HONORS BIOLOGY
2015-2016
Mr. Lias
slias@firelandsschools.org
440-965-4255 ext. 4224
FIRELANDS HIGH SCHOOL
10643 VERMILION ROAD
OBERLIN, OHIO 44074
440-965-4255
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Each student will be prepared to take the AIR Biology Test. We will prepare for this by diving into
the world of Biology and adding to your science knowledge. Biology is the study of life. During this
school year, we will cover many different biological processes associated with all living things. We
will also take an in depth look into our own local environment, and monitor the changes and
findings in the world of science around us. This will be done at a quicker pace than the regular
Biology and with much more reading and writing required.
II.
TOPICS
Some of the major areas of emphasis this year in Biology include:
1. Scientific Inquiry
2. Ecology
3. Biochemistry
4. Cell Structure/Function
5. Membrane Transport
6. DNA Structure/Function
7. Protein Synthesis/Gene Mutations
8. Cell Reproduction (Mitosis/Meiosis)
9. Heredity/Genetics
10. Biological Evolution/Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution
11. Classification
12. Photosynthesis/Cellular Respiration
III.
TEXTBOOK/NOTES
We will be using in class the Modern Biology textbook published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
These books will not be assigned to students; however, they will be available to be signed out by
any student who would prefer to have/use the text. Students must sign a check-out list stating the
book number that they are borrowing and assuming responsibility for any damages or loss of the
textbook during the loaning period.
All classroom notes are given through lecture and align to the common core, text, and
assessments. These notes are very important for discussions, lectures, assignments, tests,
quizzes, vocabulary, projects, etc… Students are responsible to write down any notes given to the
class and place in their notebooks. In addition to lecture notes, there will be supplementals
provided for information that students will be responsible for.
IV.
MATERIALS
You will need a few extra items for this course. They include the following:
1. 3 ring binder with pockets
2. Colored pencils
3. plenty of loose leaf paper/pencils and pens
V.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be given throughout this course to help explain a concept, clarity of a topic, or
assess a student’s progress. This homework is expected to be completed by the assigned date
given to the class.
All work not turned in by the assigned date will NOT be accepted! If absent on the day of a test,
quiz, or when an assignment is due, you will be given the number of days of your excused
absence to make up the test, quiz, or assignment. In the event of an unexcused absence, you will
NOT be given the opportunity to make up or turn in the work.
The instructor will check homework so it should be neat and easy to read. Also, the student’s
name and period they have the class should be on every page. Work turned in without a name will
be disposed.
VI.
GRADES
The student will be evaluated on homework, projects, labs, quizzes, and tests. The value of each
of these will vary.
Scores from the homework, projects, quizzes, labs, and tests will be added together and a
percentage will be found by dividing that number into the total number of points. A student can
know where they stand during the year by following this procedure. All grades are kept up-to-date
on Power book.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59-50
VII.
A
B
C
D
F
REMIND
To further communicate about assignments, tests, quizzes, due dates, etc., I use a text messaging
program called Remind. This is a ONE-way text messaging and e-mailing system. With Remind,
ALL your personal information remains completely confidential. I will never see your phone
number, nor will you ever see mine. With Remind, I will be sending you reminders about important
assignments, tests/quizzes, and projects. Also, Remind does not allow you to respond to the text,
so if you need to contact me, you need to do so via e-mail or phone.
To join a class for reminders:
Step 1: Text to: 81010
Step 2: Put class code, @e398f46, in the message box and send. Then follow the directions that
are sent to you.
VIII.
EXPECTATIONS
The student is expected to be to class on time, unless they have a pass from a teacher or
administrator.
The student should be prepared for class once the bell rings. This means notebooks, pens,
pencils, and any other materials asked for that day should be with the student. Do not ask
to go anywhere the first and last ten minutes of class in accordance to the 10/10 rule.
At the end of the class period, students should remain in their seats. Students should not
gather at the door waiting to exit. The teacher will dismiss the students.
If the student is absent on the day of homework, quiz, test, or notes, it is the student’s
responsibility to make arrangements to make that work up. All lesson plans for Honors
Biology are posted on my webpage on the high school website.
Students shall show appropriate behavior throughout class!
**Students should be paying attention when the teacher or a classmate is speaking. This
means NO talking, doing other homework, or carrying on with your neighbor when the
teacher is conducting class.
Students shall pick up any debris found around their desks at the conclusion of each class.
**Students should not touch any other equipment or materials found in the classroom,
unless instructed by the teacher.
All rules included in the Firelands handbook will be maintained during class or lab.
IX. DETENTIONS
All detentions served with Mr. Lias will be held in room 224, after school, from 2:40-3:00pm. If you
are unable to attend, your name will be forwarded to the main office.
X. FINAL MESSAGE
If you are in need of any assistance in the subject, feel free to contact me during the FAST period,
my prep period (1st ), lunch, or before/after school.