Estill County High School
Tentative Fall 2010 Syllabus
Biology A
INSTRUCTOR: Danny Hwang
ROOM #: 38
EMAIL: danny.hwang@estill.kyschools.us
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This biology course is designed to expand the students’ knowledge
of the living organisms on Earth and their interactions. Students will explore the concepts of the
scientific method, Ecology, Evolution and Zoology. This will be done through a variety of
teaching methods, labs, individual assessments, discussions, portfolios and cooperative learning.
Students will be assessed by participation, lab projects, class/homework, quizzes, and tests.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To introduce fundamental biological concepts and have students discover
connections to the study of life.
2. To enhance students critical thinking skills.
3. To encourage students to work successfully in diverse group settings.
4. To support a climate of helping one another FIND answers, not GIVE.
ATTENDANCE: Attendance is crucial. Please notify Mr. Hwang in advance for any absences
due to sporting events or other emergencies, if possible. Make-up work will be given for
excused absences, including a maximum of two parent notes, only. Make-up work not turned in
by the designated due date will be replaced with an alternative (less desirable) assignment.
STATEMENT OF ACADEMIC HONESTY: Although group work is encouraged, copying or
giving away answers on individual assessments, such as tests and quizzes, only fuels ignorance
and puts the student farther behind. Acts of this nature are highly frowned upon and will be dealt
with personally.
LAB CONDITIONS: It is your responsibility to keep your work area clean and sanitary.
Dispose of paper, trash and biological wastes in the proper receptacles, as instructed by Mr.
Hwang.
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE:
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Chapter 1: Biology and You
Chapter 2: Applications of Biology
Chapter 4: Ecosystems
Chapter 5: Populations and Communities
Chapter 16: Evolutionary Theory
Chapter 18: Classification
Chapter 20: Bacteria and Viruses
Chapter 26: Introduction to Animals
Chapter 23: Plant Diversity and Life Cycles
Chapter 6: The Environment
PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS:
PROCEDURES
CONSEQUENCES
1. Be on time*
1. Warning
2. Be courteous and respectful to others
2. “Physical Reminder”**
3. Do what you’re supposed to be doing
3.Break Detention / Sent to Office
4. Attend to personal needs on your time
4. Office Referral
5. Please do not mark on tables, books, etc.
5. Parent Teacher Conference
*On time = student’s gluteus maximus in designated chair…ready to get their learn on.
** A “Physical Reminder” in no way shape or form constitutes the teacher physically making
contact with the student. A “Physical Reminder” is simply a way to deter the misbehavior by
having the student physically avoid that behavior.
For example: if a student sleeps, the student will be asked to stand. If a student poses a
distraction to other students, the student will be asked to move. If a student marks in a
book, the student will be asked to erase/white-out the markings.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:
A. Be like water
B. Empty your cup
C. Scaffold your classmates
D. Give it your all
E. If you do not succeed, try again.
RULES FOR MR. HWANG:
RULES
1. I will be prepared for classes.
2. I will not give too much homework.
3. I will listen and be understanding.
4. I will be fair and consistent.
5. I will try to prepare interesting lessons
(but some classes may not be fun).
CONTRACT:
I _____________________________ (student) have read and understood the rules and
procedures outlined in this course syllabus. I also understand and accept the consequences that
will follow should I break a rule or procedure.
Student Signature: _________________________________________________________
I ______________________________(parent) have read and understood the rules and
procedures outlined in this course syllabus for my child. I also understand and accept the
consequences that will follow should my child break a rule or procedure.
Parent Signature: ____________________________________________________________