Ecology - Biology II Syllabus Mrs. Gale 2013-2014 OBJECTIVES: 1. 2. 3. 4. To give the student information to use in making decisions involving everyday life and it’s effect on the environment. To involve the student in experiences working towards building a safer and longer lasting environment, for theirs and future generations. To expose students to information about past environmental successes and disasters. To expose students to the consequences of their action locally and globally. TOPICS: First Six Weeks Chapter 1: Science and the Environment Chapter 4: The Organization of Life Chapter 5: How Ecosystems Work Second Six Weeks Chapter 6: Biomes Chapter 10: Biodiversity Third Six Weeks Chapter 7: Aquatic Ecosystems Chapter 11: Water CLASSROOM PROCEDURES: Bellwork: Word of the Day. Each day you will come in and get your Word of the Day notebook from the filing cabinet. You will copy the word of the day and then define the word using the book and then find 3 facts about the word. This is a participation grade – there is no making up these assignments. Homework: 1. It is your responsibility to see me to get missed assignments due to an absence. 2. Articles must be turned in at the beginning of class. You know about these assignments ahead of time and they will not be accepted late. Articles: Article summaries are due every other Friday at the beginning of class. You must find an article in a magazine, newspaper or internet that relates to science (any science). You must include the following: Copy of the article (internet – print off; magazine or newspaper – make a copy) 100 word summary of the article (Plagiarized work receives zero credit – so write in your own words! Please see me if you have questions.) Attendance: Absences: Please refer to Augusta County’s Grading Policy for further detail. o o o o o o o Excused absence: you have up to three days to make up any assignments for credit. Less than three unexcused absences: you have up to three days to make up any assignments for credit. More than three unexcused absences: you will receive a zero for ALL missed assignments Extenuating circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If you are absent the day before a known assignment, quiz, or test, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE QUIZ/TEST OR TURN IN THE ASSIGNMENT. (as stated in Augusta County Schools Handbook). If you are absent the day of a quiz, test or assignment, the student will be required to take the quiz/test and turn in any assignments when he/she returns. (Articles are due every Friday, so plan ahead of time if you know you’re going to be out.) I reserve the right to assign an alternative assignment, project, quiz, or test if there are excessive absences or patterns of absences. Classroom Rules 1. BE PROMPT Students must be in their seats when the tardy bell rings. (Coming in the door as the bell rings or standing outside the room will be counted as tardy.) 2. BE PREPARED Students are to bring all materials to class every day. (INCLUDING PEN/PENCIL) 3. BE POLITE All students will respect each other and their belongings. All foul language will be left outside of the classroom. Finally, I dismiss class, not the bell. So do not crowd at the door! Stay in your seats! Discipline: Inappropriate Behavior: Grades: 1st offense: warning; student-teacher conference 2nd offense: detention with teacher and call home to parent 3rd offense: referred to administration Students grades will be based on the following components: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Bellwork Quizzes/Tests Article Summaries Class Work/ Activities Projects Notebook check Grading Scale: A+ = 98-100 A = 92-97 A- = 90-91 Supplies B+ = 88-89 B = 82-87 B- = 80-81 C+ = 78-79 C = 72-77 C- = 70-71 D+ = 68-69 D = 62-67 D- = 60-61 F = 0-59 1 ½ width Three Ring Binder Single Subject Spiral Notebook for Word of the Day – must keep in the classroom #2 Pencils & Pens (No red or pink ink) Highlighter Please keep in mind that there will be several research projects and papers that you are responsible for throughout the semester. Failure to complete these will result in an incomplete/failure for the class.