Burlington-Edison High School
301 N Burlington Blvd
Burlington, WA 98233
Anna Gildnes
agildnes@be.wednet.edu
Animal Biology Teacher/ FFA Advisor
(360) 757-4074 x3222
Graduation Requirement: Life Science-Animal Biology or CTE
Animal Biology is a course that combines the practical applications of animal husbandry with biological science concepts. The
class will prepare students for employment in large animal careers and/or post-secondary education. A variety of instructional
methods will be utilized, including presentations, hands-on experiences, labs, dissections, daily assignments from the biology and
animal science textbooks and projects. Students will also conduct a Supervised Agricultural Experience project. Students are
encouraged to be involved in leadership, career development and service learning activities through class, FFA, school and
community experiences. This course is aligned with the Biology State Standards and will prepare students for the EOC
Exam. Additionally, this course will satisfy either a science or CTE graduation requirement.
OBJECTIVES
EALR 1:
EALR 2:
EALR 3:
EALR 4:
Students will learn how to simplify and analyze complex situations by thinking of them as systems.
Students will learn to conduct analyses and think logically through inquiry.
Students will learn how science is used to create solutions and how to work collaboratively with others.
Students will learn the functions of living organisms and the details of:

Cell photosynthesis and respiration

Genetic make-up and DNA molecule functions

Reproductive function and characteristics

Evolution’s function

Ecology and the cycling of nutrients through nature

Classification of organisms
Course outline: This is a year-long, 1.0 credit course.
Introduction to Animal Agriculture
Science in agriculture (Taxonomy, Breed Classification, Scientific Method,
Measurement)
FFA Leadership opportunities (public speaking, Official dress, Emblem)
Cells (Plant and animal cells, microscope use)
Osmosis, diffusion
Photosynthesis, Respiration, Enzymes
Digestion and urinary systems
Beef Industry
Scientific selection of animals
Genetics and Evolution
DNA/RNA
Reproduction
Systems
Ecology
Animal Welfare/Consumer concerns
Supervised Agriculture Experience project
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MATERIALS
Please be aware that you will need the following EVERY DAY to be successful:
 USB or flash drive for computer work done in class
 Pen (black or blue ink preferred) and Pencil
 College ruled notebook paper
 Journal (provided)- for reflective writing, essential questions, and note taking. Journals should be brought to class
each day!
 Colored pencils, highlighters, glue stick, scissors (for journal and projects)
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Be on time, in your assigned seat
Listen when the teacher or other students are talking
Be respectful of yourself and others
In accordance to school rules:
a. No food/drinks in classroom or lab
b. Hats, hoods, beanies are not to be worn…I will take them away and keep them until you pick it up at the end of
the day.
c. Cell phones, or other electronic devices should be put away and turned off when the bell rings. The use of cell
phones or electronic devices will be allowed with teacher instruction.
First Offense: Confiscation of property until the end of the school day. Pick up all devices in office.
Second Offense: Parent notification and/or confiscation of property until picked up by parent/guardian.
d. On lab days, be sure to dress appropriately: closed toes shoes, hair back, clothing with “proper” fit
The teacher dismisses class: stay at your desk until dismissed.
a. Lining up at the door will result in appropriate discipline (either time after school or detention).
b. You will be given time to pack up before the bell rings.
Permission is always required to leave class! This is a safety issue.
a. Student planner must be signed and taken after permission is granted.
b. Student privileges to leave class for bathroom use may be revoked if a student abuses the ability to leave class.
c. Students will not be granted permission to leave class to get water.
STUDENT GUIDELINES TO SUCCESS: STUDENT DECLARATIONS
1.
Graduation……..We strive each day towards our goal of graduation.
2.
Respect………….We treat our peers, adults, and the school community with respect and courtesy.
3.
Education ………We value our education and take personal responsibility for our own learning.
4.
Accountability….We take personal accountability for our actions and decisions.
5.
Togetherness……We work together to create a peaceful learning community free from racial,
homophobic or otherwise derogatory language and behavior.
Attendance
1. Be on time: in your seat when bell rings! Be ready to go with journals!
2. Tardies (unexcused):
a. First and second tardy-Free
b. Third tardy-time with Mrs. Gildnes or Referral
3. Make-up policy for work:
a. 1 day excused absence=1 day to make up work!
It is your responsibility to find out about make-up work. Find a buddy Presentation and Lab days cannot be
made up. Alternative assignments may be assigned as make-up work for labs. Call me or email if you have
some kind of group project and are sick that day!!!
Yes…call me!
b. If you are re-taking a test, you must demonstrate that you have taken the steps to re-learn the material, prior to
a retake. Students should see Mrs. Gildnes after school, individually, to determine what steps should be
taken.
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GRADING
Grading
1. Tests/Quizzes
20%
2. Assignments/Homework
55%
3. Science Journal
20%
4. Supervised Agriculture Experience project
5%
Grading Scale
93% - above = A
90-92% = A87-89% = B+
83-86% = B
80-82% = B77-79% = C+
Total: 100%
73-76% = C
70-72% = C67-69% = D+
60-66% = D
F BELOW 60
Assignment Expectations:
Each student is expected to keep and maintain all class work. The three-ring notebook will not be graded but students may use
the notebook as a resource on some quizzes, tests or other assignments as seen fit.
1) Science Journal: Notes and the daily questions at the beginning of each period taken in this class should be kept in
the provided notebook. Cornell notes will be used often for journal entries. If you are absent on the day of notes you
are responsible for making these up. Most of the notes are posted on the PowerPoint section of Mrs. Gildnes’ website.
Only Animal Biology work should be in this journal.
2) Assignments/Tests: Students will do many hands-on activities for the course. Class work, homework, tests, group
work, speeches, posters, papers and detailed lab write-ups will be some of the assessments used. Late work will not be
accepted unless special accommodations are made with the teacher. Most of our work is done in class. Students are
expected to meet deadlines…the same can be expected of the teacher. All assignments should be turned in to Mrs.
Gildnes. Students may refer to the board for assignment due dates and work missed when absent.
3) Leadership:
Opportunities for leadership development will be offered during the year through the FFA and other organizations.
These opportunities will be posted on the grade messaging system, as well as in the classroom.
Make-up work is entirely your responsibility. If you are absent on the day work is either turned in or handed out you will NOT
be able to make-up the work, unless your absence is excused. Late work will not be accepted unless special accommodations
have been made.
Checking grades. It is expected that students advocate for themselves. You may check grades online by accessing BurlingtonEdison School District Skyward Family Access at http://www.be.wednet.edu/. You will need to know your logon name and
password. Grades will be posted within two days of when the assignment is submitted. Tests may take up to one week to get
submitted into the online grades.
Cheating/Plagerism
Cheating: The dishonest act of using someone else’s work to better one’s own efforts and/or dishonestly
claiming that someone else’s work is one’s own.
Plagiarism: The act of stealing and passing off the ideas or words of another as one’s own; using (creating a
production or document) without crediting the source; presenting as new or original an idea or product taken from
another source.
On the first offense of cheating or plagiarism, students will need to come in after school to re-do work to receive
credit. If work is not re-done, the student or students will receive a zero on the work involved
Communication
Family access: There will be several times throughout the year that I utilize family access to communicate with you or
your guardians. Please make sure that your family and personal email is updated.
twitter: follow Mrs. Gildnes (@annagildnes) for updates about the class and FFA opportunities
Need help?
Before school-Available by appointment with Mrs. Gildnes
After school – Everyday, until 3:00 there will be help available for additional instruction or making up tests/quizzes
Library- General tutoring services available for all students from 7:00-7:40 and 2:40-3:20 M-Th
Tiger Time-Students can make-up quizzes and tests from 1:30-2:30 on Wednesdays. Arrange with Mrs. Gildnes first
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Burlington-Edison High School
301 N Burlington Blvd
Burlington, WA 98233
Anna Gildnes
AGildnes@be.wednet.edu
Animal Biology Teacher / FFA Advisor
(360) 757-4074 x3222
Animal Biology Parent and Student Acknowledgement
Please Return This Page By Friday, 9/4/15
Parents, please look over the syllabus and talk to your student about the requirements of
Animal Biology. This course is aligned with the Biology End of Course Exam. This is a
biology course, with a focus on animals. All students will take the E.O.C. Exam within the
last 8 weeks of school. Once you have read everything please sign this sheet and have
your student return it!
______________________________________________________Parent Name (print)
______________________________________________________Parent Signature
Parents: please be sure that your email and phone number is updated in on the school system (skyward). There
will be communication to you throughout the year, utilizing the online school system.
Students, by signing below, you are acknowledging that you have received a I have a
copy of Mrs. Gildnes’ classroom guidelines and course expectations (4 pages total). You
agree that the contents of these pages are your responsibility to follow and understand.
Please be aware, this is a biology course, with a focus of animals.
______________________________________________________Student Name (Print)
______________________________________________________Student Signature
Students: please be sure that your email is updated in on the school system (skyward). There will be
communication to you throughout the year, utilizing the online school system.
Comments or concerns:
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