Ms. Reed - A122
Mrs. Groy – B103B
2013-2014
Phone number: Ms. Reed (610) 627-6297, Mrs. Groy (610) 627-6360
E-mail address: hreed@rtmsd.org
lgroy@rtmsd.org
Twitter: @phsreed
Homework hotline: 8097
Web-site: Access through district web site – www.rtmsd.org
(See Ms. Reed’s page)
Textbook: Biology, Holt, Rinehart, Winston (2008 edition)
Introduction to biology
Characteristics of life
Importance of biology
Biochemistry
Properties of atoms & molecules
Organic molecules pH and enzymes
Cells
Functions and life processes
Cellular organization
Cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
Taxonomy
Characteristics of kingdoms of organisms
Genetics
DNA and protein synthesis
Cell growth and division
Patterns of inheritance
Evolution
Charles Darwin & natural selection
Ecology
Field study to Ridley Creek
Speciation
Characteristics of phyla of invertebrates
Structures and functions of organisms
Life processes of organisms
 Participation/classwork - Presence and active participation required (15%)
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Homework - Given approximately three times a week (15%)
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Quizzes - One per chapter (5%)
 Tests - Approximately three per marking period (30%)
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Labs and Laboratory reports – Approximately 2-3 labs per chapter, and 1-2 formal lab reports per marking period (30%)
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Projects – If given, one per marking period (5%) (if not given, more lab activities will take the place of projects)
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Mid-term exam and Final exam - Each accounts for 10% of the course grade.
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Keystone exam – while this is not part of the student’s grade for the year, it is an assessment given by the state to students in May

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Approximately 25-30 grades per marking period; 400 points per marking period.
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Student grades are available online anytime. It is the
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).
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Treat everyone with respect. This creates a climate conducive to learning.
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Arrive to class before the bell. If lateness becomes an issue, disciplinary action will be taken.
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Arrive to class prepared. Have with you your folder with current packet and lab papers, homework, and a functional pen or pencil.
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Textbooks: Textbook is available online for students with computer access at home.
Students without computer access will have a book signed out to them that they are expected to keep at home. A class set of books will be available for use in class, so students do not need to bring a book to class.
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Notebooks: 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..
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Before you come to class, use the lavatory, water fountain, phone, and go to your locker.
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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.
Each homework assignment is worth 5 point unless told otherwise.
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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.
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If you are absent. You must make up your work. See us about deadlines for doing so immediately upon return to school.
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Website: All notes and worksheets are available on Ms. Reed’s website.
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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 we tell you to do so.
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Neatness counts. Turn in work that is neat, legible, and shows your best efforts. If it is not legible, grade = 0.
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Follow directions.
.
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Talking. This is permitted only after raising your hand and being recognized by the teacher.
Do not call out.

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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.
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Study outside of class. Review the material covered in class each day. This will make it much easier to study for tests.
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Stay organized. Keep the packet and any lab sheets for the current chapter in a folder. Once a unit has been finished, we will keep the packets in a folder in the classroom so that you can study from them for your final exam.
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Set priorities. Don’t wait until the last minute to start a major assignment or to study for a test.
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Seek out help when needed. Ask questions during class. See us after class if you still don’t understand. We are available after school most days for extra help. If you’d like to stay after, see us to arrange a time.
 Use your teacher’s website, your textbook website, and read your textbook. There are many resources available in both to help you understand the material better.
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Go to http://my.hrw.com
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Enter the username and password provided by your teacher
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Select “Go to Interactive Online Edition”
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Select the current chapter from the drop down menu, and click “Go”
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To read the book, select the “Book pages” tab at the top of the page
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Select the “ e
Activities” tab to do any of the following: o
Visual concepts – shows multimedia presentations o
Textbook audio – have textbook read aloud o
Concept map o
Lab videos o
Virtual investigations
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Select the “Student resources” tab to do any of the following: o “Chapter resources” tab
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Online resources
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Worksheets (some of your packet pages come from here)
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Labs and activities
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Assessments
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Spanish resources o “Section resources” tab
 Click on the “+” in front of each section to see worksheets, labs and activities, and SciLinks
*****In Chapter 1, if e Activities tab or Student resources tab does not work, go back to the
Book pages tab, and forward to pages 4-5*****

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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, we will be more than happy to look at it first for you.
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Read the article, and write a one-page summary of the article. In other words, tell us in your own words what the article was about. Then, turn in a copy of the article with your summary.
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Summaries must be typed, using a 12 font and 1-inch margins
 Article summaries can earn you anywhere from 0-5 points, depending on the length and quality of your work. Anything less than one full page will not earn you 5 points.
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Summarize the article in your own words. Do not copy from the articles. Plagiarism will result in 0 points.
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You can do as much extra credit as you wish to do, however your extra credit can add no more than 5 percentage points to your grade. In other words, your extra credit can bring you from a 55% to a 60% and no higher.
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Extra credit can be done until the last day of the marking period.
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We 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!