Department: Science
Teacher: Dan Tenpas
School Year: 2015-2016
Course: Honors Biology
Grade Level: 9
Required Course Materials:
Whiteboard Marker(s)
Large three-ring binder
Divider tabs
Loose-leaf paper
Notebook
#2 pencils
Prerequisites: Positive Attitude and
Willingness to Learn
Course Description:
In this course the student will study the working cell, genetics, diversity and unity of life through time, mammalian anatomy and physiology, and environmental biology. This is a lab-oriented course that is designed for college bound students interested in all science and engineering areas. The course is especially recommended for students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and cell biology.
Units Covered:
Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
Evidence of Learning (Summative
Assessments):
 Quizzes
 Tests
Evidence for Learning (Formative
Assessments:
 Daily work
 Science Binder
 Informal Labs
 Warm-Ups/Exit Cards
 Projects
 Formal Labs
Courses at BDHS run in a flexible schedule format.
See selection to
One-Term 90 ☐ Two-Term 90 ☒ All-Year 45 ☐ Other ☐ right for this course’s format:
School-wide Grading Procedures:
Assessments 85%
 Routine 30% (of assessment grade)
 Summative 70% (of assessment grade)
Cumulative Final 15%

Routine Assessments: (this shall constitute 30% of the term grade)
Students will be given opportunities to construct their science knowledge where the grading emphasis will be placed on the process of learning. Some of these routine assessments will be done outside of class as homework and other will be done in class individually or with groups.
Summative Assessments: (this shall constitute 70% of the term grade)
The goal is to assess what the students have learned from what has been taught. Summative assessments reflect the format and content of the formative learning opportunities. Students have the opportunity to re-take units exams if they wish. The highest possible grade that can be earned on a re-test is an 80%. Students must complete all work for that unit and meet during an available free time to make test corrections before taking the re-take exam. Students have one week to retest.
Make-up Policy: It is difficult for a student to keep up with the class if routine assessments/assignments are not completed on time. Assignments are due at the beginning of the period to be considered “on time.” Late work received one day after the due date will receive a 10% deduction in credit. Late work received any later than one day after assigned due date will not be accepted. However, students do have the opportunity to schedule a time (before school or after school) to come to my room to complete the assignment for full credit. This time must be scheduled within one day of the original due date.
Absent Policy: It is your responsibility to find out what was missed while you were out. Please see me when you return to get any materials and important information. This should not be done during class time. Seeing me before school is an excellent time to catch up. You will have one day for every day missed to make up work. Assignments given prior to an absence, including tests and quizzes, will be due the day you return unless the teacher determines otherwise.
Cumulative Final: At the end of each term, there will be a cumulative final exam. Students will not be allowed to retake this assessment. This will comprise 15% of the semester grade.
School-wide Grading Scale: I look forward to getting to know you and am excited to help you with your journey in Honors Biology!
A+
A
98-100 C+
93-97 C
77-79
73-76 Teacher Name: Dan Tenpas
A-
B+
B
B-
90-92 C-
87-89 D+
83-86 D
80-82 D-
70-72
67-69
63-66
60-62
Teacher Email: tenpasd@bdusd.org
Teacher Website:
Teacher Phone: (920) 885-7520 ext. 2185 www.beaverdam.k12.wi.us/faculty/tenpasd
Beaver Dam High School
500 Gould St.
Beaver Dam, WI 53916 www.beaverdam.k12.wi.us
(920)885-7520