Biology/Honors Biology Syllabus
Mrs. Harlow
2014-2015
I am excited to start a new school year and trust that you are looking forward to it as well. In
Biology this year we will be utilizing a variety of learning strategies and activities. Included will be
inquiry-based laboratory experience that engages students in asking valid scientific questions and
gathering and analyzing information. Students will be participating in investigations to understand
and explain the behavior of living things in a variety of scenarios that incorporate scientific
reasoning, analysis, communication skills and real-world applications. (Ohio Revised Science
Standards and Model Curriculum for High School, 2) Often times we will be venturing outdoors to
our local land lab behind the school building, and some of our hands-on activities will require the use
of food in the classroom. I just want to make you aware going into this school year of these nontraditional approaches and materials used in the classroom.
Biology investigates the composition, diversity, complexity and interconnectedness of life on Earth.
Fundamental concepts of heredity and evolution provide a framework through inquiry-based
instruction to explore the living world, the physical environment and the interactions within and
between them. (Ohio Revised Science Standards and Model Curriculum for High School, 2)
Students will be working toward two major assessments that occur late in the school year: Science
OGT and the Biology ACT End-of-Course (EOC) Exam. The OGT will be given in mid-March, and a
score of “Proficient” or better must be achieved in order to graduate. The Biology ACT EOC Exam
will be given in early May, and although it is not required for graduation, achieving a certain score
will earn a final exam exemption.
I have included some information below so that you can familiarize with the course content and
classroom procedures. Furthermore, to be most successful in this class, it will be necessary to have
the following materials by MONDAY, AUGUST 25.
 1.5 in. 3-ring Binder (with a clear plastic sleeve on front cover, if possible)
 5 binder dividers with tabs for labeling
 Colored Pencils/Markers
 Loose Leaf Notebook Paper
 Pen/Pencil
Course Content
Science Skills
2 Weeks and ongoing
During the years of grades 9 through 12, all students must use the following scientific processes
with appropriate laboratory safety techniques to construct their knowledge and understanding in
all science content areas:
• Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations;
• Design and conduct scientific investigations;
• Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications;
• Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking);
• Recognize and analyze explanations and models; and
• Communicate and support a scientific argument. 1
Diversity and Interdependence of Life
11 Weeks
 Classification systems are frameworks created by scientists for describing the vast
diversity of organisms indicating the degree of relatedness between organisms.
 Ecosystems
o
Homeostasis
Cells
 Cell structure and function
o Structure, function and interrelatedness of cell organelles
o Eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells
 Cellular processes
o Characteristics of life regulated by cellular processes
o Photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, cellular respiration
o Cell division and differentiation
Heredity
 Cellular genetics
 Structure and function of DNA in cells
 Genetic mechanisms and inheritance
 Mutations
 Modern genetics
9 Weeks
10 Weeks
Evolution
4 Weeks
 Mechanisms
o Natural selection
o Mutation
o Genetic drift
o Gene flow (immigration, emigration)
o Sexual selection
o History of life on Earth
 Diversity of Life
o Speciation and biological classification based on molecular evidence
o Variation of organisms within a species due to population genetics and gene
frequency
Classroom Procedures
To have an environment that is conducive to learning, it is important to have consistent classroom
procedures. Below are some specific procedures that must be followed throughout the year.
 Enter the classroom quietly and begin working on the designated assignment or problem.
 NO food or drinks are permitted in the classroom. You may have water, but empty bottles
left behind will result in revocation of water privileges.
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If you are finished with an in-class assignment, look at the board to see additional
assignments and homework to complete.
If you are absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to retrieve any work we
completed. Makeup work will be placed in your file folder in the blue crate. You are also
responsible for turning in work that was due on the day you were gone. You must contact me
to set up times to make up quizzes or tests.
Proper safety procedures will be followed. These procedures will be discussed when we
explore the lab for our first experiment.
You will be required to keep a 3-ring notebook/binder at least 1 ½" thick. It is preferable
to have a binder with a clear plastic cover on the front cover. The binder will also need to
include five dividers with tabs so that the sections of your binder can be labeled according
to the five units of this course:
1.
Science Skills
2.
Diversity of Life
3.
Cells
4.
Heredity
5.
Evolution
The notebook will be checked periodically, so be sure to keep track of your work in the
order listed on the notebook check sheet.
If you need to leave the classroom for any reason, please see me first. I will be utilizing
your agenda books as hall passes so it is imperative that you keep these books with you at all
times. I will sign your agenda three times throughout the semester. Once your three passes
are gone, you will not be permitted to leave the room unless it is an emergency. Additionally,
if you still have passes left, you will be given bonus points at the end of the quarter or
semester.
Feel free to get up to sharpen pencils, to use the stapler or three-hole puncher, and to
throw things away; however, do not abuse this freedom. In other words, do not get up while
another individual is presenting information to the class.
If we are in the middle of an activity/lab/lecture, do not get up before I dismiss you. You
may miss important information if you leave before the activity/lecture has been concluded
by me.
Homework Policy
All homework assignments are to be turned in the day that they are due. All late work will be
reduced by 10% each day it is late. If you are absent on the day that an assignment is due, I expect
you to turn in that assignment on the day that you return to school. Additionally, if you are absent
on a test day, you will take that test on the day you return to school. When work is assigned while
you are absent, you will have the amount of days you were gone, plus one day, to complete it.
Grading Procedures
You will participate in a variety of assignments, projects, labs, and tests/quizzes. There will be some
group assignments as well. Grades for the course will be calculated by dividing the number of points
you receive by the total number of points possible. The school grading scale will be used.
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Classroom Rules
I have three rules that I expect to be followed:
1) Be on time (in your seats when the bell rings)
2) Come to class prepared (with materials and homework)
3) Show respect to yourself and others
Consequences for breaking these are as follows:
1) Warning
2) 15 minute detention with me after school
3) 30 minute detention and a phone call home
4) Referral to the discipline office
Serious offenses of disrespect will be immediately dealt with by the discipline office. Additionally,
I expect you to follow the rules set forth by Milton-Union High School.
Additional Help
If you need to use the textbook outside of the classroom, you may access an online copy of the
textbook by following these instructions: Go to www.biology.com and click on the “Teachers and
Student Login.” The username “mrsharlow” and the password is “biology”. You then need to select
“Teacher Edition” and change the view in the top right corner to “Student View.” This online tool
may be beneficial completing vocabulary assignments.
If at any time during the year you have questions or concerns, please contact me here at the high
school. The number is 884-7940 or you can email me at harlowm@milton.union.k12.oh.us I will be
available for a half hour after school, and I am willing to set up appointments if there is a need for
it.
I look forward to working with you this year, and I trust that you will leave this class with a greater
appreciation for biology.
Please sign the attached contract and return to school by MONDAY, AUGUST 25TH.
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Biology Student/Teacher Contract
I, Mrs. Harlow, will be prepared each day for class by planning and delivering lessons that
incorporate a variety of activities to reach the diverse learning styles of students in my classroom.
I will make sure that materials are provided and setup in advance. I will also monitor the learning of
my students and adjust lessons, when necessary, to insure that every student is learning the
intended learning target.
_______________________________
Melissa C. Harlow, Biology Teacher
___________
Date
I, _______________________________________,have read and understand the procedures of
Biology/Honors Biology. I will put forth my best effort to learn while I am in this classroom. I will
be open-minded to try new activities and learn new topics. I will ask questions when I don’t
understand and share my learning when I do understand. I will have fun and know that Mrs. Harlow
is here to help me learn and appreciate all there is to know about biology.
_________________________________
Student Signature
___________
Date
I, _______________________________________,have read and understand the procedures of
Biology/Honors Biology. I will feel comfortable contacting Mrs. Harlow when a question or problem
arises, and I will understand that she has my child’s best interest in mind and wants my child to be
successful not only in the biology classroom, but in the world beyond the high school setting.
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
___________
Date
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