1474)
E-mail address: hreed@rtmsd.org (school) or msreedpenncrest@verizon.net (home)
Web-site: Access through district web site – www.rtmsd.org
Course Content:
Introduction to biology
Cells
Characteristics of life
Functions and life processes
Importance of biology
Cellular organization
Biochemistry
Cellular respiration
Properties of atoms & molecules
Photosynthesis
Organic molecules
Taxonomy
pH and enzymes
Characteristics of kingdoms of organisms
Genetics
Characteristics of phyla of invertebrates
DNA and protein synthesis
Structures and functions of organisms
Cell growth and division
Life processes of organisms
Patterns of inheritance
Ecology
Evolution
Field study to Ridley Creek
Charles Darwin & natural selection
Speciation
Grades:
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Participation/classwork - Presence and active participation required (10%)
Homework - Given nightly (15%)
Quizzes - One quiz each chapter (5%)
Tests - Approximately three per marking period (30%)
Labs and Laboratory reports – Approximately 2-3 labs per chapter, and 2-3 formal lab
reports per marking period (30%)
Projects – If given, one per marking period (10%) (if not given, more lab activities will take
the place of projects)
Grading practices and progress reports:
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Approximately 25-30 grades per marking period; 500 points per marking period.
Student grades are available online anytime. It is the student’s responsibility to
keep track of any assignments due.
Assignments labeled with a “Z” can be made up (student is absent when collected, for
example); those labeled with a “0” cannot (homework assignments not done on time, labs
past 5 days late). (We have a new gradebook program – the codes may vary.)
Expectations:
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Treat everyone with respect. This creates a climate conducive to learning.
Arrive to class before the bell. If lateness becomes an issue, disciplinary action will be taken.
Arrive to class prepared. Have with you your folder with current packet and lab papers,
homework, and a functional pen or pencil.
 Textbooks and notebooks: You will receive a textbook, which you may leave in the
classroom and take home as needed. You will receive a packet for each chapter that will
include notes, classwork and homework – keep this in a folder. No need to keep a separate
notebook. Notes will be given in PowerPoint format, which we will highlight and underline..
 Before you come to class, use the lavatory, water fountain, phone, and go to your locker.
 Turn in your work on time. You will not receive full or partial credit for homework left at
home or in your locker. You will not be permitted to leave class to get it. Late
homework is not accepted. Each homework assignment is worth 5 point unless told
otherwise.
 Lateness policy for major assignments (labs, reports, projects, etc.). For each day that an
assignment is late, you will lose one letter grade for that assignment. After 5 days, the
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assignment will no longer be accepted.
If you are absent. You must make up your work. See me about deadlines for doing so
immediately upon return to school.
No food or drinks. Place trash in trash can or recycling bin. Do not write on the desks. Do
not touch the computers, printer, gas, faucets, shower, eye wash, lab equipment, my desk,
etc., unless I tell you to do so.
Neatness counts. Turn in work that is neat, legible, and shows your best efforts. If it is not
legible, grade = 0.
Follow directions. This is especially important concerning lab safety.
Talking. This is permitted only after raising your hand and being recognized by the teacher.
Do not call out.
Hints for success in biology:
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Pay attention. Listen and participate in class. Highlight and underline the notes during class
time, and add to them. If you need something repeated, raise your hand.
Study outside of class. Review the material covered in class each day. This will make it
much easier to study for tests.
Stay organized. Keep the packet and any lab sheets for the current chapter in a folder. Once
a unit has been finished, keep the packet at home in a folder so that you can study from it for
your final exam.
Set priorities. Don’t wait until the last minute to start a major assignment or to study for a
test.
Seek out help when needed. Ask questions during class. See me after class if you still don’t
understand. I’m available after school most days for extra help. If you’d like to stay after,
see me to arrange a time.
Use your teacher’s website and read your textbook. There are many resources available in
both to help you understand the material better.
Extra credit policy: RL 2 Biology
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Find an article on something related to the science of biology (it need not be something we
are currently studying). If you are unsure whether you can use a particular article, I will be
more than happy to look at it first for you.
Read the article, and write a one-page summary of the article. In other words, tell me in your
own words what the article was about. Then, turn in a copy of the article with your
summary.
Article summaries can earn you anywhere from 0-5 points, depending on the length and
quality of your work. The points are added to your total points earned for the marking
period.
Summarize the article in your own words. Do not copy from the articles. Plagiarism will
result in 0 points.
Your extra credit can add no more than 30 total points to your grade, or improve your grade
by more than 5 percentage points.
All class work must be completely done in order to earn extra credit points. If you fail to
complete all assignments, your extra credit gets wiped out.
Extra credit can be done until the last day of the marking period.
I will not grade extra credit until after the marking period ends. Plan accordingly.
Other extra credit opportunities may arise throughout the course of the year, so listen for them!