Biology Course Syllabus
Nicholas County High School
2015-2016
Ms. Gook – Room 206 – (859)289 - 3780
Email: tiffany.gook@nicholas.kyschools.us
Course Description:
Biology is a course designed to expand the students’ knowledge of the living organisms in this
world. This is done through a variety of teaching methods which include: labs, group and individual
activities as well as discussions. Assessment of students will be done through class participation,
group and individual projects, labs, homework, quizzes, and tests.
In Biology, students will learn cell activities such as cell transport, enzyme activity, DNA
structure and function, protein synthesis, as well as cell reproduction and genetics. Other topics
covered include the theories of change, classification of life, and energy production through life
systems. Students will also use available technology to explore the principles of science by using Word
document programs, web-based activities, videos and animations, as well as PowerPoint Presentations.
Course Content:
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Scientific Investigation
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Measurements in Science
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Ecology
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Relationships Among Organisms
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Biochemistry
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Cells
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Genetics
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Evolution
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Diversity of Organisms
Course Materials:
2” 3-Ring Binder with Loose Leaf Paper
Pen or Pencil
Lab Fee $10.00
Either a box of Kleenex or a roll of paper towels
Course Textbook:
Glencoe: Biology (also available: student CD edition upon request)
Classroom Guidelines:
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Be in your seat and working on the assigned bellwork when the bell rings.
Bring ALL books and materials to class and take them with you when you leave. This includes
textbook, paper, and pencil. **Do NOT leave your textbook and/or binder in my
classroom!!! **
Treat each person in this room with dignity and respect.
Questions are encouraged in class but I ask that you raise your hand and wait to be called upon.
All students should have an opportunity to learn the materials presented in class. Please, do
NOT interrupt the learning time of your fellow classmates.
Follow directions the first time they are given.
Follow all policies and procedures as outlined in the student handbook.
Any individual not in their seat when the bell rings will be marked tardy for the class period.
You will be allowed to leave the classroom 2 times during each 9 weeks. This includes going
to the restroom, health room, office, and counselor. You must receive a hall pass from the
instructor in order to leave the classroom.
Grading:
Grading will consist of class activities, homework, quizzes, tests, notebooks, and participation
of lab work/write-up and projects. However, not all assignments will be taken as a grade. Emphasis
will be placed upon quizzes and tests as well as other assignments that better assess what a student has
learned. Quizzes, tests, and other assessments will be worth more points than homework, bellwork, and
other activities.
All quizzes will be worth between 20 - 50 pts and all tests will be worth 100pts based on
percentage earned on the quiz/test.
Retakes: Retaking of quizzes and tests will be allowed within 3 days of the original assessment.
However, for a retake to occur a student must have completed all homework assignments and other
activities regarding that particular unit. If they have not completed this work, they will have to
complete the work before being allowed to retake the quiz/test. If a student has completed all
assignments, they are required to come to at least 1 tutoring session with the teacher prior to their
retake.
Any retakes or make up of missing work is to be completed during voluntary After School
Detention (ASD) each week. This will not go on the student’s record but they are required to
stay for the entire hour.
*****Final Exam: The final exam for the class will be a state provided and mandated test. The test
will account for 20% of the student’s final grade.
Grading Scale:
A – 90-100
B – 80-89
C – 70-79
D – 60-69
F – 59 or below
Assignments:
All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period unless otherwise specified by the
instructor. Include the following heading on each assignment: Name, Date, Class Period and
Assignment Name.
Makeup Work:
For regular daily assignments you have three days to make up the work with an excused
absence. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to make up any missed labs, quizzes,
or exams. Late work will only be accepted with an excused absence and only within the 3 days after
an absence or the work will need to be completed with the teacher during voluntary ASD. If you are
absent you need to check the Biology Missed Work board and collect any missed assignments.
Homework Policy:
As per the school policy, students will receive at least 2 homework assignments each week.
Most homework will have one of the following purposes:
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Practice reinforces the learning of material presented in class and helps you master specific
skills.
Preparation provides information—history, skills, definitions—for forthcoming instruction; it
is intended to allow you to benefit when the new material is covered in class.
Extension or elaboration involves the transfer of previously learned skills to new situations.
Integration asks you to apply skills and concepts to produce a single product (e.g., book report,
science project).
I will make every effort to communicate the purpose of homework assignments to you. However,
NOT ALL homework assignments will be taken for a grade. If you are having difficulties with any of
the topics covered in this course, see me as soon as possible.
Remind 101:
In an effort to better help parents and students stay aware of assignments and upcoming projects/test, I
have created a Remind 101 account for this class. It will allow you to receive text messages from me
without needing to exchange phone numbers. In order to sign up, please text the following code to the
number provided:
Phone Number: 81010
Class Code: @msgookbio
It will then ask for your name (if you are not in the system). From that point forward you will receive
the updates I send out. Hopefully this will be a helpful tool for both students and parents.
Please complete the form below and return to Ms. Gook before the assigned date of :
_________________________________________________________________________________
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Biology
2015-2016
Student Name: ______________________________________________________________
Best Number: __________________________
Best Email: ______________________________
Preferred Contact Method for Teacher: (please circle one and give the required contact below)
Phone Call
Email
Please check a box below to indicate whether your child’s pictures can be used on school media
(including teacher web pages, bulletin boards, etc.):
_____ Yes
_____ No
I have read and understand the attached class syllabus for Biology.
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Date
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Student Signature
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Date