Biology Course Syllabus 2011-12
Instructor: Mrs. Grieb
Phone: 355 – 4833 ext. 8111
email: sgrieb@basd.net
Textbook title: Biology Exploring Life by Campbell, Williamson and Heyden
Course Questions:
1. What is the scientific method and how is it used? S11.A.2
2. What are the characteristics of living organisms? S11.B.1
3. How are living things organized at the cellular, anatomical and ecological level? S11.B.1, S11.B.2
4. What is the basic unit of life and how does it function? S11.B.1, S11.B.2, S11.A.3
5. How is genetic information inherited and expressed? S11.B.1, S11.B.2
6. What are some of the genetic technologies of today and in the future? S11.A.1, S11.B.1
7. What scientific data supports the theory of evolution? S11.A.1-3
8. How do living organisms interact in different ecosystems? S11.B.3, S11.B.2
9. How do natural and man-made factors impact the environment over time? S11.B.3
10. Explain three reasons why the study of biology is important. S11.A.1-3
Unit Titles:
1. Exploring Life: Introducing Biology
2. Exploring Cells
3. Exploring Inheritance
4. Exploring the History of Life
5. Exploring the Microbial World
6. Exploring Plants
7. Exploring Animal Diversity
8. Exploring Ecology
Materials needed:
1-2 inch ring binder - This type of ringed binder allows pages to be added at any time and to
be placed in their proper location. Planning and organization is very important in the study of science; therefore, put
effort into this area of endeavor.
Please see me within the first week of school if you can’t get a notebook for science. I have notebooks
from last year that can be reused.
Quarterly Assessment/ Evaluation: Grades are based on total points earned. Actual percentages may vary from
marking period to marking period.
Test and quizzes
Homework
Labs, assignment books and notebook
Major projects
Participation
30%
20%
20%
20%
10%
Test, quizzes and homework will be given from time to time, either pre-determined or unannounced.
 If a student arrives late to school, he or she is responsible for contacting the teacher that day to
take any test scheduled or submit work due that day.
 A student will be given a reasonable amount of time for make-up work. Generally, a student will
be given two days after a single day’s absence and five days after two or more days absent, unless
the student was already aware of the assignment.
 If a student fails to complete a test/assignment that has been rescheduled by a teacher due to an
excused absence, the grade automatically becomes a zero.
 Failure of the student to contact the teacher or make up the work with in the time allotted will
result in a zero for a grade.
Laboratory activities will enhance the student’s understanding of science concepts being taught.
 Lab write-ups will be completed with most labs to help insure that each student understands the
purpose, procedure and conclusion of the lab.
 Because safety is a primary concern, I will be observing students for safe and responsible
behaviors. If a student does not follow the lab rules or directions, I will remove him/her from the
activity and a zero grade will be assigned.
Notebooks will be collected at the end of each marking period for a grade. They should be organized and contain
all completed assignments and tests from that marking period.
Major project: Common Trees of Pennsylvania
 Leaf Collection to be done within the first two months of school. Additional information and
handouts will be provided during the first week of school.
.
MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN.
 Each exam will account for 10% of the final grade.
CLASS RULES: In order for me to provide every student with the best learning environment possible, I feel that a
few rules and behaviors must be followed by everyone. Many of these rules/behaviors are just common courtesy
and are expected from you as young adults while others are specific to my needs to teach you biology.
1.
Bring your book, assignment book and notebook to class every day. Do not leave them in my room. If
you can not get a notebook, see me. Book must be kept covered at all times.
2.
Passes: No passes will be issued for the first 10 minutes of class. Please sign out before leaving and
sign in upon return. Abuse of this privilege may lead to a restricted pass policy for you.
3.
Homework is due when it is collected, not later during class, or later that day.
4.
Tests that are not made up before the test is returned to the other students will be different.
5.
Sit in your assigned seat every day and be ready to start class when the bell rings.
6.
Do not get out of your seats to leave class until I have dismissed class. Absolutely no lining up at the
door before the bell rings.
7.
Inappropriate language or behavior will not be tolerated.
8.
No food in class, only water.
9.
Ask for permission to use the computer for school related things only.
10. Do not sit at lab tables unless you have been given permission to do so.
11. Do not touch or play with items (faucets, gas, Emergency shower/eyewash, projector, fan, cupboards,
lab materials…) in the room unless you have been told to. You will be held accountable for anything
vandalized or broken.
12. Any issues that you feel strongly about need to be discussed with me before or after class.
Consequences: Depending on the severity of the issue, I will usually discuss and verbally correct the
inappropriate action with the expected behavior and consider that a warning. Subsequent violations will result
in a teacher detention, parent phone call, or a referral to the office.
General Timeline for the school year:
Unit 1 Exploring Life: Introducing Biology
Unit 2 Exploring Cells
Unit 3 Exploring Inheritance
Unit 4 Exploring the History of Life
Unit 9 Exploring Ecology
Unit 5 Exploring the Microbial World
Unit 6 & 7 Exploring Plant and Animal Diversity
Sept.
Oct. – Nov.
Dec. – Feb.
March- Mid March
Mid-March – Mid April
Mid April – Mid May
Mid May – End of school